Teacher named a national winner

By Treena Shapiro
Advertiser Education Writer

When all of Moanalua Elementary School was called into an emergency assembly yesterday morning, fourth-grade teacher Katherine Nakamura assumed that state education officials would be congratulating pupils on their standardized test scores.

Moanalua Elementary fourth-grade teacher Katherine Nakamura, right, receives congratulations from Patricia Watson, who served as principal at the school and hired Nakamura as a teacher. One of Nakamura's pupils said yesterday, "She makes us smarter." Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser

The honor recognizes the nation's best educators and carries a $25,000 cash prize, which will be presented at the Milken National Education Conference next year in Washington, D.C.

Nakamura was so surprised that she said little at the assembly, other than wishing aloud that she had brushed her hair, put on makeup and been given a little time to plan.

Afterward, she said, "I was just in total shock. You watch these awards being given and you think, 'That's the cream of the crop.' You never consider yourself to be a part of that group — it doesn't matter what you do."

Lauded by her colleagues and students for her sense of humor and her ability to engage and motivate her class, Nakamura is also the author of the children's bedtime story "Song of Night: It's Time to Go to Bed," which was recognized as one of 2003's top 10 books for children and toddlers.

Nakamura said she loves anything to do with reading and writing and tries to teach her pupils various genres. She guides her classroom with firmness, but also with humor, which her fourth- graders are sophisticated enough to understand.

"You don't want to be sarcastic with them, but they understand that your eyes can tell a story all by themselves. They get those subtleties," she said.

The children she teaches affirmed that they appreciate her humor as they gathered around after the assembly to share their thoughts about why Nakamura won the prize. "She's funny," one called out. "She scolds, but she never yells at us," said another.

Adrienne Teshima, 9, said she enjoys the math games they play in class and the way Nakamura gets kids to work together as a team: The group that earns the most points by the end of the week earns snack-size candy bars, a big motivator for many youngsters.

"She makes us smarter and helps us do better at math," said Jayden Takata, 9. "She helps us study and gives us our (spelling) words on time."

Nakamura said that after teaching kindergarten and first and fifth grades, she prefers the fourth-grade classes she has taught since joining the staff at Moanalua five years ago.

Principal Ron Hirai said Nakamura is an accommodating and patient teacher who really connects with kids and the rest of the school community.

Complex Area Superintendent Betty Mow nominated Nakamura for the award after visiting classrooms throughout her district. In Nakamura's room, Mow observed the pupils' work all over the walls, and an attentive and engaged class. "I think she shows a genuine love for teaching and learning," Mow said.

Mow interviewed Nakamura's colleagues, as well as parents of current and former pupils before making her nomination.

One father told her that his son had difficulty learning before entering Nakamura's class, but with her help, the boy was able to think more positively about himself. "She truly made him feel that he could be successful and he has exhibited more confidence," Mow said.

Including this year's winners, Hawai'i educators have received 62 awards worth $1.55 million since the state joined the program in 1990. The awards go to inspirational and motivational educators who demonstrate exemplary instructional practices, outstanding accomplishments and long-range potential to contribute to the profession.

According to its Web site, the California-based Milken Family Foundation was established in 1982 "to discover and advance inventive and effective ways of helping people help themselves and those around them lead productive and satisfying lives. The foundation advances this mission primarily through its work in education and medical research."

Nakamura was selected in part for her achievements outside the classroom. They include guiding the grade level in planning a Hawaiian studies segment for a schoolwide demonstration of authentic student work, attending and sharing information from workshops and serving as school representative to a language arts consortium.

With little time to think about it, Nakamura said that she had no idea how she would spend the money, but that it would be used to further her education and benefit the school.

That might cause some disappointment to her pupil Jayden Tamaye, 9, who suggested: "She can buy a Mustang with that money!"

Reach Treena Shapiro at tshapiro@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8014.