Candace Tabuchi
Candace Tabuchi

Candace Tabuchi, an associate professor at Kaua‘i Community College, was awarded a 2019 Regents’ Medal for Excellence in Teaching. The award is given by the Board of Regents to faculty members who exhibit an extraordinary level of subject mastery and scholarship, teaching effectiveness and creativity, and personal values that benefit students.

A current PhD student in the College of Education Department of Learning Design and Technology (LTEC), Tabuchi was nominated by her students who read their nomination letter during Kaua‘i CC’s commencement ceremony in May. In the letter, students cited her commitment to making a difference in their lives as well as the feeling of ‘ohana in her class. She has been teaching at Kaua‘i CC, where she earned her AA, since 2006.

“The Regent’s award is extremely special to me because it came from the students,” Tabuchi said. “As an educator, we are not always cognizant of the impact we have on our students’ lives. In Career Technical Education, we work to equip our students with skills for success in the workplace. For me, this award validated my work to engage students in the learning process and prepare them for meaningful careers in the visitor industry.”

Tabuchi taught for 13 years in the Business Education Division and served as Program Coordinator for the Hospitality and Tourism program. She initiated online teaching in her division several years ago, and the online courses she developed are being used today. Because of the foundation she has laid, faculty continue to add online courses in various division programs. She also developed prior-learning assessment for her program and continues to engage in early college teaching.

“There are so many facets to teaching and engagement, and the LTEC PhD program is another facet of lifelong learning and career development,” she concluded. “I am thankful not only to my students for their nomination, but also to the many colleagues and community professionals that support the work we do at the college.”

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