Caroline Kikkawa
MEdT Student and First MEdT Student Ambassador
“I attribute my students’ growth and the strong, trusting relationships I fostered and maintain with them to the MEdT program.”
Hometown
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Department
School of Teacher Education - M.Ed. in Teaching
Related Degrees
- MEdT, Teaching - Elementary, Secondary & Hawaiian Language Immersion
Where do you work?
I teach 6th grade social studies at Kalākaua Middle School. As a DOE Emergency Hire (on-the-job, OJT), I devote the majority of my time to my coursework and teaching. Whenever possible, I volunteer and participate in activities and events at my school. I continue to seek out ways to contribute to my students’ community and the learning community fostered by the MEdT program.
How did you become interested in the field of education? The MEdT Program?
When I graduated with my law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law (UH Law School) in 2022, I found myself seeking a new route to advocacy and public service that better aligned with my passions. Very quickly, I turned my sights to the MEdT program, as I never stopped searching for ways to be a teacher within my different student roles, including being a tutor and teaching assistant. I was interested in the MEdT program for the same reasons that I earned my BAs and JD from the University of Hawaiʻi. Receiving an education in Hawaiʻi is the best preparation to live and serve the people, communities, and interests of Hawaiʻi.
How did you become the first MEdT student ambassador? What will you be doing in this role?
I was incredibly honored to be awarded this position as the first MEdT student ambassador along with the Graduate Dean’s Scholarship. The role of MEdT student ambassador includes public speaking and demonstrating leadership at COE events such as orientation, admissions panel, recruitment, and Open House. When I learned about what the role of MEdT student ambassador entails, I was excited at the prospect of sharing my unique and valuable experiences as an emergency hire and MEdT student. Receiving the honor of this role was only possible with the guidance, recommendations, and support of my cohort coordinators, field supervisors, and professors who vouched for my professional dispositions, academic standing, and teaching practices.
How is the COE program impacting or benefitting your career path?
The MEdT program has enriched my experience as a teacher and learner. From Day 1 of the MEdT program, I have continuously gained invaluable pedagogical knowledge and tools for teaching Hawaiʻi’s students under the guidance of experienced teacher educators. As I progress through the program, my confidence and ability to teach has grown leaps and bounds. I attribute my students’ growth and the strong, trusting relationships I fostered and maintain with them to the MEdT program.
Is there anyone in particular who inspired you to pursue a career in education?
My mom and aunty are my greatest inspirations for pursuing a career in education. My mom has served as an educator in the HIDOE for over 33 years, and her sister similarly is approaching 30 years of HIDOE service. Both of these women dedicated their careers to serving the communities in which they were raised. I hope to become an educator that emulates the professionalism, commitment, growth, and passion that my mom and aunty have displayed over their careers.
What are your future plans?
I want to continue teaching middle school social studies and hope to one day gain experience teaching at the high school level. I am also considering building upon the knowledge and skills I gain in the MEdT program by pursuing an EdD. Ultimately, I plan to continuously grow as an educator and proudly represent the MEdT program as best I can.