2023 brings new opportunities for a better contract
As we reflect on the year gone by, we know much more remains to be done, and we look forward to continued progress in the year ahead!
HIDOE memos related to coronavirus (COVID-19)
This page contains updates issued by the Hawaii State Department of Education related to coronavirus (COVID-19).
Frequently asked questions relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) and schools
The Hawaii State Teachers Association is working hard to ensure that our members' health and safety remain a priority, our contract and employment rights are preserved, and information is being communicated in an accurate and timely manner.
DOH: Masking optional in updated school guidance; quarantine, social distancing will also ease
HSTA recommends that all Bargaining Unit 05 members continue to practice mitigating strategies whenever possible, which includes staying up to date with vaccines and boosters, and masking indoors to minimize the chances of catching COVID, especially given the ongoing shortage of substitute teachers.
Changes in HIDOE COVID-19 protocols likely; still under review for now
The Hawaii State Teachers Association has reached out to the HIDOE and confirmed that all COVID-19 mitigation and health and safety policies remain in place for now. The HIDOE is awaiting guidance from the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH) before announcing any changes.
BOE pauses permanent virtual school plan until it creates a new distance policy
BOE Chair Catherine Payne raised several concerns “that we’re trying to rush to get this going but we are not really fully prepared with the curriculum in place and the teachers trained and the real understanding of how we’ll have some hybrid opportunities in addition to the full-on digital learning for some students.”
Quarantine, sick leave benefits explained
With COVID-19 cases in our community continuing to rise and notification letters about cases in a number of our schools already being sent to staff and families, questions about sick leave and quarantine leave have come up from Bargaining Unit 05 members as we start the 2021–22 school year.
BOE directs HIDOE to share COVID-19 guidelines with school staff, communities
The Hawaii Board of Education (BOE) Thursday called for the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) to share specific guidance and parameters with Hawaii public school staff and school communities as to when schools will need to move to distance learning because of high COVID-19 case counts on campus. The board said missing guidelines from the department has led to confusion, frustration and anger amongst educators, students and their families.
Submit testimony to the BOE on pressing issues including retention, superintendent
This Thursday, Jan. 20, the Hawaii Board of Education will hold a series of meetings. Agenda items include teacher retention and shortage differentials, the superintendent search, Red Hill water contamination, and COVID-19 update for the 2021–22 school year. If you are affected by any of these topics, please submit written and, if possible, oral testimony. Your voice is necessary to ensure that board members are fully aware of the realities within our schools.
Educators should not feel obligated to volunteer to substitute for absent teachers
Despite the Hawaii State Department of Education’s repeated claims that there are plenty of substitute teachers in the pool (they say 3,200), we know otherwise. Many substitutes in that pool are not accepting jobs during COVID-19. Some of them tell us they’re getting a half dozen or more calls a day and turning them down.