Attend upcoming HSTA webinars hosted by SHiNE
The Supporting Hawaiʻi’s New Educators (SHiNE) Committee of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association invites new teachers to attend a series of informational webinars on various topics.
After HSTA advocacy, HIDOE releases law enforcement guidance to all staff
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education released a 10-page Law Enforcement Guidance Policy on Friday, March 21, one week after the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association asked the department for “clear and comprehensive guidance” for its members about federal immigration raids.
Every child deserves a meal: Hawaiʻi’s fight for free school meals for all
On Saturday, March 15, public school students, family members, teachers, lawmakers, and other community allies met at McKinley High’s Auditorium for a Free School Meals for All Community Forum.
Coalition sues Trump administration over dismantling of U.S. Department of Education
Advocacy groups representing educators, civil rights organizations, and families have filed a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, arguing that such actions exceed executive authority and put millions of vulnerable students at risk. The lawsuit contends that eliminating the department would strip critical funding, undermine civil rights protections, and jeopardize access to education for students with disabilities, low-income families, and other marginalized groups.
HSTA asks HIDOE for ‘clear and comprehensive’ teacher guidance on immigration raids
The teachers union told the schools superintendent Friday that educators across the state need clear direction on how to address fears about federal immigration enforcement involving public school students on and off campus.
Nearly 100 Kona educators, allies protest to keep immigration agencies out of schools, homes
Nearly 100 educators, students, community members, and education allies gathered Thursday in Kona on Hawaiʻi Island to advocate to keep immigration agencies out of schools and support students who have already been detained from their homes and even from public schools.
HSTA wins $234K for hundreds of members impacted by paycheck delays
The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association has secured a $234,800 settlement from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education to compensate nearly 500 teachers who experienced paycheck delays at the start of the school year.
U.S. DOE plans to lay off nearly half its workforce
The U.S. Department of Education said Tuesday it would lay off nearly half its staff, as federal government agencies worked to meet President Donald Trump’s Thursday deadline for them to submit plans for a second round of mass layoffs.
Big Island Youth Summit empowers keiki to be changemakers
Around 20 keiki grades 4-8 gathered Saturday at Ke Kula ‘O ‘Ehunuikaimalino in South Kona to learn how they can take action and create positive change in their communities.
Federal uncertainty stymies many legislative priorities
At the midpoint of the 2025 legislative session, HSTA’s lobby team has testified on over 50 bills, advocating for teacher pay, housing, and student needs amid cautious state budgeting due to federal uncertainties. While some key priorities like hazard pay and paid family leave stalled, progress continues on teacher housing, school funding, and civic education, with ongoing efforts to support educators and students across Hawaiʻi.