HIDOE News Release: Dozens of Hawaii teachers earn, renew national certification

Posted on Jan 24, 2019 in Latest Department News

HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) is celebrating 63 of its teachers statewide this week who have earned or renewed their National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certification — a mark of distinction recognizing accomplished teaching.

The teachers voluntarily undertook and completed the profession’s highest mark of achievement through a rigorous, performance-based process, demonstrating their impact on student learning and achievement.

They join more than 650 National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) in Hawai‘i, ranking Hawai‘i 11th in the country for the percentage of teachers who are Nationally Board Certified.

“The level of dedication shown by these teachers speaks volumes about their commitment to excellence in teaching and we sincerely applaud their efforts,” said Cynthia Covell, assistant superintendent of the Department’s Office of Talent Management. “We look forward to supporting their professional development and providing well-earned incentives for their achievements.”

A group of Hawai‘i Island teachers was recognized at an event in Keaau Tuesday, to be followed by a ceremony for Oahu teachers at the Hawai‘i State Capitol today. Ceremonies are also planned for Maui and Kauai teachers.

The following HIDOE teachers earned or renewed their certification:

Hawaii Island (12)

Julienne Arasato, Waiakea High
Shannon Jacob Kline, Konawaena High
Jacqueline Kubo Luna, Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary
Tracie Kuniyuki, Mountain View Elementary
Shelby Loo, Waimea Middle Public Charter School
Nauileiilima Murphy, Waimea Middle Public Charter School
Laurie O’Brien, Keaau High
Kerry Ogawa, Mountain View Elementary
Judah Plaut, Konawaena Middle
Hwa Hee Sohn, Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary
Samantha Tomori, Keaau Elementary
Heather Wickersham, Konawaena High

Kauai (7)

Brenda Barker, Kanuikapono Learning Center Public Charter School
Elizabeth Corrigan, King Kaumualii Elementary
Summer Holwegner, King Kaumualii Elementary
Denise Karratti, Kekaha Elementary
Peter Nash, Kauai High
Kathy Shibuya, King Kaumualii Elementary
Doreen Stone, King Kaumualii Elementary

Maui County (10)

Mary Jean Bega, Pukalani Elementary
Lani Espinoza, Kihei Elementary
Andrea French, Hana High and Elementary
Jennifer Kaopua, Waihee Elementary
Greta Martinez Vides, Kualapuu Elementary Public Charter School
Teresa Rosario, Maui High
Kathleen Schaffer-Barr, Kihei Elementary
Rodney Wade, Kihei Elementary
Julia Wagner, Princess Nahienaena Elementary
Andrea Yuen, Kaunakakai Elementary

Oahu (34)

Shelly Andrews, Kailua High
Rachel-Leslie Arashiro, Lanakila Elementary
Lorna Baniaga-Lee, Campbell High
Kristen Brummel, Hawaii State Teacher Fellowship Program, Hope Street Group
Kimberly Celebre, Leilehua High
Leimomi Chun, Koko Head Elementary
Michelle Colte, Daniel K. Inouye Elementary
Lisa Espiritu, Nimitz Elementary
Laura Ginoza, Pearl City Elementary
Camille Hampton, Waianae High
Vanessa Hong Ching, Ewa Makai Middle
Lisa Hyatt, Kahuku High and Intermediate
Ryan Kanetani, Holomua Elementary
Mark Kurisu, Leilehua High
Kristina Lee, Moanalua Middle
Mae Masuda-Kop, Nimitz Elementary (retired)
Erin Mendelson, Central District Office
Derek Minakami, Kaneohe Elementary
Megan Moynihan, Kamaile Academy
Phyllis Nakama-Kawamoto, Executive Office on Early Learning
Kathleen Nullet, Kailua Intermediate
Claire Oshita, Kaewai Elementary
Melissa Padilla, Campbell High
Lory Peroff, Waikiki Elementary
Jillian Przygodzinski, Aliiolani Elementary
Michael Ericson Ragasa, Waikiki Elementary
Natalia Sandoval, Waikiki Elementary
Mary Shire, Aiea Intermediate
Lisa Staib, Kamaile Academy
Courtney Tawata, Kalihi Kai Elementary
Kathleen Trifonovitch, Maunawili Elementary
Liane Voss, Moanalua High
Emily Willis, Kailua Intermediate
Maile Yasui, Momilani Elementary

Learn more about the certification and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards here.

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About the Hawaii State Department of Education
The Hawaii State Department of Education is the ninth-largest U.S. school district and the only statewide educational system in the country. Established in 1840 by King Kamehameha III, today’s public school system serves more than 170,000 students across 256 schools and 36 charter schools. The Department is committed to ensuring all students have access to a high-quality education and can successfully discover and embark upon their chosen path in life.

Lindsay Chambers
Communications Director
Hawaii State Department of Education
Ph: (808) 586-3232
Email: [email protected]