Sessions reflect requested topics, such as contracts, benefits, debt and finances, and more
Updated: February 22, 2021
The Hawaii State Teachers Association is proud to offer Office Hours, a series of online seminars designed to educate and inform our new educators on a variety of topics.
We asked new educators what they needed more support for, whether they were new to the profession or new to Hawaii’s public school system. Here were the top requested topics:
- Extended professional development courses for credit (53%)
- Understanding your salary placement and paycheck (45%)
- Understanding your contract rights and benefits (41%)
- Understanding your leave benefits (33%)
- Health care benefits (30%)
- Student debt and/or finances (29%)
- Culture and history of Hawaii (26%)
- Benefits of belonging to HSTA (25%)
Here are the sessions we have scheduled so far. When you register for a specific seminar, you will be sent a link to connect with us virtually for that session.
March
Coping with COVID
To register for the webinar session, click on “Register” or visit kp.org/wellnessevent.
- New users: Enter the sign-up code “EUTF” under New users.
- Returning users: Enter your email address and password under Returning users.
This webinar is open to all HSTA members regardless of your health plan affiliation.
Navigating student debt
Your union is working on several fronts to help with the student loan debt crisis in this country. We want to help you on a personal level to better understand these programs and move toward forgiveness. Please join us to learn the facts about the current federal loan forgiveness programs, including some of the changes currently effective as part of new stimulus bill. You will also learn how to access to the NEA Student Debt Navigator powered by Savi. Members with current federal loans are welcome. Student members may also be interested.
HSTA baby shower
HSTA UniServ Directors will share information about the use of sick leave, personal leave, family leave, temporary disability insurance (TDI), the Maternity/Paternity Leave Sharing Program, and leave without pay for child care so members can plan and prepare for time with their baby.
Protecting your paycheck
Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Could you survive without a paycheck if you couldn’t work due to illness or injury? This plan offers a safety net in case you become ill or injured, and are forced to go without a paycheck. Come learn about Short- and Long-Term Income Protection that will be beneficial to you.
Planning your financial journey
This seminar is geared toward members in their 20s to 30s. It begins with a quick introduction to your State of Hawaii ERS pension and Social Security benefits, and focuses on setting financial goals, budgeting, learning about various investment vehicles, the importance of investing early, and an introduction to insurance. We will also cover which teachers might be eligible for the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.
ERS: Hybrid/contributory retirement planning
This presentation by the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) is tailored for new hires. The ERS will cover eligibility requirements, retirement options features, the application process, and other information that can prepare you for when you are ready to retire.
How to use a credit card correctly
Becoming a first-time homebuyer
Come get an overview about the home purchase process and how Hawaii HomeOwnership Center can help. This workshop will cover the benefits of homeownership and the commitment required from those who choose to participate in the center’s programs.
Courage is contagious
Courage is contagious is an interactive professional development based on Brené Brown’s #1 New York Times bestseller “Dare to Lead” about courage and vulnerability in leadership roles. Before we can teach vulnerability, we have to model it first. Start here with an interactive, introductory mini-session about leadership, courage, and vulnerability. Be ready to participate!
April
Sing the Pre-K–1 Standards: Using music videos to accelerate learning
How to pay off debt and consolidate loans
- How to determine how much debt is too much, and
- Different strategies to help you pay down debt.