Nine UH Mānoa College of Education (COE) alumni have been named complex area and charter school finalists for the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year award. Annually, one exceptional teacher is selected from more than 13,000 Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE) educators for the special recognition. In October, the HIDOE will announce the winner who will go on to represent Hawaiʻi in the National Teacher of the Year program.
Leah ʻAiwohi, BEd and Professional Diploma in Elementary Education
Kauaʻi High School: Digital Video, Film Production, Computer Science (6–12), and STEM (6–12)
“Being recognized as a Complex Area Teacher of the Year is an incredible honor that fills me with gratitude and pride. It’s a testament to the journey I’ve been on, a journey filled with both challenges and joys, countless hours spent planning lessons, and a commitment to nurturing each student’s potential. This award isn’t just about me; it’s a reflection of the amazing students I’ve had the privilege to teach and the supportive colleagues who inspire me daily. It’s a reminder of why I love teaching – the opportunity to make a difference, to spark curiosity, and to be a guiding light in a student’s learning journey. I’m deeply grateful for this recognition, and it motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the classroom.”
Ian Cablay, BEd in Secondary Education (music with a focus on tuba)
Waialua High School: Band/Music
“It means the world to me knowing that this award is very selective among all teachers in the state of Hawaiʻi. I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the amazing professors I had in the music department and the College of Education. From keeping me on track with my classes to utilizing my time in the classroom to be an effective educator, collectively, they all have helped prepare me for my journey as an educator.”
Robin Cone-Murakami Barros, PBCSE in Secondary Education (art)
School for Examining Essential Questions of Sustainability (SEEQS): Art & Interdisciplinary Sustainability
“The COE helped to prepare me to be an educator by connecting me with other amazing educators working and living in Hawaii, encouraging me to be a life-long learner, helping me to value and consider multiple perspectives, and demonstrating the power of collaboration to help educate our youth.”
Nicole Laeha, MEdT in Secondary Science
Kailua Intermediate School: Computer Science and Engineering
“I am truly honored to receive this award and want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the College of Education and the incredible professors, mentors, and cohort I was fortunate to work with. The COE provided me with a diverse range of teaching strategies and best practices, a strong support network, and a solid foundation in place-based curriculum, particularly in Ethnomathematics.”
Jessie O’Neill-Prest, BED Elementary Education
Kīhei Elementary School: Curriculum Coordinator
Jennifer Sato, BEd in Elementary Education and MEd in Curriculum Studies
Kūhiō Elementary School: Academic Coach
“Being recognized as the Teacher of the Year for the Kaimuki-Roosevelt-Mckinley Complex is an incredible honor that recognizes my passion for teaching and commitment to my students. It shows that I’ve made a positive impact on their lives and encouraged them to succeed. The University of Mānoa played a big role in preparing me for this by offering valuable learning experiences, guidance from skilled educators, and a supportive community. The university’s emphasis on academic excellence and cultural awareness helped me create a classroom where every student feels valued and excited to learn.”
Bryan Silver, PBCSE in Secondary Education (social studies) and Special Education
Kalani High School: Career & Technical Education (CTE)
“The award is an incredible recognition. I am honored that my administration and colleagues think highly of me. I have worked hard to provide as many great experiences as I can for my students and seen them go onto much success of their own.”
Erin Takamura-Luu, BED in Elementary Education & Early Childhood Education
Red Hill Elementary School: First Grade
“The COE provided valuable support to me by facilitating connections with excellent mentor teachers! My mentor teachers set good examples for me. They played such an important role in starting my teaching career.”
Sherry Tenn, BED in Secondary Education (biology) and MEd in Curriculum Studies
Waipahu High School: Academy of Natural Resources Director
“This award signifies and validates the direction in which our school and academy is heading in regards to our curriculum and career focus.”