‘She makes school fun and makes students want to learn everyday’

Kalihi Uka Elementary kindergarten teacher Kristy Inamasu became the latest recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award on Tuesday at a surprise assembly with the entire school. Regarded as the “Oscar Award of Teaching,” the award recognizes exceptional teachers and comes with an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize.

Inamasu earned this special recognition for encouraging courageous learning in the classroom where all students share their thoughts and ideas, participate in group work, and take ownership of their academic responsibilities. Her efforts to promote critical thinking, accountability, and respect and understanding for others within Kalihi Uka students and staff have contributed to the schoolʻs significant growth in reading and math scores — up eight points and 12 points, respectively from the previous school year.

Inamasu was presented the award by Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice-president of the Milken Family Foundation, Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi and other officials in a surprise school-wide assembly with cheering students, teachers, and staff members. Inamasu is the sole Milken Educator Award winner from Hawai‘i this year.

“We are here to celebrate Ms. Inamasu but I know what makes her special — she makes school fun and makes students want to learn everyday,” Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke said. “All the test scores that the superintendent talked about, it’s because of people like Ms. Inamasu, making school fun for each and every student.”

Superintendent Keith Hayashi said, “Kristy is an exceptional educator who cultivates critical thinking skills, communication, self-awareness and empathy in her kindergarteners, giving them the foundational learning qualities needed for future success.”

“Her collaborative work with her fellow teachers has also guided institutional decision-making to the benefit of the entire school, helping all of Kalihi Uka’s students to rise together. Her classroom serves as a model for new teachers entering the profession and we are very lucky to have an outstanding teacher like her leading the way,” Hayashi added.

Leading by example, she was one of the first teachers at the school to video herself teaching a lesson and share it with her colleagues as a teaching tool. Her willingness to be an example inspired other teachers and has contributed to a strong culture of learning at Kalihi Uka.

Photos courtesy of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education

Inamasu earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in elementary education from Chaminade University while starting her teaching career in 2012 as a part-time teacher at Kalihi Waena Elementary. At the start of school year 2013-2014, she moved to Kalihi Uka Elementary, serving as a Primary School Adjustment Program (PSAP) Coordinator, first grade teacher, English language and intervention teacher, and became a kindergarten teacher in school year 2015-2016, where she has seen great success ever since.

“I’ve been here at Kalihi Uka ever since I started my career. This is my home. All of the students here, the faculty, staff, everyone — this community means everything to me so this award is not just for me but it’s for our whole community here in Kalihi,” Inamasu said after receiving the award. “When I heard my name, I couldn’t believe it, instant tears. This is something that I didn’t expect, but I’m so thankful for it.”

Inamasu is the 83rd Hawai‘i teacher to receive the award since Hawai‘i joined the program in 1990. Hawai‘i recipients have received awards along with a total of over $2 million in prize monies.

Inamasu and other Milken awardees across the country will receive:

  • A $25,000 unrestricted cash award. Recipients have used the money in diverse ways. Some recipients have spent the funds on their children’s or their own continuing education, financing dream field trips, establishing scholarships, and even adopting children.
  • Powerful mentorship opportunities for expanded leadership roles that strengthen education practice and policy.
  • An all-expenses-paid Milken Educator Awards Forum in Los Angeles in April, where they will network with their new colleagues as well as veteran Milken Educators and other education leaders about how to broaden their impact on K-12 education.