Insights from Teachers for Learning with ʻĀina, Community, and Place

Dr. Brooke Ward Taira, Associate Professor of Literacy Education and Dr. Summer Maunakea, Associate Professor of Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Education and Leadership teach together in Curriculum Studies’ sustainability-focused graduate certificate (GCERT) program. Brooke and Summer wanted to record the mo‘olelo (stories) of this new program and trace its evolution. Starting with the first cohort, graduating kumu were invited to share their experiences in the program and their own pedagogical practices in Hawai‘i’s schools and communities.

The ongoing research project uses storytelling methodology through mo‘olelo, the giving and receiving of stories. The mo‘olelo shared by kumu demonstrates that responsive pedagogy requires consistent connection to cultural practices, families, and communities. This research also emphasizes the reciprocity present in the program –  the EDCS Sustainability and Resilience GCERT supports the work of kumu, but the kumu within it also shape the program through their gifts, resources, manaʻo, and mo‘olelo.

Summer and Brooke have presented on this research at the American Educational Research Association, the Literacy Research Association, the International Conference on Education and Justice, and the International AMPS Conference. Three articles related to this research can be accessed at:

Taira, B. W. & Maunakea, S. P. (July, 2022). ʻA‘ohe pau ka ʻike I ka hālau ho‘okahi: Learning with community and place. Language Arts. 99(6), 380-389. [Link to PDF]

Taira, B. W. & Maunakea, S. P. (March, 2023). Ma ka hana ka ʻike: Implementing Culturally Responsive Educational Practices. Behavior and Social Issues. 32, 234–248 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42822-023-00127-4

Taira, B. W. & Maunakea, S. P. (in press). Leading from the Classroom: Insights for Culturally Responsive Leadership. The High School Journal. 107(3), 178-191. https://doi.org/10.1353/hsj.2024.a961350