MEd in Curriculum Studies Student and Duke Kahanamoku World Foil Team Competition Winner

Candide Krieger hydrofoil

“As an enrichment teacher without a set curriculum, I saw an opportunity to develop fun, engaging, hands-on lessons relevant to Hawaiʻi.”

Hometown

Kaimukī

Department

Curriculum Studies

Related Degrees

  • MEd, Curriculum Studies: Interdisciplinary Education

Focus: Place-Based and Sustainability Education (Watershed – Ahupua’a)

How did you become interested in the field of education? In Curriculum Studies?
I have always had a natural interest to pass along information to the younger generation especially related to our unique island home. I grew up on Waikīkī beach and the aunties and uncles down there who would keep a watchful eye on me were so generous with their knowledge. Looking back at my childhood, I realized that not everyone who grows up here gets that same experience I did, so when I became a STEM teacher at Jefferson Elementary in early 2022, I started making up my own “place-based” STEM curriculum before I knew that it was an actual teaching pedagogy.

In 2023, I was researching how to get my teaching license (I am not licensed and hold a Bachelor of Science degree) and somehow got Dr. Pauline Chinn on the phone. She encouraged me to come back to UHM after hearing about my Edukits idea and the rest is history. I would not be here if it wasn’t for her. The support she has given me has been instrumental to my journey.

You are the creator of “Edukits,” dynamic STEM lessons for elementary teachers in Title I schools. Briefly explain how this came about and how you have funded them.
As an enrichment teacher without a set curriculum, I saw an opportunity to develop fun, engaging, hands-on lessons relevant to Hawaiʻi. I’ve funded Edukits through programs like the Shidler College of Business Venture Competition, PACE Summer Launch Pad, iCORPS National Science Foundation, and grants like the Good Ideas Grant. I plan to expand fundraising efforts to platforms like GoFundMe and apply for larger city grants.

Do you work or participate in any clubs, organizations, or hobbies in or outside of school?
In my limited free time, I enjoy hydrofoiling and recently won 1st place in the Duke Kahanamoku World Foil team competition for Lift foils. I also volunteer at the Lāʻau lapaʻau garden I started at Jefferson Elementary and cherish time with my young son.

Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue a career in education?
When I attended Kaimukī High School, I was more into surfing and did not actually enjoy school until college. Thankfully, I had inspiring teachers like Scott Shibuya, Matt Dillon, and Chris Martin who taught graphic design, marine biology, and English, but also volunteered their time to coach the Kaimukī surf team. These three guys put in so much time and effort taking us to surfing competitions on the weekends all the way out at Mā‘ili Point on the west side. I am so lucky to have had inspiring role models like them to show me what it means to be a good educator. My mom was also a teacher and an incredible artist. She has taught me a lot.

How has the COE program impacted or benefited your career path?
The COE program has provided abundant opportunities and boosted my confidence. I’ve gained a supportive network of peers and mentors.

What are your future plans with your degree?
I plan to continue my Edukits program which provides free place-based STEM kits to Title I schools, and I hope to teach a place-based curriculum class at Kapiʻolani Community College and inspire others to enter education. This journey has been incredibly rewarding.

Learn more about Candide and the Edukits program

Edukits Hawaiʻi website

 

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