The Hawaii State Department of Education says all employees will be able to take free introductory Hawaiian language courses through a partnership between its Office of Hawaiian Education (OHE) and the University of Hawaii Community Colleges (UHCC).
“We are excited to announce this new learning opportunity aimed at honoring the essential role that olelo Hawaii plays in our educational system,” Superintendent Dr. Christina Kishimoto said. “Mahalo to the University of Hawaii for partnering with us as we work to increase the relevance and awareness of Hawaii’s unique educational context.”
Beginning with the university’s Spring 2020 semester, all HIDOE employees will have two options to take Hawaiian language courses: enrollment in scheduled courses at UHCC campuses statewide or creation of custom courses for a group of HIDOE employees.
Introductory courses are offered at all seven UHCC campuses and in a variety of formats.
“This collaboration will support the advancement of Hawaiian language across public education," UH President David Lassner said. “UH faculty have been at the core of the revitalization of olelo Hawaii through decades of amazing work. This project is an important extension of the foundation across the Department of Education and our public schools statewide."
Upon successful completion, teachers who are part of Bargaining Unit 05 will be able to receive professional development credits. All other HIDOE employees will be able to earn college credit.
Click here for more information about how to enroll.
If you have any further questions, please contact the HIDOE's OHE at (808) 784-6072.