In partnership with Fisher Hawaii and Creative Teaching Press, the UH Mānoa College of Education (COE) is providing recent graduates with the opportunity to win a classroom makeover. The first-place winner will receive $500 to buy supplies for their classroom, while second and third place winners will receive a curated “Classroom Mega Pack.”
The contest is an offshoot of the New Teacher Closet started in 2024 by COE Recruitment Specialist Janet Kim. Through donations of new or gently used classroom materials, recent graduates are invited to collect supplies before the start of the school year.
“I created the New Teacher Closet as a way to reduce the costs that new teachers face when they establish their first classroom,” Kim said. “We invite our recent graduates to submit their wishlist and do our best to secure these items to help them create their own warm and productive environment.”
Kim was the winner of a similar contest in 2008 during her first year of teaching, and she recently reconnected with Derrick Isono who presented her with the award and is now the business development manager for Fisher Hawaii. Together, they came up with the idea to team up for the makeover contest.
“Fisher Hawaii is proud to support the educational community and is especially excited to collaborate with the COE on the classroom makeover contest,” Isono said. “This initiative provides new teachers with a wide range of classroom essentials, innovative furniture, and professional development resources to support their teaching careers. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all the graduates!”
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Deadline to enter the essay contest: June 1, 2025
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Link to graduate wishlist & application for contest: https://bit.ly/newteacherclosetwishlist
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Support the New Teacher Closet: coe.hawaii.edu/new-teacher-
closet
Founded in the 1920s, Fisher Hawaii is the largest locally owned office, educational supplies, and furniture company in the state.
