On the first day of school, Chad sets clear expectations and creates an environment in which students become active agents in their education.

Drawing from Matthew Lipman’s Philosophy for Children, Chad serves as a facilitator while his students take ownership of their learning. Student inquiry becomes the main driver for English instruction, and every assignment requires students to demonstrate their thinking and reasoning.

For seven years, Chad has conducted workshops to share his effective teaching practices with colleagues. He facilitates reflective meetings where teachers discuss successes, failures, struggles, and frustrations. Teachers emerge from meetings with new lessons, strategies, and reenergized to focus on engaging, relevant, and rigorous instruction.

Chad earned a bachelor’s degree in Arts and a double major in Philosophy and Communications from John Carroll University in Ohio. He holds a master’s of Education in Teaching Secondary English from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he is currently pursuing a doctorate in Educational Foundations.

He has taught at Kailua High since 2005 and has been a teacher for seven years.

The State Teacher of the Year is selected from among Hawaii’s seven District Teachers of the Year. Chad was the Windward District TOY. The following information on the other District Teachers of the Year is from the District and State TOY presentation ceremony script as presented today:

KAEOKULANI VASCONCELLOS – Honolulu District, Roosevelt High.

Kaeo’s motivation to become a teacher came from his father, grandfather, and a model fifth-grade teacher – all of whom inspired and encouraged him to pursue a career where he could "influence lives, impact the future of young people, and truly touch the future.

Through project-based lessons supporting nonprofit groups, Kaeo’s students begin to view volunteerism as their responsibility to the community. Currently seeking a doctorate in Educational Foundations, Kaeo has also helped launch programs to reach minority students and assist graduates in applying for college.

Kaeo’s contributions extend well beyond his classroom: he has volunteered as a running back coach, participated in campus cleanups and beautification projects, and judged speech and debate tournaments.

As the parent of a student stated: "It would be a perfect world if all the teachers were like him."

MEGHAN McCORMICK – Central Oahu District, Wheeler Middle.

In her first year at Wheeler Middle School, Meghan realized her job was much larger than just that of a teacher. She was a mom, friend, disciplinarian, and a role model to her students.

Meghan is constantly brainstorming to find ways to enrich her students’ learning experiences – whether she is creating new programs and partnerships, volunteering with her students in an animal shelter, or serving as a guest storyteller afterschool or on weekends.

Meghan was instrumental in establishing the school’s Leaders with an Emphasis on Achievement and Determination, a program that fosters relationships among teachers, students, their families, and the community.

Meghan leads her students by example and devotes her time to the community to show them the importance of giving back.

LUANE HIGUCHI – Leeward Oahu District, Waianae Intermediate.

Luane never imagined she could have accomplished so much in school – she was student body president, joined volleyball, softball and track, and even competed in a speech tournament. Teachers who believed in her also inspired Luane to become an educator determined to make a difference in children’s lives.

Luane draws from her own struggles growing up to teach and support her students. She encourages them to be responsible for their learning, and believes extra-curricular activities are essential for student development.

Information provided by Hawaii Department of Education.