Feb. 15, 2023

Professional development of our kumu is vital, and their continued growth and good teaching practices lead to outstanding student outcomes. Three Kamehameha Schools educators recently earned certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and 15 educators renewed their certifications, bringing the number of certified educators at KS to 74.

The NBPTS certification can take up to five years to complete. It includes building portfolios of student work, assignments, and a teaching analysis.

Once certification is earned, educators earn recertification by successfully completing the national board’s Maintenance of Certification process every five years. The process ensures that educators continue professional growth experiences with a focus on positively impacting student learning.

Certified kumu from across O‘ahu were recently honored at a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards ceremony at the Hawai‘i State Capitol. KS Kapālama Poʻo Kula Dr. Taran Chun KSK'95 shared some inspirational words about the educators during the program. 

“Every one of us can remember that exact moment when we realized that our job was so much bigger than curriculum and assignments and assessments,” said Chun, a former kumu. “We are grateful to organizations like the National Board that help us to validate and strengthen the good teaching practices that lead to outstanding student outcomes. What this certification also represents is an investment in our ability as educators to make a positive impact on another human being’s life. Yes, our job is to teach, but our purpose is to inspire.”

E HO‘OMAIKA‘I TO OUR NEWLY CERTIFIED EDUCATORS!

Ruby Redona, KS Kapālama Elementary School
Dana Kaeo, KS Kapālama Elementary School
Kalā Aukai KSK'12, KS Kapālama Middle School

E HO‘OMAIKA‘I TO OUR RECERTIFIED EDUCATORS!

Cyndi Bartels, KS Hawai‘i High School
Tehani Corcoran, KS Hawai‘i Middle School
Dan DeMattos, KS Hawai‘i Middle School
Kaʻulu Gapero KSK’93, KS Hawai‘i Elementary School
Kawika Rose KSK’82, KS Hawai‘i High School

Sheila Dean, KS Maui Māhele Luna
Geri Kimoto, KS Maui Māhele Luna
Liane Nakamura, KS Maui Māhele Luna
Michael Oliver, KS Maui Māhele Luna
Camille Romero, KS Maui Māhele Luna

Daina Enabe, KS Kapālama High School
Keʻala Sharrer, KS Kapālama Elementary School
Jan Tanaka, KS Kapālama Elementary School
Cady Uyeoka KSK’06, KS Kapālama Elementary School

Mari Sunabe, Strategy & Transformation Group