A Day in the Life of: Hawaiian Teachers From The Mainland

Today we visited our first Hawaiian school: Leihoku Elementary School, containing PreK-6 grade students. What a difference between this school and schools on the mainland! The most noticeable difference is the set up. As soon as we walked on the campus, we could not believe we were at a school. The outside was decorative and beautiful. The classrooms were connected to the outside, instead of imprisoned in one big building like we are all used to. The principal and teachers were extremely welcoming. They wanted us to het as much out of this visit as possible, so we were allowed to observe the classrooms and interact with the students. The students were so excited to see newcomers at the school, especially ones from the mainland. They had so many questions for us; they were so interested in our lives and where we were from. A 4th grade class even sang us a welcome song in Hawaii. The song was beautiful and we were able to truly recognize the importance of their culture within the school.

As soon as we stepped on to campus, we saw two familiar faces: Marist alumni! These alumni are from New York. They graduated last year at Marist, and soonafter moved to Hawaii. One is a general education teacher for third grade, and the other is a special education teacher for multiple grades. Hearing their stories was inspiring! We wanted to learn more about their decisions to move to Hawaii, and about their experiences teaching in Hawaii.

Interview with general education teacher:

1. What was the biggest challenge you faced? Teaching and moving here?
- The biggest change and challenge was the different culture. I had to learn so much. The students and my coworkers were very helpful as well. Moving here wasn't too bad. I studied abroad, so my family and i were used to it. The most difficult part was the time difference between New York and here. There was also so much to do, so little time.

2. What is your favorite thing about loving here?
- My favorite thing is that its different. Everything is so laid back and relaxed. It really makes your calm down.

3. Did you find it hard to adjust to the laid back lifestyle when you come from such a fast paced place (New York)?
- Definitely! At first it was hard because at first I was like "Okay, I need this, this, and this done," and I quickly learned that I need to take a step back. I needed to change my mindset. Once I did, everything was fine.

4. Did you want to teach general education 3rd grade?
- Yes! I student taught in a third grade classroom, so it was perfect. I was happy with general education. My classroom is kind of like an inclusive, though. There are 8 cases in the third grade, and I have 6 cases.

5. What are your future plans in terms of getting a Masters?
- Uhhh, that has always been something on my ro do list that hasn't left. The problem is I have to decide what I want to get my Masters in. I wanted to teach first to help my with this, but after teaching here, it would definitely be hard to go back to school.

6. Is there a place here you can get your masters?
- Yes, the University of Hawaii has programs or you can take online classes.

7. Is it like NY where you have to get your masters within 5 years?
- No, its not like that here.

8. Would you ever want to teach back on mainland?
- Eventually, but first I'd like to go teach in different countries in Europe.
For a mew teacher coming out hers, what is your most helpful tip?
- Keep an open mind and live by the moment.