Hawaiʻi educators urged to take part in presidential selection process

Teachers across the islands are encouraged to participate in the Democratic and Republican primary process here in March.

The Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association (HSTA) wants all members to be involved in the elections process and support political, not partisan, candidates who are willing to invest in public education, educators, and socially just policies.

On Wednesday, March 6, Democrats will gather from 6 to 8 p.m. at different locations based on state House districts to back a Democratic nominee for president and vote on delegates to their state and county conventions.

We also encourage educators to make their voices heard by running for state and county convention spots and even for the national conventions! The National Education Association will assist with a stipend for those who make it to one of the national conventions, and registration fees are reimbursable from HSTA for either state convention.

If you’re planning to attend the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi State Convention, May 18–19, or the Hawaiʻi Republican Party State Convention, May 4–5, please contact the HSTA Government Relations Department about our reimbursement procedure.

Hope McKeen, a resource teacher teaching Hawaiian language and culture on Hawaiʻi Island chairs HSTA’s Government Relations Committee.

McKeen urged HSTA members to get involved in the presidential selection process.

“It is imperative that teachers engage at all levels of the election process, including at the presidential level,” said McKeen, who is a member of the Democratic Party of Hawaiʻi.

“We have to show up,” she said.

The National Education Association recommends President Joe Biden for re-election because he understands and supports our public schools’ critical role in supporting the lives of families across America.

The NEA recently released a video in which NEA President Becky Pringle says the union backs the re-election of Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris “because together, we’ve delivered historic results for our students and public schools.”

Biden has shown through many actions since he took office that he is the most pro-public education and pro-union president in our country’s modern history.

GOP presidential caucuses March 12

Hawaiʻi Republicans will hold their presidential caucuses statewide on Tuesday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Jodi Beaty, an elementary educator at Waimānalo Elementary and Intermediate who is HSTA’s Windward Chapter president, said, “As HSTA members, we have an opportunity to shape the future of education and our community by participating in the upcoming caucus on March 12.”

“We encourage our fellow Republican teachers to join us in making our voices heard by contributing to the vote of the presidential candidate for the Hawaiʻi Republican Party,” said Beaty, who serves as state treasurer of the party in the islands. She is also the Republican Party of Hawaiʻi’s Honolulu County treasurer, as well as vice chair, secretary and treasurer of the party’s District 51 on Oʻahu’s windward side.

Both political parties could use help with primary and caucus meetings in March. Contact your respective political party in advance to help out or show up early at these events to volunteer to help them run smoothly.

You don’t have to go alone. Get your colleagues and family and friends together and make a plan to be at the primary and caucus meetings next month!