Glen Miyasato, Fern Elementary School Principal, was named the 2023 National Distinguished Principal by the Hawai‘i Elementary and Middle School Administrators Association (HEMSAA). He will represent Hawaiʻi this fall in Washington, D.C. and be recognized along with other national state winners.

Miyasato, who earned his BEd in Secondary Education and MEd Educational Administration from the UH Mānoa College of Education (COE), has been with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education for more than 40 years. For the past five years, he has been the principal at Fern Elementary where 50% of students having limited English proficiency and 95% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.

“This recognition is certainly not for me, but rather for the dedicated and caring staff here at Fern Elementary,” Miyasato said. “This award brings positive attention to our wonderful students, families, and school staff.”

Miyasato was inspired to pursue a career in education by his Kalani High School history teacher, Mrs. Grace Noda. In her classroom, Miyasato says he learned how exciting and enriching teaching and learning could be as Mrs. Noda encouraged her students to explore real-life issues, conduct authentic research, and take responsible action as productive citizens.

About his time at the college, he says, “The COE provided me with a strong research-based foundation in teaching and learning as well in collaborative school leadership. Mahalo to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for providing me with a firm foundation for learning.”

Each year, the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) award honors outstanding elementary and middle school principals from across the country who set high standards for instruction, student achievement, character and climate for their students, families and school staff.

COE Alumna Bebi Davis was named the 2023 Hawaiʻi Association of Secondary School Administrators (HASSA) Assistant Principal of the Year.