HSTA informational picketing FAQs
For our purposes, informational picketing is meant to raise awareness for families and the community about issues taking place on many of our campuses where safety protocols are not being followed.
Evaluation paused this school year for effective teachers
The Hawaii State Department of Education will carry over the previous rating of educators who already have an effective or higher rating this school year, unless they are on a probationary status. This change and more were outlined in a memo released by the HIDOE Friday.
Substitute shortage reported in urban and rural schools across the state
Educators across Hawaii report the substitute shortage caused by the pandemic has made it more difficult for teachers to teach and students to learn in large and small schools in communities of all sizes, according to a survey the Hawaii State Teachers Association conducted of its members in October. More than 100 substitute positions go unfilled every day around the state, according to reports from schools.
HIDOE takes no action on pandemic grievances, citing suspension of collective bargaining law
The Hawaii State Department of Education has notified the Hawaii State Teachers Association that it will “take no further action” on two class grievances over unsafe working conditions and the state’s mandate that unvaccinated education employees be tested for COVID-19 weekly, citing the suspension of parts of Hawaii’s collective bargaining law because of the pandemic.
HSTA FAQs on governor’s vaccine, testing emergency proclamation
The Hawaii State Teachers Association has compiled a list of frequently asked questions about the governor’s emergency proclamation that requires state and county employees to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or submit regular test results.
HIDOE dodges lawmaker’s question: ‘When will the DOE sign an MOU with HSTA?’
“When will the DOE sign an MOU (memorandum of understanding) with HSTA regarding safety protocols to ensure that there is accountability for violations that occur on school campuses?" a state lawmaker asked top state education officials Wednesday.
HSTA files class grievances over unsafe school conditions, testing mandate
HSTA has filed two class grievances over unsafe working conditions during the pandemic and the state’s directive that unvaccinated education employees must be tested for COVID-19 weekly. Class grievances represent all teachers who have been wronged by action or inaction on the part of the employer.
Hawaiian language courses available for Oʻahu educators
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education Office of Hawaiian Education is offering ‘Ōlelo Hawaiʻi courses to all HIDOE employees (certificated, classified, casual hires, and substitutes) on Oʻahu.
Superintendent, gov: Mask mandate will remain in school buildings, for now
When most public school students throughout the state return to classrooms on Aug 3, they will still be required to wear masks, state Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto said Tuesday.
HSTA supports continued mask-wearing, distance learning options for 2021–22 school year
The Hawaii State Teachers Association has always said that it’s best to follow the science, and we look forward to seeing what guidance our state departments of health and education issue based on today’s recommendations.