National Board TAKE ONE!

Announcement for teachers in TITLE I schools:
Begin a journey to explore National Board Certification...a national symbol of excellence in teaching and leadership.

Give teachers a tax credit
October 28, 2011
Editorial: The Maui News

There is an effort afoot to give teachers in Hawaii a credit on their state income tax for money spent on students' class supplies.

2012 State Teacher of the Year
Chad Miller named Hawaii’s 2012 State Teacher of the Year

Chad Miller, an English language arts teacher at Kailua High School, is Hawaii’s 2012 State Teacher of the Year. Governor Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii State Board of Education Chairman Don Horner, and Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi made the announcement this afternoon during a ceremony honoring seven District Teachers of the Year at Washington Place. After receiving this year's honor, Mr. Miller told the audience that he went into teaching to make a difference.

post date 10/28/11  read more»

Frito-Lay of Hawaii and Hawaii State Department of Education Name Three 2012 Hawaii Blue Ribbon Schools
Schools Will Represent Hawaii in the National Blue Ribbon Program

HONOLULU - Enchanted Lake Elementary, Heeia Elementary and Hokulani Elementary Schools were named Hawaii's Blue Ribbon Schools today by Frito-Lay of Hawaii and the Hawaii State Department of Education at the Hawaii Distinguished Schools awards event held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Tower Ballroom. The three schools were chosen based on their outstanding student achievements and are Hawaii's nominees to the 2012 national No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon Schools Program. These selected schools will be considered for the coveted National Blue Ribbon designation along with other schools from across the country.

Good Idea Grant Program
Success starts with a good idea and a great teacher

Hawaii Teacher, Rexann Dubiel -- honored as Super Hero

For more than 20 years, Rexann Dubiel has introduced the world and its many cultures and people to her third-grade students at Sunset Beach Elementary in Hawaii’s North Shore of Oahu. Read more» post date 10/20/11

Kaneohe Educator to Receive National Education Award
Jonathan Gillentine to be Recognized by the NEA Foundation at its Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in February

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 5, 2011) – Jonathan Gillentine an educator at Rev. Benjamin Parker School in Kaneohe, HI will receive The Horace Mann Award for Teaching Excellence, $10,000, and recognition as one of the nation’s top educators at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Gala to be held on Feb. 10, 2012 in Washington, D.C.

Heroic efforts of Vermont's teachers ensure that students have a school to attend

Vermont's teachers, students, and parents are still living with heart-breaking loss and the damage caused by storms generated on the East Coast by Hurricane Irene last month. One school in tiny Moretown, a community devastated by flooding of the Mad River, is the center of a return to normalcy for students.

post date 09/16/11  read more»

NEWS RELEASE
September 12, 2011

HSTA and ACLU Prevail Against Suspicionless Drug Testing
Signed Agreement Restores Teachers’ Constitutional Rights

Today, Hawaii State Teachers Association President Wil Okabe joined ACLU Counsel, Dan Gluck to sign an agreement with the state ending the controversy arising from the imposition of suspicionless, random drug testing of teachers.

President's jobs plan to repair schools and keep educators in classrooms
Initiative will keep students learning, educators working

WASHINGTON- In tonight's speech to a Joint Session of Congress, President Obama unveiled his American Jobs Act and further underscored his belief that investing in the American middle class is the surest path to economic recovery. "President Obama clearly understands that quality education is the key to our nation's future. He's putting America's unemployed construction workers back on the job to help modernize our aging K-12 schools and community colleges," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "We are pleased and encouraged that the President continues to demonstrate his commitment to the success of all students by helping to make sure they have the best possible learning environment-a key element of quality education."

HSTA files a writ of mandamus with the Supreme Court of Hawaii
Posted August 29, 2011

HSTA filed a writ of mandamus with the Supreme Court of Hawaii today to order the Hawaii Labor Relations Board to rule on our petitions as required by statute.

Kaua'i teachers confront Abercrombie
Teachers, governor: Let's talk

LIHU'E - Dozens of Kaua‘i educators rallied Saturday in Puhi to urge Gov. Neil Abercrombie to return to the bargaining table with the Hawai‘i State Teachers Association. The governor was in town to meet with his advisory board during a luncheon at Kaua‘i Foreign Cars. Teachers got wind of the meeting and decided to take advantage of the opportunity.

post date 08/28/11  read more»

HSTA and HGEA

HGEA members received communication from their Executive Director, Randy Perreira, regarding the complaint HSTA filed with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board (HLRB) after the employers unilaterally implemented a contract for public school teachers. Within minutes of its release the public and the media had copies of the HGEA message. This is HSTA President Wil Okabe’s response:

From the desk of HSTA's Professional Development

• National Board Certification Support Classes
• "Oceans of Opportunity" Education Symposium
• National Drug Facts Week

HSTA Files Ethics Violation Charge Against Governor

The HSTA Board of Directors voted Saturday (08/13/11) to file a formal ethics charge against Governor Neil Abercrombie, Board of Education Chair Donald Horner, and Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi with the State Ethics Commission following the Governor's inappropriate attempt to influence the Hawaii Labor Relations Board's deliberations.

Teachers union board OKs mediation, binding arbitration

By Mary Vorsino

POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Aug 07, 2011

The Hawaii State Teachers Association board has voted to accept mediation and binding arbitration in hopes of ending a contract dispute more than a month long.

The first day of school
August 1,2011

The first day of school is a wonderful day for Hawaii's keiki, especially for the little ones entering kindergarten. For our other youngsters, it's a day to meet their new teachers and join their old friends.

Teachers Care
  
Fern Elementary School teachers that care!       (click image)

The Truth About Hawaii's Teacher Planning Days

With school set to start Monday, teachers ask for new talks Honolulu Star-Advertiser article here»

By Katherine Poythress 07/28/2011

Hawaii public schoolers return to the classroom on Monday, but their teachers have already been there for days and weeks — in some cases months.

Kaneohe Educator Receives Award for Teaching Excellence
Jonathan Gillentine to be Honored by California Casualty and the NEA Foundation at Washington, DC Awards Gala

WASHINGTON, DC (July 27, 2011) -Jonathan Gillentine, an educator at Rev. Benjamin Parker School in Kaneohe, Hawaii is a recipient of the California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence, one of the nation's most prestigious awards for public educators.

NEA President: Don't forget our children, the most vulnerable in debt deal
Negotiations on federal debt ceiling and deficit reduction stall in Washington

WASHINGTON- House Speaker John Boehner called off further talks on raising the debt ceiling and deficit reduction yesterday, writing to fellow Republicans that he and President Barack Obama "couldn't connect…because of different visions for our country."

Pride At Work Hawai'i In Solidarity

Pride At Work Hawai'i letter in support of Hawai'i's public school teachers.

post date 07/18/11  read more»

Congresswoman Hirono Votes to Protect Equal Opportunity in Schools
Republican Bill Would Roll Back 45 Years of Civil Rights Progress

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) today voted in the House Education and the Workforce Committee against H.R. 2445, the State and Local Funding Flexibility Act, that makes dangerous changes in federal education policy, dismantling efforts to create equal opportunity in education at the expense of low-income and other disadvantaged students.

HSTA President: We Just Want To Negotiate

The Hawaii State Teachers Association's legal complaint against the state is really simple, says President Wil Okabe: "We want to bargain in good faith."

HSTA mounts legal challenge

"We're talking about respect. The Constitution is not negotiable."
Wil Okabe
President
Hawaii State Teachers Association.

View HLRB Complaint here  »(pdf document)

The Hawaii State Teachers Association was threatened with 800 teacher layoffs and "nasty" changes to working conditions if it did not accept wage reductions, the union alleges in a "prohibited practice" complaint filed against the state Friday.

read more»

Standing Strong

The 4th of July reminds us of the vision for this country, the hope and opportunity offered equally to all Americans. Teachers care. We care about what is best for our students, for our schools, and for America and we are willing to stand strong for these rights and values.

Educators and collective bargaining have been under attack in Wisconsin, Ohio, and beyond. These attacks are about politics, not about closing budget deficits or helping students succeed.

post date 07/05/11  read more»

HSTA shut out on contract
The Department of Education will execute its "last, best" offer to teachers without union approval

The state Department of Education is moving to unilaterally put into effect its "last, best and final" contract offer to 12,700 public school teachers, and says pay and time-off provisions that amount to a 5 percent cut will take effect Friday.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association said it is exploring its legal options to stop the contract from going into effect.

post date 06/28/11  read more»

State lobs deal to teachers
The Department of Education's proposal, rejected by the union, goes to the workers

The state pushed away from the bargaining table Friday and went directly to Hawaii's public school teachers with its "last, best and final"?contract offer, an unusual tactic that angered the teachers union.

post date 06/25/11  read more»

Maui High takes second in national car repair competition

Maui High School graduates Jimbo Paranada and Marc Paguirigan are the second-place winners of the 2011 Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Championship, staged today in Dearborn, Mich.

post date 06/15/11  read more»

Teacher turns kids into runners
Students at Keaau gobble up the miles, and test scores rise

COURTESY MAILE BELLOSI / KEAAU ELEMENTARY
Fifth-graders at Keaau Elementary School have logged an incredible amount of mileage running this year through a free program called Mighty Milers sponsored by New York Road Runners.

post date 06/06/11  read more»

post date 05/29/11

Malama Hawaii

Commit to protecting our island home. HSTA's Youth, Human, and Civil Rights Committee encourages us all to *malama Hawaii year-round.  *Malama means to care for and protect.

A new mural at Konawaena High School inspires all who pass by to commit to going green for the sake of our aina. The mural was dedicated in an Earth Day ceremony co-hosted by the school's Go Green Club.

post date 05/27/11  read more»

Kealakehe Teacher Wins National Earth Awareness Award

Each day Kealakehe Elementary School teacher Diane Aoki takes a wholechild approach to teaching and she strives to give her students relevant, hands on learning opportunities that connects each of them in their own unique ways with the world in which we all live. Ms. Aoki recently was named a national winner in the BrainPop lesson plan contest using an Earth Awareness theme. post date 05/27/11  read more»

Moanalua High One of 15 Model Schools Nationwide

What happens when a strong principal, involved parents and motivated teachers come together?

Moanalua High School is a good example. The school has been selected as one of 15 model high schools for 2011 by the International Center for Leadership in Education, an educational advocacy and consulting company. The schools will share their best practices at the 19th annual Model Schools Conference this June in Nashville. The conference attracts thousands of educators and is widely considered the nation's leading education reform event.

post date 05/17/11  read more»

Honokaa High jazz band gets Grammy nod, $5,500 grant

HILO -- The Honokaa High School Jazz Band, long a source of Hamakua civic pride, will soon have another award in its trophy case -- the 2011 Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Award.

post date 05/11/11  read more»

Lanai Pride

Members of the Lanai High and Elementary School (LHES) HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) members and FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America) competed for medals and places on teams traveling to the national leadership conference during the 2011 Hawaii State CTSO (Career & Technical Student Organization) Conference. The State Conference was held at the Hawaii Convention Center.

post date 05/02/11  read more»

Congratulations! Waialua High's robotics team wins honor

Competing among the world's top 352 robotics teams at the FIRST Robotics World Championships, Waialua High School's robotics team was awarded the program's most prestigious prize, the Chairman's Award.

It didn't take Waialua High School's Robotics Team long to distinguish itself among the 352 international high school teams competing in this weekend's FIRST Robotics World Championships in St. Louis. On the first of two days of divisional competition, the so-called "Hawaiian Kids" were named the winner of the Chairman's Award, which recognizes individual programs' contribution to robotics through community involvement, service to other robotics programs and overall excellence. Waialua was one of 48 regional chairman's award winners competing for the prize.

post date 04/30/11  read more»

Aliamanu Cleaner Energy Project

Arthur Andres and Pamela Young are recipients of an NEA Foundation grant. The Aliamanu Middle School teachers will work collaboratively to engage students in proper research skills and inquiry based science labs focused on the topic of renewable energy. After completing preliminary labs and research, students will participate in the "Green City Challenge" in which they will present a solution to an energy problem, followed by the design, construction, and programming of Lego Mindstorm robots.

post date 04/19/11  read more»

Honoka'a High Jazz Band Tour Oahu Honoka'a High Jazz Band at the Iolani Palace

(post date 04/15/11)  See Iolani Palace Event Photos here»

Maggie Desmond

Maggie Desmond has high hopes for the ninth-graders she teaches at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. "By the time they're seniors, they're going to be rock stars. They're going to be ready for anything," she said. The 24-year-old Desmond is one of eight teachers who, along with an administrator and counselor, took a leap of faith this year by volunteering to implement the New Tech High model for Nanakuli's freshmen class "We've really attempted to make some big changes," said Desmond. "We've really attempted to make some big changes," said Desmond.

Maggie Desmond team-teaches Global Studies at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, where she helped implement the New Tech High for the freshmen class.

post date 04/14/11  read more»

2011 Mom Congress Conference

Hawaii delegate Tiffany Pratt is a mother of four and a pre-school special education teacher at Kapunahala Elementary School. Pratt has taught for 15 years and is active with the HSTA and the school board. She recently addressed a University of Hawaii audience about securing partnerships. In addition, Pratt serves as the secretary of the HSTA Windward Chapter. She was nominated for the conference by interim NEA Director, Fran Bellinger.

post date 04/13/11  read more»

Kaala Elementary Teacher Yuuko Arikawa Wins $25,000 Milken Award

Hawaii State Board of Education Chair Garrett Toguchi and Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi made this year's announcement of Hawaii's Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. Yuuko L. Arikawa was introduced as Hawaii's 2010 Milken Award winner at a morning assembly attended by more than 350 students at Kaala Elementary School in Wahiawa. The 10-year veteran of Hawaii's public school system was also presented a $25,000 cash award from the Milken Family Foundation. Hawaii's 2010 Milken Award winner: Yuuko L. Arikawa, reading coach, Kaala Elementary School, (808) 622-6366

post date 04/13/11  read more»

Washburn named Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction

ATLANTA, GA - Teacher Gary Washburn of Honoka'a High and Intermediate School in Honoka'a, HI, was selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). A role model to pupils, Gary was nominated by students Arwen M. Potochney and Olympia G. Zampathas for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the classroom.

Honoka'a High Jazz Band to Tour Oahu read more»

post date 04/13/11  read more»

Penny Martin Given Friend of Youth Award

Penny Martin (middle holding box) is the first community leader from Molokai to receive the HSTA Friend of Youth Award.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) recognized Penny Martin’s 25-plus years of volunteer teaching to Molokai students by awarding her with the Friend of Youth Award 2011 at their yearly convention on April 2 at the Sheraton Waikiki. This prestigious award, given annually since the 1980s from teachers state-wide, acknowledges a non-teacher who demonstrates excellence to teaching and learning within their local community. In her acceptance speech before 411 teacher delegates, Penny said, “I am surrounded by wonderful teachers on Molokai and I receive so much support from our community. If your teachers here are a reflection of our teachers on Molokai, then the children of Hawaii are very lucky.” She is the first Molokai community leader to receive this award.

post date 04/08/11  read more»

We Are One
(click image for more details and video)

Refinance e-mail scam sent to educators

An individual using the name "Michael Cohen" and purporting to represent Lowefi.org is e-mailing educators falsely claiming to be from state associations like HSTA and the NEA. He is promoting a program, allegedly for educators, that offers low mortgage rates. This individual is not associated with us and is not authorized to use our name.

The e-mails appear to be part of a phishing scam. NEA is coordinating an investigation. If you have received such an e-mail, please forward it to info@hsta.org.

Keep your personal information safe
In general, never give any personal information to anybody contacting you and purporting to be your bank, your credit card provider, a business, or a stranger who expresses a sense of urgency, even if the person seems to be friendly or helpful. If someone calls you, text messages you, or e-mails you, do not give any personal information. Do not become a victim. If you receive a suspicious e-mail, phone call, or text messaging asking you to furnish personal or financial information, read the e-mail or text message carefully or listen to the recorded telephone message carefully and ask yourself why the information requested would really be needed.

post date 03/24/11

International Relations

Urgent Appeal: NEA's Japan Earthquake Solidarity Fund

On March 11, Japan was hit with one of the strongest earthquakes in recorded history, soon followed by a massive tsunami. As all of us have seen in the news, the death and destruction have been enormous. During this time of crisis, NEA is working with Education International (EI) to establish a Solidarity Fund that will assist our colleagues at the Japan Teachers Union (JTU).

post date 03/17/11  read more»



GOVERNOR ABERCROMBIE CALLS FOR PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN STATE GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEES

NEWS RELEASE
NEIL ABERCROMBIE
      GOVERNOR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 22, 2011
Honolulu - Governor Neil Abercrombie submitted his Administration's budget today to the State Legislature and released the following statement regarding the escalating conflicts between state government and public employees across the country:

"Since taking office, I have been meeting regularly with public employees across the state-both as constituents and as a partner in serving the public interest. I've been listening and learning about how we can make our government more effective and efficient.

"We are about to enter into collective bargaining, which we plan to conduct out of mutual concern for the well-being of the people of our state and the ability of our government to meet basic public needs.

"In Hawai'i, we don't confront each other as adversaries; we discuss our mutual challenges in good faith; we meet as friends with a common goal. That will be how we conduct ourselves in the days ahead."

For information about Governor Abercrombie's budget, please visit http://hawaii.gov/gov .

The Attacks on Labor - A Teaching Moment
(Resource provided by the Ohio Education Association)

Only a handful of reactionaries harbor the ugly thought of breaking unions and depriving working men and women of the right to join the union of their choice. I have no use for those-regardless of their political party-who hold some vain and foolish dream of spinning the clock back to the days when organized labor was huddled, almost as a helpless mass.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower

post date 02/22/11  read more»

High school kids take Arabic
Three nonprofit groups fund language lessons that students find timely due to Mideast events

Honolulu Star-Advertiser Article here » By Susan Essoyan POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Feb 21, 2011 Instructor Adly Mirza calls on his students by their Arabic names in a lively "Jeopardy!"-style game that gets the unfamiliar language rolling off their tongues in this portable classroom at Campbell High. "Fi beiti sita ghurf," one girl ventures, after a momentary huddle with her team. Mirza promptly shoots her down with a loud, verbal buzzing sound, and the students burst out laughing. She was close: She should have said "saba" (seven), not "sita" (six), as in, "My house has seven rooms."

Dr. Adly Mizra taught students Arabic through a version of the game "Jeopardy" at Joseph Campbell High School in Ewa on Thursday. The course is being offered through the support of the two organizations "One World Now" and the "Pacific Asian Affairs Council." The collaboration promotes cultural understanding through leadership, language and study abroad opportunities.

post date 02/21/11  read more»

Celebrating Education - Kohala High School Teacher Represents Hawaii in Washington, D.C.

The nation's top educators are being honored this weekend at the Salute to Excellence in Education in Washington, D.C. The State of Hawaii is represented by Kohala High School Teacher Colleen Pasco. Pasco's main focus is on her students. She starts every year with a fresh approach to meet the individual and unique needs of a diverse student population. She finds ways to enhance student learning with innovative programs and adds rich learning experiences and hands on opportunities to stimulate life skills and to develop decision making skills to meet the goal of making every student successful.

post date 02/11/11  read more»

Tell Congress: Investing in Education is an Investment in Our Nation's Future

Federal Legislative Updates
January 28, 2011

This week, the House of Representatives passed a resolution to slash federal funding. If applied to education, these cuts would result in a loss of over $9 billion for education programs, devastating programs like Title I, IDEA, and Pell Grants and leaving millions of students without the resources they need to succeed. While the Senate is not expected to act on these cuts, this House vote was the first step in a plan to reduce funding even further, with even more damaging consequences for students, schools and our nation.

post date 01/29/11  read more»

Kane`ohe Educator Joins Select Group to Bolster
National Teaching Standards

NEWS RELEASE

Arlington, Va. - December 27, 2010 - Jonathan Gillentine, a preschool inclusion teacher at Rev. Benjamin Parker School has been chosen by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) to serve on a committee composed of a select group of educators from across the country to assure the National Board's Literacy: Reading-Language Arts Standards reflect the best practices and latest research in the field. Dr. Gillentine is among nine National Board Certified Teachers on the 12-member panel, chosen from a pool of approximately 500 applicants.

post date 01/28/11  read more»

NEA welcomes spotlight on education during president's State of the Union
Investing in education and economic prosperity go hand in hand

WASHINGTON-NEA President Dennis Van Roekel tonight thanked President Barack Obama for shining a spotlight on education during his second State of the Union.

"We thank President Obama for shining a spotlight on education and for recognizing the remarkable work of the nation's teachers. Our students' futures and the economic well-being of our nation are at stake. We know that the road to the American dream runs directly through our nation's classrooms.

post date 01/26/11  read more »

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade Honolulu
2011

"If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."

"As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation - either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course."

"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

Part of our Mission Statement includes a commitment to promote human and civil rights to support and nurture diversity in our mutifaceted community.

Through its Human and Civil Rights program, the National Education Association advocates for social justice, equity, and equal access for public school employees and students in order to achieve the goal of a great public school for every child.
www.nea.org

View Martin Luther King Parade event photos  here »

44 Hawaii teachers gain certification

By Mary Vorsino
Honolulu Star-Advertiser
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 15, 2010

The number of nationally certified teachers in the islands continues to rise, with 44 new names added to the list this year.

post date 12/15/10  read more »

Run, Jog, or Walk

2011 Great Aloha Run Presidents Day Monday, February 21, 2011 HSTA Members, Friends, and Family be sure to use the HSTA Presidents' 100 Club number 165. post date 12/13/10  read more »

Act quickly on gift of learning in schools
Honolulu Star-Advertiser
POSTED: 01:30 a.m. HST, Dec 06, 2010

Dear Gov. Abercrombie ... There's no lack of urgent issues facing Hawaii's new governor, who said he'd be ready to roll from Day 1. Here are what some key leaders want him to work on. Act quickly on gift of learning in schools

By Wil Okabe

post date 12/07/10  read more »

NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence
December 07, 2010

This award recognizes excellence in teaching and advocacy for the teaching profession.

March 11, 2011: Deadline for submitting nominations to chapter.
March 21, 2011: Deadline to submit chapter nominations to state committee.
March 31 / April 1, 2011: State committee meets to select state nominee.

Review the guidelines here »    (PDF Document)
Download the data form here »    (Word Document)

Kristen Brummel named Hawaii's 2011 State Teacher of the Year

October 7, 2010

Kristen Brummel, a fourth grade teacher at Noelani Elementary, is Hawaii's 2011 State Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made this afternoon during the Hawaii State Board of Education meeting at Castle High School. Several significant people, including her grandfather and a number of special teachers, in Kristen's life nurtured her resolve to become a teacher. Her wish is "to inspire children and instill the confidence in them that will help them realize that they are all capable of amazing things."

She personally feels "a classroom should be a place where students show one another mutual respect and kindness, and where they celebrate each other's individuality as they learn from and grow together."

post date 10/08/10  read more »

 (click image to view)

2010 Primary Election Results are available here »


Teachers urge delay in health care switch, warn of ongoing financial and operational deficiencies in State EUTF
September 14, 2010

A class action lawsuit, Kono et al. v. Lingle, et al., was filed in the First Circuit Court today on behalf of over 15,000 active and retired school teachers. The lawsuit seeks to prevent the State from forcibly transferring teachers' health benefit plans from the VEBA Trust established by the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) in 1985 to the insolvent and mismanaged EUTF. The State is forcing public school teachers, through Act 106, to transfer their health benefit plans by the end of the year from the Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association Trust (VEBA) to the teetering and financially insolvent Employer-Union Benefits Trust Fund (EUTF).

post date 09/14/10 read more »

Mahalo!

post date 09/02/10

Message from HSTA President Wil Okabe
August 26,2010

"As public school teachers, we want every child to have equal opportunity and access to quality education. This means we need a governor and friends of education who will do more than just talk about education.

Our next governor won't just talk about improving our schools. Neil Abercrombie will work with teachers to do something about it."

post date 08/26/10 read message »

Kids Voting Hawaii

All students in grades K-12 will experience democracy first hand, by participating in the Kids Voting Hawaii online Mock Primary Election and password-protected Kids Voting Hawaii General Election. The HSTA has been a partner in Kids Voting Hawaii since 1998 and continues to encourage all teachers to support this activity. Teachers' participation is key to the success of this civics education exercise. post date 08/26/10 read more »

Kathryn Matayoshi response to "Race to the Top" Phase 2 Results
Posted August 24, 2010

In response to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan's announcement of the Race to the Top Phase 2 winners, Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi released the following statement:

"With the unprecedented collective support from educators, legislators, policy makers, and community partners, Hawaii will continue to move forward with its plans to ensure that every child graduates college- and career-ready.

post date 08/24/10 read more »

Hawaii will receive "Race to the Top" school funds
Posted August 24, 2010

ATLANTA — The U.S. Education Department says Hawaii is among nine states and the District of Columbia will receive money in the second round of the $4.35 billion "Race to the Top" school reform grant competition.

post date 08/24/10 read more »

HSTA RECOMMENDS NEIL ABERCROMBIE FOR GOVERNOR
Knowledge of education issues and unwavering support for public schools cited

(HONOLULU, HAWAII) - The Hawaii State Teachers Association, representing Hawaii's 13,000 public school teachers, today recommended that its members and Hawaii voters support Neil Abercrombie in the Democratic primary election race for governor.

post date 08/14/10 read more »

House action keeps U.S. on the road to economic recovery
Supports education and children

August 10, 2010

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today approved legislation containing emergency funds to help states cope with the Great Recession and stave off massive layoffs of educators. The House joined the Senate in passing H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, legislation that will keep educators working and help states with Medicaid funding. It provides $10 billion for teachers' jobs and $16 billion for a Medicaid funding assistance program known as FMAP.

post date 08/10/10 read more »

Mahalo to our senators for supporting education and students!
Hawaii senators say state would get $39 million from federal aid legislation

By Star-Advertiser Staff
POSTED: 10:39 a.m. HST, Aug 05, 2010

A bill that would provide $26 billion in aid to states to help prevent teacher layoffs and make up for state budget shortfalls that passed the U.S. Senate could save 700 education-related jobs in the islands, Hawaii's two Democratic senators said.

post date 08/05/10 read more »

click image to view  (pdf) post date 07/22/10

Amber Jackson Memorial Fund HSTA has established a memorial fund in honor of our friend and colleague Amber Ellis Jackson. Gifts*  in her name will be kindly accepted. Checks can be made out to "HSTA Amber Jackson Memorial Fund" and dropped off or mailed to the Oahu HSTA office.     HSTA Amber Jackson Memorial Fund     Hawaii State Teachers Association     1200 Ala Kapuna Street     Honolulu, HI 96819 * Gifts to the memorial fund are not tax-deductible. Read more for details »

Principals 'ecstatic' over test results

Click on image to view charts

Public schools score better than in '09 Despite spending fewer days in the classroom, public school students continued to make gains in reading and math test scores this year, according to results released yesterday. And nearly half of Hawaii's schools reached annual progress goals under No Child Left Behind requirements, compared with 36 percent last year, the state Department of Education said. The improvements on the high-stakes test made for some downright giddy educators, many of whom had been bracing for declines in test scores in the wake of teacher furloughs.

"Oh, my, I'm ecstatic," said Justin Mew, principal of Niu Valley Middle School, which saw improvements in reading and math, though it fell short of meeting annual NCLB progress goals. "I'm jumping for joy."   read more on test results»

Statement from HSTA President Wil Okabe:
"A child is more than a test score. Hawaii parents, students, schools, and teachers worked very hard despite the challenges created by the disconnect between what is needed each day to support our students and the federal policies that hold up struggling students as products to be tested.    read more »

post date 07/16/10

HSTA Amber Jackson Memorial Fund

A message from HSTA Executive Director Alvin Nagasako ~ The Hawaii State Teachers Association was deeply saddened to learn of the death of our dear colleague, Amber Jackson. HSTA was formed by teachers for teachers. In a partnership with our committed staff, members work for the future of our state by advocating for students, schools, and teachers. Amber Jackson was an important link in this partnership. She was the associate staff member in our Kauai Office.

Since carrying out our mission and vision means a team approach to much of what we do in organizing activities, chapter RAs, island districts, and schools, many strong friendships are developed along the way. In addition to being an integral part of our Kauai Office, Amber also worked closely with associate staff from around the state and she was part of our Field Operations Department. Her previous work with Legal Aid, Marin (County) Treatment Center, and the Marin Services for Women as well as her love of the outdoors and a sustainable Hawaii illustrate the type of person she was and why she partnered so well with our staff, members, and the community. Amber's dedication, sense of humor, and kind ways will be missed by all who knew and cared for her.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Amber's family and thank them for sharing her with us. Mahalo to our HSTA Ohana for their support and encouragement during this difficult time.

~Waimaka o ka lani
     The heavens cry when a loved one passes

Memorial Fund Established
Amber Jackson was reported missing on June 24, 2010. Her body was discovered by a hunter in a wooded area on the island of Kauai. The Kauai Police Department announced on July 7 that they are investigating her death as a homicide.

post date 07/13/10 Read more on Memorial Fund »

Statement from HSTA President Wil Okabe:
Posted May 25, 2010

We are gratified that the agreement we worked hard to reach with the Board of Education will be implemented. This represents a first step in getting our schools back to a normal academic year. To ensure that their students could be back in the classroom with them for every instructional day, teachers have made significant sacrifices, including giving up six preparation and planning days-planning and preparation that will still need to be done on teachers' personal time. We hope this past year has refocused everyone on the need to give our students and their schools the priority they deserve. We will be working to ensure this happens as we move forward into the 2010-2011 school year.

GOVERNOR AND BOE CHAIRPERSON ANNOUNCE END OF FURLOUGH FRIDAYS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

HONOLULU - Governor Linda Lingle, Board of Education Chairperson Garrett Toguchi, and Department of Education Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi announced today all 17 "Furlough Fridays" scheduled for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year will be eliminated from the public school calendar, returning nearly 171,000 children back to the classroom.

post date 05/25/10 read more »

6 isle students score big wins in science fair
Hilo's Nolan Kamitaki gets a first-place award in leading a neighbor island contingent

Six students from around the state were prize winners at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose, Calif. State winners shown are Hannah Rojeski, left, Megan Kurohara, Nolan Kamitaki and Mali'o Kodis. Missing are Michael Flynn and Taylor Nakamura.

post date 05/19/10 read more »

Hilo High's water robots win

A team from Hilo High School took top honors at the Big Island Regional Remotely Operated Vehicles competition Saturday at the University of Hawai'i-Hilo.

post date 05/19/10 read more »

Principals 'ecstatic' over test results

Click on image to view charts

Public schools score better than in '09 Despite spending fewer days in the classroom, public school students continued to make gains in reading and math test scores this year, according to results released yesterday. And nearly half of Hawaii's schools reached annual progress goals under No Child Left Behind requirements, compared with 36 percent last year, the state Department of Education said. The improvements on the high-stakes test made for some downright giddy educators, many of whom had been bracing for declines in test scores in the wake of teacher furloughs.

"Oh, my, I'm ecstatic," said Justin Mew, principal of Niu Valley Middle School, which saw improvements in reading and math, though it fell short of meeting annual NCLB progress goals. "I'm jumping for joy."   read more on test results»

Statement from HSTA President Wil Okabe:
"A child is more than a test score. Hawaii parents, students, schools, and teachers worked very hard despite the challenges created by the disconnect between what is needed each day to support our students and the federal policies that hold up struggling students as products to be tested.    read more »

post date 07/16/10

HSTA Amber Jackson Memorial Fund

A message from HSTA Executive Director Alvin Nagasako ~ The Hawaii State Teachers Association was deeply saddened to learn of the death of our dear colleague, Amber Jackson. HSTA was formed by teachers for teachers. In a partnership with our committed staff, members work for the future of our state by advocating for students, schools, and teachers. Amber Jackson was an important link in this partnership. She was the associate staff member in our Kauai Office.

Since carrying out our mission and vision means a team approach to much of what we do in organizing activities, chapter RAs, island districts, and schools, many strong friendships are developed along the way. In addition to being an integral part of our Kauai Office, Amber also worked closely with associate staff from around the state and she was part of our Field Operations Department. Her previous work with Legal Aid, Marin (County) Treatment Center, and the Marin Services for Women as well as her love of the outdoors and a sustainable Hawaii illustrate the type of person she was and why she partnered so well with our staff, members, and the community. Amber's dedication, sense of humor, and kind ways will be missed by all who knew and cared for her.

We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Amber's family and thank them for sharing her with us. Mahalo to our HSTA Ohana for their support and encouragement during this difficult time.

~Waimaka o ka lani
     The heavens cry when a loved one passes

Memorial Fund Established
Amber Jackson was reported missing on June 24, 2010. Her body was discovered by a hunter in a wooded area on the island of Kauai. The Kauai Police Department announced on July 7 that they are investigating her death as a homicide.

post date 07/13/10 Read more on Memorial Fund »

Statement from HSTA President Wil Okabe:
Posted May 25, 2010

We are gratified that the agreement we worked hard to reach with the Board of Education will be implemented. This represents a first step in getting our schools back to a normal academic year. To ensure that their students could be back in the classroom with them for every instructional day, teachers have made significant sacrifices, including giving up six preparation and planning days-planning and preparation that will still need to be done on teachers' personal time. We hope this past year has refocused everyone on the need to give our students and their schools the priority they deserve. We will be working to ensure this happens as we move forward into the 2010-2011 school year.

GOVERNOR AND BOE CHAIRPERSON ANNOUNCE END OF FURLOUGH FRIDAYS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

HONOLULU - Governor Linda Lingle, Board of Education Chairperson Garrett Toguchi, and Department of Education Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi announced today all 17 "Furlough Fridays" scheduled for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year will be eliminated from the public school calendar, returning nearly 171,000 children back to the classroom.

post date 05/25/10 read more »

6 isle students score big wins in science fair
Hilo's Nolan Kamitaki gets a first-place award in leading a neighbor island contingent

Six students from around the state were prize winners at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose, Calif. State winners shown are Hannah Rojeski, left, Megan Kurohara, Nolan Kamitaki and Mali'o Kodis. Missing are Michael Flynn and Taylor Nakamura.

post date 05/19/10 read more »

Hilo High's water robots win

A team from Hilo High School took top honors at the Big Island Regional Remotely Operated Vehicles competition Saturday at the University of Hawai'i-Hilo.

post date 05/19/10 read more »

All the pieces are in place to end public school furloughs next year
May 4, 2010
HSTA President Wil Okabe said:

The HSTA appreciates Lt. Gov. Aiona's interest in resolving school furloughs on student days, and we hope he will prevail on the Governor to sign the bill passed by the Legislature and then release all of the funds appropriated. The HSTA reached an agreement with the state employer, in this case the Board of Education, which represents the state in a supplemental agreement such as this. Just like any other labor agreement it was sent to the legislature for the appropriation needed to implement it. The agreement contained the option to fund this year and next, or just next year. The legislature appropriated the funds for next year in the amount specified in the agreement. The appropriation bill has been sent to the governor's desk. It's up to the governor to sign it or not. The governor cannot undo the agreement reached between the BOE and HSTA or change the legislation that funds it. Since the funds would not come from the state's general fund, the governor cannot claim that a revenue shortfall is reason to release less than the full amount appropriated.

post date 05/07/10 read more »

Funding the BOE-HSTA agreement

The intent of our agreement with the state was to restore the remainder of furlough days to instructional days this year and next. The legislature has agreed to fund the upcoming 2010-11 school year. The final step is for the governor to sign the bill. It will be up to the governor to decide if a normal school year will be restored in 2010-11. ~ Wil Okabe President HSTA

Honolulu Advertiser Editorial - Work-for-free solution doesn't really work

post date 04/27/10 read more »

Legislative Update
April 17, 2010

The HSTA is interested in several issues related to the funding of SB 2124 SD2 HD1, which provides for the restoration of instructional days by ending furloughs on days that would affect students (although HSTA members will continue to take furloughs on six non-instructional days). President Wil Okabe has sent a letter to House and Senate conferees who are meeting on SB 2124 SD2 HD1 to bring these issues to their attention.

View letter here »

post date 04/17/10

Statement from Wil Okabe on parent plan:

"First, I want to say that the parents have shown amazing resilience and tenacity. They've never given up and I'm convinced that their efforts made a difference," said HSTA President Wil Okabe.

post date 04/16/10 read more »

SIGN THE PLEDGE

Parents and community members have been working with teachers to ask legislators to pledge their commitment to funding and implementing our proposal to restore a full school year for students. Teachers feel students need to be in school and teachers want to be there teaching them. Here is a list of some of the legislators that we have been able to meet with.

Mahalo for your support!

post date 04/16/10 read more »

HSTA Legislative Update

HSTA negotiated an agreement with the BOE to restore a full school year for students. Our teachers affirmed the agreement.

post date 04/13/10 read more »

HSTA MEMBERS LOBBY LAWMAKERS TO FUND FURLOUGH AGREEMENT Legislators Asked to Pledge Their Support

NEWS RELEASE

Honolulu -- Hawaii public school teachers visited state lawmakers today, urging them to sign a card pledging their support to fund the agreement reached by the Association and the Board of Education that would end furloughs for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year and the 2010-2011 school year. Both houses of the legislature have passed measures that could fund the agreement. However, the amount of funding remains unresolved.

post date 04/11/10 read more »

HSTA Members Vote in Favor of Agreement to End Furloughs Action Enables BOE to Request Funding from Legislature

Honolulu -- The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) today announced that its members have voted in favor of an agreement reached by the Association and the Board of Education that would restore a full school year for students and greatly reduce teacher furlough days for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year and the 2010-2011 school year. The next step will be for the legislature to fund this supplemental agreement to the current master contract. Then it will be up to the governor to release the funds in order for the agreement to be implemented and for students to return to the classroom full time.

post date 03/31/10 read more »

Why the latest HSTA deal makes sense
$92M to end furloughs can be covered by Hurricane Relief Fund

Posted on: Monday, March 29, 2010

Commentary
By Garrett Toguchi and Wil Okabe

The Board of Education and the Hawai'i State Teachers Association have reached an agreement that represents the best opportunity to end furlough Fridays and return students to a normal academic year in a fiscally responsible way.

post date 03/29/10 read more »

New HSTA Executive Director Named

Al Nagasako

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii State Teachers Association, President Wil Okabe is pleased to announce the selection of Alvin Nagasako as Executive Director. Mr. Nagasako starts his new position March 29, 2010. He was approved by the HSTA board of directors March 27. post date 03/28/10 read more »

Lawmakers debated over a demand by the Governor Linda Lingle that some interpret as political blackmail.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT Hawaii News Now Top Story (Quicktime-download speed varies)

"At this point she is saying it's my way of the highway. Either get my constitutional amendment to empower me to appoint the superintendent or you get no money from the Hurricane fund or the rainy day fund to end furlough days," said House Finance Chair, Marcus Oshiro.

post date 03/26/10 read more »

HSTA RECOMMENDS COLLEEN HANABUSA FOR U.S. HOUSE, DISTRICT ONE
Senator's Stand on Key Education Issues and Collaborative Style Are Key

March 16, 2010

Honolulu, HI - After conducting interviews with candidates and careful consideration and discussion by the HSTA Government Relations Committee and approval by the Board of Directors and the National Education Association (NEA), HSTA is recommending Colleen Hanabusa for the First Congressional District Special Election.

post date 03/16/10 read more »

President Wil Okabe testifies on funding to end furloughs
(Excerpts from testimony before the House Finance Committee, March 25, 2010)

Chair Oshiro and Members of the Committees:

The Hawaii State Teachers Association supports SB 2124, SD 2, that makes an appropriation from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to restore all remaining lost instructional days for the 2009 - 2010 and the 2010 - 2011 school years that have been negotiated pursuant to the collective bargaining process established under Chapter 89, Hawaii Revised Statutes, with the understanding that a proportionate amount will be dedicated on a per-pupil basis to alleviate the impact of reductions in funding to charter schools for the 2009 - 2010 and 2010 - 2011 school years...

post date 03/26/10 read more »

Hawaii governor, teachers in standoff over furloughs
Lingle plan requires lawmakers to approve amendment abolishing BOE

March 24, 2010

Hours after education officials and Gov. Linda Lingle announced competing proposals to end teacher furloughs in Hawai'i's public schools yesterday, it was already clear that no breakthrough was at hand.

post date 03/24/10 read more »

HSTA AND BOE REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT TO END FURLOUGHS
If funded, no more furloughs this school year or next

March 23, 2010

Honolulu, HI - Today, the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the Hawaii State Board of Education announced a tentative agreement that restores all student days lost to furloughs for this school year, as well as those planned for the 2010-2011 school year.

post date 03/23/10 read more »

QMARK RESEARCH SURVEY: THE PEOPLE OF HAWAII CARE ABOUT EDUCATION, PUBLIC AND SOCIAL SERVICES And They Are Willing to Pay for Them March 17, 2010

Honolulu, HI-The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) released the results of a public opinion survey conducted by QMark Research on public preferences for funding education and other services. QMark Research conducted a study of 501 residents in the State of Hawaii. A total of 353 surveys were done on Oahu, 68 on the Big Island, 50 on Maui and 30 on Kauai, which is proportional to each island's representation in the state's population. The margin of error for a sample of this size is +/- 4.38 percentage points with a 95% confidence level.

post date 03/23/10 read more »

Mililani student tops bee
Pasion outlasts tough field to earn trip to nationals

KANE'OHE - Mililani Middle School student Brysen Pasion is the state's best speller and will represent Hawai'i at the national spelling bee in June.

post date 03/15/10 read more »

Waialua robotics team wins again
The Waialua High School robotics team - known as "the Hawaiian Kids" - have won their second national regional competition in two weeks.

post date 03/14/10 read more »

NEA president to Administration:"Takes working together to improve schools"
"Blueprint" proposal needs redrafting if it is to fulfill America's education promise

WASHINGTON-The White House has announced that the Obama administration's "blueprint" for reauthorization will be forwarded to Congress on Monday, March, 15, 2010. The following statement can be attributed to Dennis Van Roekel, president of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association:

post date 03/14/10 read more »

Budget Cuts
Posted on: Thursday, March 11, 2010

Budget cuts may be amplifying recession in Hawaii
Tax hikes, use of special funds urged to end vicious cycle
Honolulu Advertiser article here »

No more cuts, aid workers plead
Honolulu Star-Bulletin article here»

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
Economists: Hawaii should hike taxes to decrease vital-service cutbacks

post date 03/10/10 read more »

APPEAL TO SAVE ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR HAWAII'S PEOPLE
Featuring Leading Economists and Social Service Providers

WHEN:  Wednesday, March 10, 2010
             10:00 a.m.

WHERE:  Hawaii State Capitol - Auditorium
               465 South King Street
               Honolulu, HI

post date 03/09/10 read more »

U.S. Department of Education announces Race to the Top finalists

Statement by Interim Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi regarding Race to the Top Round 1

"Upon entering the 'race,' we knew Hawaii was a long shot for being named as a finalist in Round 1. So, while today's announcement was disappointing, we were not surprised. The U.S. Department of Education's comments on our Race to the Top application will help us to be better prepared for Round 2. Round 1 will now serve as a launching point for our Round 2 application, which is due this June.

"Our educators know that reform is needed to improve student achievement in our public schools. We must ensure that each Hawaii high school graduate is college-and career-ready. With that in mind, the Department is moving forward with its reform initiatives to improve classroom instruction, develop a longitudinal data system, support struggling schools, and strengthen policies and practices that will result in more effective teachers and school leaders.

"Over the next few months, we will be working closely with educators, legislators, policy makers, and community partners to strengthen and improve our application and vision for public education in our state."

NEA president stresses importance of collaboration in selection of winners

WASHINGTON-The U.S. Department of Education today announced the 16 finalists for the Race to the Top competitive grant program. The following statement can be attributed to National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel:

post date 03/04/10 read more »

Letters to the Editor
Published March 1, 2010
Star-Bulletin

Teachers do a lot that goes unsung - Robert Cowie
Education relies on 3 strong legs - Walt Weiss

post date 03/03/10 read more »

NEA president says it's time to renew our promise to children
March 03, 2010

WASHINGTON-U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is scheduled to provide testimony before the House Education and Labor Committee on how strong and innovative education reforms can help rebuild the U.S. economy and restore America's competitiveness. Secretary Duncan will discuss President Obama's education agenda, including his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2011, which calls for Congress to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

post date 03/03/10 read more »

Collaboration is key to improving schools and decreasing dropout rates  March 01, 2010

WASHINGTON-Today, President Barack Obama announced new steps aimed at improving the nation's schools and graduation rates. The President detailed plans that would permit school districts to choose from four reform models to improve their lowest-performing schools. The methods include firing staff, closing schools, restarting schools with a takeover by a charter or school-management organization and transforming schools.

post date 03/01/10 read more »

Choosing BOE is a shared concern
Letting governor appoint members politicizes education
Posted on: Sunday, February 28, 2010

Public education emerged as a dominant issue in the 2010 Legislature, largely because of furloughs created by an unprecedented, nearly half-billion-dollar budget cut to schools.

post date 02/28/10 read more »

HSTA President's February 23, 2010 response
President Wil Okabe's response to the governor's public statements:

The governor says the HSTA complaint is frivolous: The governor didn't like the complaint we filed against her when she tried to furlough teachers for 36 days, but we prevailed on that. If we didn't file that complaint against the governor, students would be missing 36 days or school, not 17. We believe our case against the governor is solid. And that she shouldn't have stopped the process she authorized, which would have ended the furloughs.

The governor says teachers care about money first and the students second: It was the governor, not the teachers that cut the education budget 14% It was the governor, not the teachers who called for furloughs in the first place. It was teachers who made many efforts to reduce the impact of the furloughs, while the governor never budged.

It was the teachers, along with the DOE and BOE, who reached an agreement to end furloughs for the rest of this year and let the legislature develop a solution for next year. The governor killed that solution. Teachers are now working longer hours to make up for the furlough days and getting paid less. Teachers spend their own time before and after school and on weekends helping students. They spend their own money on their students. All the governor has done is take away funds from educating our children.

post date 02/25/10

Lingle fires back at HSTA over filing
February 24, 2010

Gov. Linda Lingle called a prohibited-practice complaint filed against her Monday by the Hawaii State Teachers Association "frivolous ," saying it "lacks substance and merit."

post date 02/24/10 read more »

HSTA Files Prohibited Practice Complaint Against Administration
HSTA Press Release
February 22, 2010

Willful Violations of Terms of Agreement between DOE, BOE and HSTA Alleged

The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) filed a prohibited practice complaint against Governor Linda Lingle and State Office of Collective Bargaining Head Marie Laderta this morning with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board for willfully and unlawfully repudiating the terms of the agreement to end furloughs for the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year, which was reached by the HSTA, the Superintendent of Education (Superintendent) and the Board of Education (BOE).

post date 02/23/10 read more »

Manoa Elementary School third grader searching for bone marrow match

While most 8-year olds are playing video games or participating in an after school sport, Mitchell Ganeku is fighting for his life.

Mitchell Ganeku needs your help. The eight-year old has been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, and is desperately in need of a bone marrow transplant. By registering as a bone marrow donor, you could potentially help save his life or someone else's. To help find a donor for Ganeku, and others in need of transplants, the Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry will be holding various donor drives in February. Tuesday, February 23, 2010 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 80th Annual Kamehameha Schools Ho'olaulea Kapalama Campus 1887 Makuakane St. Saturday, February 27, 2010 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

post date 02/23/10 read more »

Kea'au High wins state LifeSmarts title for 4th year in a row

For the fourth year in a row, Kea'au High School won the state title for the sixth annual LifeSmarts consumer education competition, which was held Saturday at the State Capitol Auditorium.

post date 02/23/10 read more »

HSTA's Funding Proposal

Everyone in Hawaii is facing challenging times. The Hawaii State Teachers Association has a bill to help move Hawaii forward with some long term solutions.

post date 02/17/10 read more »

Judge governor by her actions
Letter to the Editor
Posted Monday, February 15, 2010

The laudable intentions that people avow are often belied by their actions.

post date 02/15/10 read more »

Wealthy must do fair share to help end furlough crisis
Post Date February 3, 2010
Island Commentary by Wil Okabe

Sunday's Star-Bulletin editorial, "Tax hike not the solution," misses the mark from both an educational and economic perspective.

post date 02/3/10 read more »

Investing in Hawaii's Future
HSTA's Proposal to Fund Public Education

HB-2127: HSTA testifies on properly funding education in Hawaii

We appreciate the concern the legislature has shown for addressing many issues facing our educational system, but without adequate funding to education establishing a 190-day student instructional year will be for naught.

post date 02/3/10 read more »

BOE CHAIR URGES GOVERNOR TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FURLOUGHS, FOCUS ON SOLUTION
February 1, 2010

State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi called on Governor Lingle today to take responsibility for school furloughs and focus on returning students to the classroom.

post date 02/1/10 read more »

Name in the News
Jim Williams

The interim executive director of Hawaii's teachers union promotes tax increases as the key to stabilizing and improving public schools

post date 01/29/10 read more »

Education is the engine that drives our economy

There is empirical evidence using regional economic models that demonstrates that dollar for dollar, investing in public education grows the economy – more jobs, higher incomes, and reduced disparities – more than tax cuts and corporate subsidies.

post date 01/28/10 read more »

State of the State
January 25, 2010
Statement from Wil Okabe

"It’s unfortunate that Governor Lingle used her final speech to denigrate Hawaii’s public schools and inform our graduates that their accomplishments are consistently mediocre, instead of recognizing the recent progress made in test results, increases in graduation rates, and other accomplishments. She is the first governor to cut financial support to public schools.

It’s also curious that she is promoting a constitutional amendment to place the Superintendent of Education in the governor’s cabinet, considering that she is the first governor not to invite the Superintendent to participate in cabinet meetings. We are now looking forward to working with the legislature to get Hawaii’s schools back on track and restore the number of instructional days taken away by this governor’s actions."

read more »

HSTA seeks help from Hawaii Legislature
Teachers union asking lawmakers to set aside funds to end furloughs

The teachers union, which is at a stalemate with Gov. Linda Lingle over how to end furloughs, has turned to the state Legislature to resolve the issue.

post date 01/24/10 read more »

Good Idea Grant
Application Deadline: Extended to Midnight February 28, 2010

post date 01/13/10 read more »

Lingle announces new plan to cut 24 teacher furlough days
January 08, 2010

HSTA President Wil Okabe said, "Although we have heard through the media that the Governor has developed a new proposal, we have not received anything from the employer group, and thus, we cannot comment on the new proposal until we have a chance to review it and determine what it involves. Unlike the tentative agreement that we reached with the DOE and BOE, we were not invited to collaborate on the plan that we understand the governor has sent to the news media. As always, we remain open and available to discuss ways to end the furloughs. We plan to meet with the DOE and BOE next week to continue our efforts on that front."

post date 01/08/10 read more »

Congratulations to Hawaii’s new National Board Certified Teachers

40 Hawaii teachers are joining the ranks of National Board Certified Teachers. Like board-certified doctors and accountants, teachers who achieve National Board Certification have met rigorous standards through intensive study, expert evaluation, self-assessment, and peer review.

post date 01/08/10 read more »

Governor Rejects Plan to Reduce School Furloughs
January 06, 2010

Statement from Wil Okabe:
"HSTA President Wil Okabe said, "We have not received anything new from the employer group, and we cannot comment on a proposal until we have a chance to review it and determine what it involves. Unlike the tentative agreement that we reached with the DOE and BOE, we were not invited to collaborate on the plan that we understand the governor has sent to the news media. As always, we remain open and available to discuss ways to end the furloughs. We plan to meet with the DOE and BOE next week to continue our efforts on that front."

post date 01/06/10 read more »

Two Hawaii teachers among group honored by Obama at White House

Two Hawaii teachers were among more than 100 educators recognized by President Barack Obama at the White House today for their dedication to mathematics and science.

post date 01/06/10 read more »

DOE Back-to-School Reminders: January 2010
School Calendar
Monday, January 4, 2010 - Teacher work day (no students).
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 - Students return to school.

School Bus Policy Changes Effective January 2010
School Meal Prices Effective January 2010

post date 01/04/10 read more »

Latest Furlough News
December 30,2009

Articles, Opinion & Editorial

post date 12/30/09 read more »

BOE Chair to meet with Governor's Aide over plan to reduce furloughs
December 29, 2009

Hawaii State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi will be meeting with representatives from Governor Lingle's office on Wednesday, Dec. 30, to discuss details of an agreement reached between the Board, the Department of Education and the Hawaii State Teachers Association to reduce the number of furlough days at public schools. Chair Toguchi will meet at 10 a.m. in the Governor's office with Linda Smith, her senior policy adviser, and Marie Laderta, the director of human resources development.

post date 12/30/09 read more »

Statement from HSTA President Wil Okabe:
December 29,2009

"HSTA is disappointed in the governor’s negative response to the agreement it reached with the DOE and BOE to eliminate furlough Fridays and return teachers and students to the classroom."

post date 12/29/09 read more »

HSTA proposal to end furloughs goes to governor
Statement from Wil Okabe on HSTA Board Approving Plan to Reduce Furlough Days:
December 28, 2009

"The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) is pleased that our Board of Directors today approved an agreement with the state Board of Education and the Department of Education to reduce the number of furlough days in the current school year. Under the agreement, $35 million from the state’s Rainy Day Fund will restore five furlough days, teachers will give up two planning days (January 4 and May 27) and the remaining three instructional days will be taken as furlough days at the end of the year."

post date 12/28/09 revised 1:00 pm read more »

Letters to the Editor & Opinions
December 27, 2009

Lingle cares not for kids' welfare...Lingle's actions don't put kids first...

post date 12/27/09 read more »

HSTA reached a tentative agreement
December 23, 2009

HSTA President Wil Okabe Statement:

"This morning, HSTA reached a tentative settlement in principle with the Board of Education and the Department of Education to reduce furlough days. Both sides are in the process of gaining approval on the agreement with their leadership, and we will share more information once the agreement is approved. We believe this is a reasonable solution that returns children to the classroom in a safe environment."

post date 12/24/09 read more »

HSTA Media Campaign

Print Ad
"We need the right solution to end furlough Fridays."

post date 12/21/09 view media ad here»

Hawaii teachers say Lingle’s $50M offer won’t end furloughs
Lingle's offer of $50 million to bring teachers back could result in up to 2,500 layoffs

The key stumbling block in returning teachers to the classroom on 27 furlough days is that the $50 million the governor is offering is not enough to cover all costs, union officials say.

post date 12/20/09 read more »

HSTA News Coverage
December 17,2009

Read articles by the Honolulu Advertiser and Star Bulletin on furlough negotiations.

post date 12/17/09 read more »

HSTA President Wil Okabe Statement
December 16,2009

The following statement was issued by President Wil Okabe this afternoon:
HSTA put forth a plan that required sacrifice by all parties, including teachers, to reduce furlough Fridays. We are disappointed by the governor’s flip flop Contrary to comments by her representative Linda Smith yesterday and today, the governor continues to insist that all planning days must be sacrificed.

 read more »

BOE Chair statement on negotiations to reduce furloughs
December 16, 2009

HONOLULU -- Hawaii State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi issued the following statement today regarding contract negotiations with the Hawaii State Teachers Association and Governor Linda Lingle aimed at reducing the number of public school furloughs

 read more »

Lingle to work with teachers to keep planning days
December 15, 2009

Regarding 12/15/09 meetings with representatives from the state, Wil Okabe, HSTA President, said, "Today's talks with the governor's office and representatives of the DOE and BOE were productive. We are hopeful that our ideas are being carefully considered, and we look forward to further discussions tomorrow". In response to the statement by Linda Smith, Okabe added, "Hawaii's teachers will be glad to know the governor understands the need for planning days".

post date 12/16/09 read more »

HSTA Media Campaigns
Radio Ad
"I started my career as a teacher..."
Annette Nishikawa, Principal Kapolei Middle School

Print Ad
"We need more than a skeleton crew to educate Hawaii's children."

post date 12/14/09 view media ads here»

Parent of a public school student
Radio Ad
"Our children deserve a safe, healthy learning environment everyday."
Janice Kaulukukui, Parent of a public school student

post date 12/11/09 radio ad here »

Planning Days
Hawaii Tribune-Herald Letter

"I'm writing to commend Wil Okabe, president of the HSTA, and the teachers for its stance on "planning days."

post date 12/04/09 read more »

HSTA Furlough Fridays Media Campaigns
Radio Ad
"All children deserve a quality education."
Dennis Tynan, Nanakuli High & Intermediate School

Print Ad
"We all want teachers back in the clasroom on furlough Fridays."

post date 12/04/09 view media ads here»

Letters to the Editor

post date 12/03/09 read Letters to the Editor»

Education is wrong place to seek cuts, official warns
State urged to find ways to fix budget without taking from children

WAIMANALO - A federal education official who's in the Islands to learn about the challenges and successes in Hawai'i schools yesterday said the state needs to do more to eliminate furlough days and keep children in the classrooms.

post date 12/01/09 read more »

Furlough solution might forfeit prep days

Public school teachers would have to sacrifice their own time for class preparation under Gov. Linda Lingle's proposal to end Furlough Fridays for schools, a key administration official says.

post date 11/28/09 read more »

Hawaii furlough deal still on table, governor's adviser says
If teachers want planning days, they must use own time, Lingle official says

Statement from Wil Okabe:
"HSTA is not in a position to reject the governor's offer or make a counter offer because the governor's proposal, at this point, is a concept, not a comprehensive detailed plan. There is a lot of detail missing. We have asked the governor's office to provide the missing detail so we can fully understand what the administration is willing to provide to students on the restored furlough days and how she proposes to pay for it. What we have been provided so far doesn't appear to offer adequate resources to provide quality instruction or even a way to pay for the limited amount of resources that were in her proposal. I will say that the instructional days are critical to providing quality education. And this is about quality not just the number of days students spend at school."

post date 11/28/09 read more »

Teachers without time to plan would be baby sitters
Island Commentary

"I write neither as a state Department of Education employee nor as a parent of a child in public school (yet), but rather as an objective citizen. "

post date 11/27/09 read more »

Hawaii teachers' union details concerns about furlough plan
Union details 'major concerns' about Lingle's furlough proposal

The Hawaii State Teachers Association said it has "major concerns" about Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to restore furlough days, which it says results in teachers giving up all of their planning time and pares back services to public-school students.

post date 11/26/09 read more »

HSTA says members unwilling to give up their planning days

The Hawaii State Teachers Association said yesterday that teachers are willing to go back to the classroom on furlough days if they are paid to do so, calling into question a portion of Gov. Linda Lingle's proposal to restore 27 "furlough Fridays" beginning in January.

post date 11/25/09 read more »

Teachers willing to return for restored furlough days

HSTA President Wil Okabe announced (November 24, 2009) that the HSTA met with representatives of the DOE, BOE and the governor's office to discuss the governor's plan to address furlough Fridays. He stated that teachers are willing to return to their classrooms on furlough days, as long as elected officials make education a priority by restoring education funding. As stated by House Finance Chair Marcus Oshiro, there are multiple ways to accomplish this without incurring the cost of a special session."

post date 11/25/09 read more »

Legislative session on school furloughs
Statement by HSTA President Wil Okabe

HSTA President Wil Okabe said, "As seasoned lawmakers the Speaker of the House and the Senate President know how the process works. When a formal proposal is made, we will evaluate the proposal and respond accordingly. If a tentative agreement is reached on the terms for a new agreement between HSTA and the state, the tentative agreement will be submitted to the Negotiations Committee for recommendation to the HSTA Board of Directors, both of which are comprised of active teachers elected by their colleagues. Elected officials must respect HSTA¹s democratic decision-making process and how teachers are represented at the bargaining table."

post date 11/21/09 read more »

Gov. Lingle calls for end to 'furlough Fridays'

Statement by HSTA President Wil Okabe:
"We are pleased that the governor has decided to use the Rainy Day Fund to reduce the number of furlough days. If there ever was a rainy day for Hawaii's public education system, this is it. We believe the governor's proposal represents the kind of viable option we said would be necessary for us to return to the negotiating table. HSTA is committed to finding a solution for resolving the problem of furloughs that will be best for our students and teachers and will improve Hawaii's chances to succeed in the competition for Race to the Top grant funds."

post date 11/16/09 read more »

NEA Dennis Van Roekel responds to NY Times Editorial

"Hawaii's Children, Left Behind" (editorial, Oct. 31) castigated the public school teachers in Hawaii for agreeing to statewide furloughs to help balance the state's budget and implied that furlough days were in some way a desired outcome that Hawaii's teachers actively sought.'

post date 11/09/09 read more »

Hawaii stimulus funds use draws fire
Federal official criticizes state on how it spent aid meant for education

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan wrote governors a letter last April explaining the purpose of $48.6 billion in federal stimulus money meant to stabilize public education during the recession.,/font>

post date 11/02/09 read more »

Commentary
TEACHERS' FURLOUGHS UNDER SCRUTINY
Pay cuts alone don't save enough money
By Wil Okabe

Misunderstanding persists about the Hawaii State Teachers Association contract with the state, which was recently ratified. This is apparent in quotes from several individuals appearing in Star-Bulletin articles, as well as in the letters to the editor. Some writers have seized upon misinformation to attack the HSTA, going so far as to state that HSTA negotiated a new contract with no pay cuts to teachers.

post date 11/02/09 read more »

Union View: State layoffs no solution

Balancing Hawai'i's budget without causing more harm to our economy and severely compromising our quality of life is admittedly no easy task. However, Gov. Linda Lingle's one-dimensional approach to resolving the shortfall through furloughs and layoffs of state workers will only worsen our financial problems.

post date 11/02/09 read more »

Open Enrollment for Bargain Unit 5 Teachers

Announcement for Active Teachers of Bargain Unit 5
Please see the HSTA VEBA Trust Web site for important information regarding the OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD.

post date 10/30/09  read more »

Wil Okabe elected as HSTA President

Wil Okabe will lead the Hawaii State Teachers Association for a three-year term.  The selection of other HSTA office holders was also announced.

post date 07/10/09 read more »

Public School Teachers Honored With Presidential Award
Two Hawaii public school teachers are being honored with the presidential award for excellence in math and science.

post date 07/10/09  read more »

Hawaii schools receive $129 million in federal stimulus funds
The U.S. Department of Education has approved $129 million in federal stimulus funds for Hawaii schools, it was announced today.

post date 07/01/09  read more »

HSTA HMA Plan Information
If you are traveling prior to July 1 and need to know your ID # from HMA, please call HMA  and ask for the Akamai Way at (Oahu) 954-8796 or (toll free) 1-866-826-5335.

post date 06/22/09    read more »