A High School Teacher Academy

 I believe strongly in encouraging our young people to become educators. There seems to be a constant stream of news reports and social media posts about concerns for the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of teachers - especially during and after the pandemic.  Yet, those who love teaching continue to do their best for their students. Teaching is an honorable and essential profession, one that makes all other professions possible. It is challenging, but it is also rewarding. 

I was invited to speak with the Miliilani High School Teacher Academy today. This was my first time presenting to high school students, and I grappled with what and how to share with them. I decided that rather than a presentation, I would try to engage them by having them listen to a portion of a blog I wrote (“The Difference a Teacher Makes”) do a little bit of reflection, share my journey as an educator, and have the students ask me questions. They asked great questions such as:  How did you balance your school life and your home life? What was it like to transition from being a teacher to being a principal? Did you ever have to deal with “bad” kids? Why did you decide to write your books? The students’ questions impressed me; they were thoughtful and reflective, and the students were respectful. My responses allowed me to focus on the importance of building relationships with students as well as colleagues, learning through hands-on projects, working as a team to address challenges, and having balance in one’s life.

I am excited that high schools are creating academies and pathways so students can explore career options. Led by Ms. Waki and Ms. Ling, the Mililani High School Teacher Academy has a progression of classes, with students eventually observing and volunteering in preschool, elementary, and high school classrooms at schools within their area. The students have had opportunities to hear from many guest speakers who’ve shared different career options an education degree can lead to. With the high cost of college tuition, it makes sense for students to know whether teaching is a career they would like to pursue, and experiences like those in the Teacher Academy will support their decision. Thank you, Ms. Waki, Ms. Ling, and Principal Murphy, for inviting me today!

Whenever I visit classrooms, I love to see what’s on the walls. This is just a sample of the creativity of the students who shared quotes from Shakespeare. (I should have taken more photos.)

Students were asked to reflect after I read them a portion of a blog. 

With Ms. Waki ad Ms.Ling, the coordinators for the Teacher Academy

With the students