Those passionate about teaching and learning the Hawaiian language are encouraged to apply. This dual licensure program will help to address the shortage in Hawaiʻi of qualified educators to work with Hawaiian language learners, and prepare classroom teachers to effectively work with this growing population. Embedding the Hawaiian language throughout the curriculum means that these teacher candidates will experience language and pedagogical strategies necessary to teach each content area.

Common careers:

Kaiaupuni Kumu or Hawaiian Culture and Language Public Charter or Private Schools, and International Teacher.

Once completing an initial teacher licensure program, graduates are eligible to apply for a state license through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, which will allow the licensee to teach in public and charter schools in the State of Hawaii.

Hawai’i also participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among the states that are members of NASDTEC. UHM recommends you contact the office of certification in any state to which you may be relocating to get the most current information. See the NASDTEC website for more information.

This program follows a hybrid model designed for off-island and distance learners. Program coursework is comprised of online meetings and face-to-face meetings 2X each semester (Oʻahu and Other Islands).

This program is a two-year, field-based program that begins during a student’s junior year after university general education requirements and other prerequisite coursework is completed

Approximately 20 students will take courses together as a cohort for two years with the guidance of two cohort coordinators. This cohort format allows you to work with the same classmates over a two-year period. Benefits to the cohorted program include community building, collaboration, and mutual success.  All of your courses are assigned so registration is guaranteed.

While in this program, students complete four semesters of elementary school-based field experiences. In semesters one through three, students are in the field two days per week at schools throughout Oʻahu. In the final semester, students complete full-time (five days per week) student teaching to refine their practice and prepare for the first year of hire.

• 2.75 GPA or higher
• Complete 55 credits prior to beginning the program. The 55 credits can be from UHM and/or approved transfer credits from another institution.
• Complete UHM General Education Core Requirements prior to the start of program. Applicants who have completed an articulated Associates of Arts (AA) degree from a UH Community College are considered to have met the UHM General Education Core Requirements with possible exceptions (see an academic advisor).
• 37 credits of prerequisite coursework:
  • Elementary Education Emphasis Courses (3 credits each)
    • SPED 304
    • STE/EDEF 360
  • Elementary Hawaiian Language (4 credits each)
    • HAW 101
    • HAW 102
  • Intermediate Hawaiian Language (4 credits each)
    • HAW 201
    • HAW 202
  • Third-Level Hawaiian Language (3 credits each)
    • HAW 301
    • HAW 302
  • Fourth-Level Hawaiian Language (3 credits each)
    • HAW 401 (3)
    • HAW 402 (3)
  • HAW 300+ elective course (3 credits)
• Effective Fall 2025: Either DA or DL course with HWST 107 (DH) will be required for admission prior to the start of the licensure program.
• Effective Fall 2025: Completion of two Writing Intensive (WI) courses with C or better will be required for admission prior to the start of the licensure program (Non-UH system transfer students can meet this requirement by completing 2 English Literature or Composition courses with grades of C or better).
• Complete 40 hours of paid or voluntary group leadership field experience with K-6th grade students. The experience cannot have occurred more than 5 years prior to acceptance into the program.
• Interview with the program
• Write a personal statement
• Provide Three (3) Professional References

NOTE: The Interview and essay must be in Hawaiian.

Set up an appointment with an academic advisor

The inaugural cohort of this program is slated to start in Fall 2021. New cohorts start only in Fall semesters. Application deadlines are as follows:

• February 1: General Priority Deadline
• March 1: General Final Deadline

Required and STRONGLY recommended to take prior to starting the program (6 credits):

• Elementary Education Emphasis Courses
  • EDEF 310 (or EDEF 352)
  • EDEP 311

Work with your Office of Student Academic Services (OSAS) Academic Advisor to schedule the above Elementary Education Emphasis courses. Some of these courses may be offered in the summer.

Program Coursework (57 credits total)

Once in the program, your coursework will be block-scheduled by your cohort coordinator(s); your seat is guaranteed. Teacher candidates must complete the following:

• Additional emphasis course (3 credits)
• SPED 444 (3 credits)
• Professional Education Core (English Medium) STE 320 (3 credits)

Professional Education Core (Hawaiian Medium) Courses (48 credits):

Several courses fulfill Focus Requirements for general UHM graduation:

See Program Sheet – Appendix A