May the year ahead bring peace, joy, and calm to all
Posted: December 21, 2023
As we begin to close out 2023 and prepare for 2024, we reflect upon the value of union membership.
This year, HSTA members overwhelmingly ratified a new four-year contract which established (at long last) a Class VIII on the salary schedule which will come into effect in the 2025-26 school year.
We’ve also seen improvements and expansion of professional development, including the first cohort of our master’s degree program and the continuation with a second cohort in 2024. We’ve also seen a relaxation, through HSTA’s strong advocacy, for the sheltered-instruction qualification to be granted using a combination of seat hours and credits rather than just one or the other which will help the bargaining unit get to Class VIII on the salary schedule.
Our work on fixing salary compression and increasing emergency hire starting pay has helped to bring the number of retirements down to the lowest level in a number of years and also start this school year with the lowest teacher shortage in recent memory.
Much of our work focuses on improving educational opportunities for the keiki of Hawai’i. This year began a multi-year effort to expand public pre-kindergarten which will have lasting benefits to the state for years to come. Unfortunately, there is still advocacy to be done as our keiki and school communities will be denied critical capital improvement funding meant to go towards building new and/or improving various school facilities. We will also continue to advocate for the priorities established by your Government Relations Committee during the upcoming legislative session.
We received a number of responses to last week’s Question of the Week regarding hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year:
“My hopes and aspirations for the new year is to be more knowledgeable on my job and help mentor teachers to the best I can.” – Central Chapter teacher
“There should be greater encouragement and tools available for charters to ensure the care of their teachers, and charter teachers shouldn’t have to battle with school leadership for clear contractual rights. Bigger picture as well, there should be more push for equitable funding. We are still public schools with hard-working teachers, serving our local communities. Much of our battles (charter teachers and school leadership) are rooted in financial struggle.” – Hāmākua Chapter teacher
“I hope I can find long-term housing after my home burned to the ground in Lahaina. … it’s been a very trying four months.” – Maui Chapter teacher
This week, we were able to distribute wildfire relief checks to dozens of members affected by the devastating Maui wildfires in August. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were donated from across the country to help our educators, many of whom still are in hotels and other temporary housing on Maui. Recipients were truly touched by the outpouring of support from our members and others as they continue to incur additional expenses and emotional trauma.
In addition to the losses on Maui, HSTA experienced a major loss of our former executive director and chief negotiator, Joan Husted. We remember her for her fearless leadership often against male authority figures who underestimated the fierce resolve Joan would bring to her advocacy.
We end the year with the aspiration of one of our Leeward teachers for the new year:
“Peace, calm, and joy for me, my students, and colleagues.“
May your 2023 holiday season be one of good cheer and we wish you all the best for a happy and prosperous 2024!
Osa, Logan, Lisa, and Aaron