Season’s Greetings from the College of Education (COE). As we say aloha to 2019, a year full of great change and hard work, I am grateful and looking forward to a new year of innovation and transformation. The college’s commitment to academic rigor, diversity, inclusiveness, and social justice continues to be guided by “a sense of purpose and a sense of place.”
The COE remains the top producer of teachers in Hawai‘i while also preparing educational leaders, researchers, evaluators, athletic trainers, exercise science scholars, rehabilitation counselors, and (soon to come) physical therapists. With more than 25 different degree and certificate options, our range of educational and workforce opportunities are unsurpassed.
This year, I emphasized a faculty-centered environment as our award-winning faculty members continue to break new ground in ethnomathematics, multicultural/multilingual programs, and place-based STEM learning among numerous other programs that are having a global impact. On November 2, 2019, the COE co-hosted an Educator Appreciation Day with UH Athletics at Aloha Stadium as just one small way to show our immense gratitude for all that they do. Our faculty’s accomplishments and expertise are directly linked to the success of our students and alumni.
Boasting five complex area Teachers of the Year, five Milken Educator award winners, Principal of the Year, PhD dissertation awardees, Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching winners, and more, the college is proud to call these stellar students and alumni our own.
In September 2019, the Be A Hero. Be A Teacher. campaign resumed during “Akamai Week” on Hawaii News Now (HNN), featuring four segments on educator preparation programs. From November 2019 through April 2020, six new segments will air monthly with the spotlight on teachers and their stories and perspectives on education in Hawai‘i. The COE, UH System, and Hawai‘i Department of Education are working together on this ongoing campaign to create a genuine, positive, and encouraging narrative about the teaching profession.
As we continue to refine and bring our collective strategic vision to fruition, four key principles – Native Hawaiian Place of Teaching and Learning; Collaboration, Partnerships, and Community; Innovation and Inspiration; and Commitment to Research – will lead our college into the future.
With a shared vision of inclusiveness, innovation, diversity, appreciation, flexibility, and a Hawaiian place of learning, our future looks bright. May the New Year bring you all much joy, good health, and prosperity. My sincerest Happy Holiday season to all.
Dean Nathan M. Murata
