"… it was teachers and coaches who always pushed me forward, had really high expectations for me, and gave me permission to be myself."

Hometown

Honolulu, HI

Department

Learning Design and Technology

Related Degrees

• MEd, Learning Design & Technology

What is your current position?

I am a technology coordinator and enrichment teacher at Kailua Elementary School.

How were you selected for the Ultimaker Education Pioneers* program?

I am not a 3D printing expert, but I am passionate and want to learn. Hopefully, that is why I was chosen. Also, I think our school’s trajectory really aligns with Ultimaker’s philosophy.

*Kent was one of 58 teachers selected nationwide for the Ultimaker Education Pioneers program. Ultimaker is a company that develops open source 3D printers and tools. They recently launched their new Ultimaker Education site featuring the 58 Pioneers.

Briefly describe your road to higher education.

Long and arduous! When I started college, I really enjoyed it but had no idea what I wanted to get a degree in. As I kept taking classes, I decided I wanted to focus on education, specifically elementary education. You hold on to certain experiences in your life and, for me, it was teachers and coaches who always pushed me forward, had really high expectations for me, and gave me permission to be myself.

What/Who inspired you along the way to your career?

I was really lucky to have professors and mentor teachers who really wanted me to grow. Pat Lopes and Craig Doyle were instrumental in aiming me in the right direction and helping me to be successful. Pat Lopes was very straightforward and patient, and Craig Doyle is a master teacher with a huge heart.

What are your future plans?

I want to keep growing Kailua Elementary School’s makerspace and develop and implement meaningful curriculum. I also want to grow and engage with the 3D printing/making/STEM Professional Learning Community.