Kailua teacher honored for global approach
By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer
With access to the world just a mouse click away, Kathleen Nullet believes it's vital that Hawai'i students think globally rather than locally.
Family photo
The social studies teacher at Kailua Intermediate School also feels teaching and learning about the world, particularly geography, can be fun. She includes in her curriculum for seventh- and eighth-grade classes educational games to help students learn about different regions.
Kathleen Nullet, social studies teacher at Kailua Intermediate School, has been named Outstanding Global Teacher.
Nullet's innovative programs and approach to learning have earned her the Outstanding Global Teacher Award presented by the East-West Center. The award is part of the fourth annual Hawai'i International Education Week activities.
This was the second straight year that Nullet was nominated by principal Lorraine Henderson. Nullet said she decided to pursue the award this time because she wanted to "promote public schools in a positive light."
"When she nominated me again this year, I decided, well, that it's not just about me. It's really good for the school and for our students, and especially for public school," Nullet said. "There's a lot of bad press about public school, so any positive news story that we can promote is a good thing, because there are a lot of good things going on in public school."
In her nomination, Henderson said Nullet is respected by students, parents, colleagues and the Kailua community. She has been teaching for nine years, five of them at Kailua Intermediate.
"Mrs. Nullet's philosophy of teaching demonstrates a personal and professional commitment to high levels of students' achievements," Henderson wrote to the award selection committee. "She prides herself to provide her students with the most engaging and serendipitous experiences."
She also is active in school activities, including the National Geography Bee, mock elections and History Day. When she's not teaching, she's working on a master's degree in library and information science at the University of Hawai'i.
Nullet credited Henderson and her colleagues, particularly her mentor, English teacher Lorna Reyes, with helping her to earn the award.
"I work with wonderful people. I think I'm lucky to teach here, and it's really a good school," she said.
Nullet said she hopes geography will be mandatory for high school students someday.
"We're more connected globally today than ever before, and they do want to understand what's going on, and they need a base of knowledge," Nullet said. "And that begins with some basic geography lessons."
"We're isolated on an island, and everything seems so far away to the kids. They pretty much think locally, and everything else is out there, far away. Once we teach them the basics and they can start making connections, then actually social studies is a lot more interesting to them."
The Outstanding Global Teacher Award is open to public and private school teachers. In addition to a certificate, Nullet will receive gifts valued at $200 and be recognized by the state Legislature.
Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.
