"Diverse teachers have diverse perspectives, which helps to establish an inclusive classroom that reflects a respect for all cultures, perspectives, ideas, etc. throughout the curriculum, as well as helps students view the world from a multicultural perspective."

Department

Special Education

Related Degrees

• BEd, Exceptional Students & Elementary Education

Why did you choose to become a teacher, in general?

It took me a while after graduating high school to really understand what I wanted to do and find a drive to go back to school. I started working at Hanahau’oli School and soon found that purpose for elementary education. So, becoming a teacher is a way that I find a genuine motivation to make a positive impact on the lives of my future students. This stems from my (and my family’s because they are all educators) belief in the power of learning and education. Also, this purpose is a feeling of deep commitment to my kuleana to contribute positively to the next generation of our islands and our world. Through nurturing a generation of well-educated individuals, my hope is that they will love learning and being purposeful, positive role models, contributing to our communities and society.

Why did you choose to become licensed in special education?

I chose to be licensed in special education because I want to effectively support all diverse learners, particularly to ensure that every student receives a fair education to best support their continued growth. Also, my favorite student teaching semester thus far was when I was student teaching in an inclusion classroom at Haha’ione Elementary School in the spring of 2023. That experience solidified my belief that I have the power to support all students toward success, celebrate differences, and foster a community of inclusivity, understanding, and support, thus empowering every student to find their self-worth. This belief further solidified my drive to be licensed in special education. In whatever role I end up in as a teacher, I know that my learning in special education can support all individual students toward success academically and throughout their lives.

Why do you feel it is important to have diversity in the classroom?

Diverse teachers have diverse perspectives, which helps to establish an inclusive classroom that reflects a respect for all cultures, perspectives, ideas, etc. throughout the curriculum, as well as helps students view the world from a multicultural perspective. A classroom community that celebrates and reflects a diverse community of learners ultimately supports all students to possess those same values throughout their lives. Supporting diversity in the classrooms can help a whole generation of students to be purposeful, positive, and inclusive contributors to their communities and their world. One of my main goals as a future educator working within our diverse communities is to maintain a class community that champions diversity through learning from and celebrating each other’s individuality (and similarities!).