We’re thankful for you

Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving, Lā Kūʻokoʻa (Hawaiian Independence Day), or are simply looking forward to a few days of rest, your HSTA leadership team hopes that there are things you can reflect upon over the past year that are worthy of being thankful for and celebrating.

In Friday’s Question of the Week, some of your colleagues mentioned a wide variety of people and support that they’re thankful for:

“I dearly love and respect my colleagues! From my principals to our custodians, each person is a dedicated beacon of hope, kindness and support. And not just for our students, but for each other. I feel blessed to be surrounded by such fine people every day.” — Molokaʻi Chapter member

“I’m blessed to be back in the classroom teaching face-to-face with my students. Things are as ‘normal’ as possible and it’s been rewarding to see students grow and thrive both academically, socially, and emotionally!” — Leeward Chapter member

“I am thankful for the support of HSTA. What an AMAZING organization! I am also thankful for my students. Their energy and enthusiasm sustains me every day at my school. My students give me so much joy.” — Kohala Chapter member

“Salary compression fix. Now I have peace of mind with financial stability to focus more on the needs of my students and continue investing in my students with resources that help create a fun positive learning environment.” — Hilo Chapter member

“I am grateful for a supportive administrator, the opportunity I have to teach and learn from students who want to succeed, and to be teaching at a school that I love in a town that I love. I feel like I’m right where I should be, doing important work that is valued, which is satisfying. I am also grateful for a supportive union that takes action. ” — Hāmākua Chapter member

“I am thankful for working at a school that values the teachers and leads and follows through with student learning being a top priority.” — Central Chapter member

“The students who bring life into everything I do.” — Kauaʻi Chapter member

HSTA governance leaders also have so many things for which they are thankful:

“I am grateful to be able to collaboratively work with my NEA/HSTA family to educate and advocate on issues that matter for our students, educators, schools and communities.” — Aaron Kubo, NEA director, Hilo Chapter

“The APC chair at my school – she keeps it professional while still advocating for us. Personally, I am thankful for the teachers in Hawaiian immersion at Pāʻia Elementary for working so hard educating my own keiki every day.” — Lisa Morrison, HSTA secretary-treasurer, Maui Chapter

“I am thankful to be able to work collaboratively with my Nimitz ʻOhana and HSTA leaders and staff throughout the state.” — Logan Okita, HSTA vice president, Central Chapter

“The right afforded to students from all walks of life to receive a public school education, especially as a public school graduate myself. I am deeply thankful for the support and guidance from my leadership team. Lastly, I appreciate all that we may take for granted including family, friends, and quiet moments to reflect and be thankful.” — Osa Tui, HSTA president, Honolulu Chapter

As HSTA leaders, we’re immensely thankful for those who give their time and energy to serve on behalf of our colleagues at the state level, chapter level, and the school level. We are also thankful for the wonderful HSTA staff who work tirelessly on issues that matter to our members. Working together, WE ARE HSTA.

Mahalo for all that you have done and continue to do for the betterment of Hawaiʻi’s students. While there is much to be thankful for, there remains a lot to continue fighting for as well. As we head into negotiations with the employer in the coming months, please stand strong and send positive thoughts to our Negotiations Team as we continue to strive for the schools our keiki deserve.

With gratitude,

Osa Tui, Jr.
HSTA President

Logan Okita
HSTA Vice President

Lisa Morrison
HSTA Secretary-Treasurer

Aaron Kubo
HSTA NEA Director