Math and computer science teacher Michael Ida lauded Monday at Washington Place ceremony
Posted: October 18, 2022
Dr. Michael Ida received the state’s top teaching award from Gov. David Ige and Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi during a ceremony at Washington Place Monday afternoon.
The 26-year Kalani High veteran math and computer science teacher was named the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s 2023 Teacher of the Year from more than 12,500 educators. Ida was selected from among 16 Teachers of the Year representing 15 complex areas and public charter schools.
Watch: The Department of Education’s 2023 Teacher of the Year ceremony at Washington Place
Of his award, Ida said, “It’s not about me, it’s about the kids. It really means a lot for all of the students I’ve had over the years. All my colleagues who supported me, pushed me to try new things to challenge me, my administrators…you know, it’s something for everybody. I mean, it’s all theirs, it’s not mine.”
Ida will represent Hawaiʻi in the National Teacher of the Year program in Washington, D.C. The national winner will be announced in the spring.
Ida is a National Board Certified Teacher and holds a master’s degree and doctorate in applied mathematics from Northwestern University, in addition to a master’s degree in secondary education from Boston College and an undergraduate degree in applied mathematics from California Institute of Technology. He helped launch the computer science program at Kalani to provide project-based learning with real-world applications for students. The program started with two introductory sections and has since expanded to include two Advanced Placement offerings and an affiliated computer science club, and has maintained strong interest and enrollment each year.
Ida is also a member of the HIDOE’s Hawaiʻi Teacher Leader Academy and serves as an advisor for the Computer Science Club and coach for student math competitions. He serves on the leadership teams of the Hawaiʻi Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association.
He has taught in the same Kalani classroom for his entire 26-year career.
Kalani High Principal Mitch Otani called Ida “ a very, very humble person.”
“He goes above and beyond for not only his students but for any staff member that needs help. During the pandemic, he was the one that was helping people with all the technology and everything else. He’s one that is always there to help and support anyone,” Otani said.
HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. recalls coaching mathematics with Ida in the O’ahu Mathematics League.
“I can’t say enough about the wonderful work that he does and how so many of our teachers throughout the state are doing innovative things. And while we should have so many people getting Teacher of the Year Award, we’re very happy for Dr. Ida. He’s a great representative of our state and will do well against his colleagues and counterparts across the country,” Tui said.
At Monday’s ceremony, all 16 2023 Complex Area Teachers of the Year and Charter School Teacher of the Year were honored. Ida was the winner from Honolulu District in the Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani Complex. The full list of the finalists honored are, in alphabetical order:
- Makena Ale, Castle-Kahuku Complex, Kahuku Elementary
- Cornelio Ancheta, Hāna-Lahainaluna-Lanai-Molokai Complex, Lahainaluna High
- Chayanee Brooks, Kau-Keaau-Pāhoa Complex, Kau High & Pahala Elementary
- Malia Draper, Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kulanihakoi-Maui Complex, Waihee Elementary
- Shelby-Ann Erdmann, Kapaa-Kauai-Waimea Complex, Waimea High
- Jared Haiola, Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex, Haleiwa Elementary
- Nuikala Koerte, Nanakuli-Waianae Complex, Waianae Elementary
- Cerina Livaudais, Public Charter Schools, DreamHouse Ewa Beach
- Leeann Manuel, Campbell-Kapolei Complex, Ewa Makai Middle
- Keevan Matsumoto, Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex, Kaimuki High
- Joel Matsunaga, Honokaʻa-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena Complex, West Hawaii Complex
- Daphne Okunaga, Pearl City-Waipahu Complex, Pearl City High
- Kristy Taise, Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area, Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area
- Deanne Takeno, Kailua-Kalaheo Complex, Maunawili Elementary
- Cherie Teraoka, Aiea-Moanalua-Radford Complex, Aliamanu Middle
Prizes awarded to the honorees Monday included:
- Monetary awards to each Complex Area and Public Charter School Teacher of the Year by The Polynesian Cultural Center and an additional $1,000 award to the State Teacher of the Year.
- A one-year lease of a 2022 Ford Escape Titanium Hybrid SUV courtesy of the Hawaiʻi Automobile Dealers Association and Cutter Ford to the State Teacher of the Year.
