Posted on: Monday, October 22, 2001

Editorial
Top teachers show quality in classrooms

Congratulations to the Hawai'i public school system's seven district and state teachers of the year.

They represent a range of experience and grades: 10 to 33 years in teaching and at elementary, middle and high schools.

But they share in common a passion for their profession and the children who are the beneficiaries of their commitment and dedication.

The six district teachers of the year are Leah Aiwohi, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, Grade 6-compu-ter/technology; Lani Chang, Waiahole Elementary School, Grade 6; Aileen Dang, Kalakaua Middle School, Grade 8-ceramics/drawing & painting; Helen Kobayashi, Waiakea High School, social studies/anthropology; Janet Sato, Baldwin High School, visual arts; and Linda Uehara, Kapolei Middle School, Grade 6-language arts.

The state teacher of the year is Jill Hirota, Waialua Elementary School Grade 2, who is also one of Hawai'i's nationally certified teachers.

While teachers get frustrated at their pay levels, lack of funding for the classroom, working conditions and a lack of recognition, we know that once the school bell rings, it is the students who are topmost on their minds.