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.
Community forum to bolster political will behind universal free school meals
One in three households in Hawaiʻi faces food insecurity, leaving many students without consistent access to nutritious meals. Advocates are pushing for universal free school meals to ensure all students receive the nourishment they need to thrive academically and physically, with a community forum set for March 15 to rally support.
Island educators take part in Protect our Kids Day of Action
Teachers across the islands took action Tuesday to protect our keiki from the negative effects of potential cuts in federal education funding as part of a nationwide Protect our Kids Day of Action.
NEA sues Trump administration over DEI ban in schools
The National Education Association, the country’s largest teachers’ union, is challenging the Trump administration’s threat to withhold federal funding from schools that participate in diversity, equity and inclusion programming.
Hirono, Tokuda call out Trump, GOP attacks on U.S. DOE, programs for students
Senator Mazie Hirono and Congresswoman Jill Tokuda condemned Trump’s push to defund public education, warning it would hurt the nation’s most vulnerable students.
HSTA’s early leaders share union’s lasting triumphs, legacy at Teacher Institute Day
Three of the Hawai’i State Teachers Association’s early leaders, including its first president, gave this year’s Teacher Institute keynote address to teachers across Hawaiʻi this week.
HSTA issues advice to protect teachers, students during tumultuous times
Our members across Hawaiʻi have told us they are deeply concerned about potentially sweeping changes to educational policies and budgets being implemented by the Trump administration, including an attempt to dismantle the 46-year-old U.S. Department of Education.
HIDOE confuses teachers by emailing them classification status forms
Many teachers received Personnel Form 16Bs from HIDOE this week due to increased interest in reclassification after Teacher Institute Day. HIDOE clarified that the emails were proactive but may have included outdated forms, and teachers needing updates should contact teacher.reclassification@k12.hi.us.