The UH Mānoa College of Education is proud to call these 2026 Hawaiʻi Complex Area Teachers of the Year our alumni and students!
Jessica Canyon, Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani Complex / Fern Elementary (5th Grade Teacher)
BEd in Elementary Education
“The COE has impacted my life in a positive way. I’ve had some great mentors and have made some amazing friendships. These friendships have transferred over to collaborators in the industry.”Susan Chew, Hana-Lahaina-Lanai-Molokai Complex / Lanai High & Elementary (Kindergarten Teacher)
MEd in Educational Foundations
“The COE has provided access to advanced education, enabling me to strengthen my instructional practice and expand my leadership capacity. This support has allowed me to grow as an educator while continuing to serve my community on Lānaʻi. Mahalo!”Kaleo Hanohano, Castle-Kahuku Complex / Kahuku High & Intermediate (Modern History of Hawai`i and `Ōlelo Hawai`i Teacher)
PBCERT in Secondary Education
GCERT in Curriculum Studies
MEd in Curriculum Studies (student)
“The COE provided the foundational knowledge, mentorship, and inspiration that continue to guide my work in education and beyond the classroom. Through my training, I was encouraged to root my curriculum in ʻike kupuna, mālama ʻāina, and student voice—all of which have defined the programs I’ve led and the partnerships I’ve cultivated.”Christopher Justo, Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua Complex / Mililani Middle (Agriculture Teacher)
BEd in Elementary Education, emphasis in science
MEd in Curriculum Studies
“The College of Education impacted my career path because my beginning was with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa doing my student teaching with a cohort of teachers at Pearlridge Elementary School and Holomua Elementary School. That provided a solid foundation for my teaching career. Then while working at Mililani Middle School, to continuously learn how to better teach I received my Master of Education in Curriculum Studies with co-workers from our school.”Jodi Kadoyama, Pearl City-Waipahu Complex / Manana Elementary (Curriculum Coordinator)
PBCERT in Elementary Education
“The College of Education (COE) gave me valuable hands-on experience through extensive field placements where I was able to apply what I learned in my coursework in real classroom settings. These opportunities not only helped strengthen my teaching skills, but also allowed me to collaborate closely with mentor teachers, peers, and school staff. My field supervisor and mentor teachers were such an important part of my growth. They offered ongoing support and thoughtful, detailed feedback that really helped build my confidence. I always felt encouraged to jump in, try things out, and learn through doing. Being in such a positive and supportive environment helped me develop the practical skills and mindset needed to succeed in a real school setting.”Kristel Pigao, Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kūlanihākoʻi-Maui Complex / Waiheʻe Elementary (5th Grade Teacher)
BEd in Elementary Education
MEd in Learning Design and Technology
“I loved my experiences in the COE! It helped to set a solid foundation for a 16-year long (and counting) career. That foundation is rooted in the essential skills I still use daily: strong classroom management, the ability to effectively differentiate instruction for diverse learners, meaningful technology integration, and the practice of close collaboration with staff and faculty.”Kris Tajima, Kaimuki-McKinley-Roosevelt Complex / Kauluwela Elementary (ELL Coordinator)
MEd in Secondary Education
“The College of Education at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has truly shaped who I am as an educator. Through its programs and inspiring professors, I gained the skills and confidence to do my job with purpose and heart. COE taught me the importance of teaching with aloha—showing care, respect, and understanding for every student. What makes COE so special is how it honors Hawai‘i’s unique culture and community. The master’s program was created with our local students, parents, and families in mind, which made my learning feel meaningful and connected to home. It reminded me that education is not just about academics—it’s about relationships, values, and community. Because of COE, I am a stronger, more compassionate educator who strives every day to make a positive difference in the lives of my students and our community.”Kathleen Trifonovitch, Kailua-Kalaheo Complex / Maunawili Elementary (4th Grade Teacher)
BEd in Elementary Education
Professional Diploma in Elementary Education
