Informational sessions available for educators considering National Board certification
The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) and the National Board Candidate Support team is hosting four virtual informational sessions to provide an overview of the revised, teacher-friendly certification process that incorporates the latest research and best practices in teaching.
HSTA advocates for 100% distance learning through at least 1st quarter
HSTA President Corey Rosenlee said, “Hawaii can no longer pretend we are not in the middle of a pandemic and that somehow our keiki and our teachers are impervious to this virus. As teachers, we know how important education is, but we are most concerned about the lives of every one of our students. Online classwork cannot replace face-to-face learning, but it ensures that learning continues and that our keiki and our communities remain safe.”
HSTA, HIDOE reach agreement on school calendar change
HSTA and HIDOE reached agreement on a joint contract interpretation that accounts for the modifications needed to address the operational aspects of what was to be the first nine (9) student days of the school year.
HSTA offers guidance for teachers with health concerns during COVID-19
As COVID-19 is a new disease, there is limited information regarding risk factors and the research continues to evolve and change. Our FAQs are provided as a reference and should not be considered exhaustive as each individual's situation may differ.
Share your virtual best practices as an NEA Distance Learning Educator
This leadership opportunity is designed to support the shifting needs of educators during the COVID-19 pandemic. DLEs design and facilitate webinars related to quality teaching and learning at a distance.
Board votes to delay students’ return to school until Aug. 17
The change gives school staff an additional nine days for training and preparation before students to return to class.
Unions submit joint testimony to BOE on school reopening options
On Thursday, July 30, at 1 p.m., the board will hold a special meeting to discuss school reopening options. The agenda includes three action items that link to background, recommendations, and implications as submitted by the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE). On Tuesday, July 28, we submitted joint testimony with HGEA and UPW on all three action items, which we are sharing below.
BOE sets July 30 special meeting to consider school reopening calendar changes
The Hawaii State Board of Education (BOE) has scheduled a special meeting Thursday to take action on a number of scenarios that would give educators more time to prepare before students return to class during the pandemic.
BOE to consider school calendar changes because of outcry
BOE Chair Catherine Payne said the board will “hold a special meeting to address the concerns in the testimony about training and health matters that came up. At that point, we could also consider a waiver (of the 180 required student instructional days) for some additional professional development days.”
Shortage differentials to continue following passionate testimony before the Board of Education
HSTA President Corey Rosenlee says the differentials “worked better than our dreams ever imagined,” and not just by filling the actual positions. Rosenlee says higher education programs that funnel educators into these positions also saw a significant increase.