Rory Vierra is a shining example of what could become a growing asset to Hawai'i public schools.

The Moanalua Middle School science teacher, recipient of a national teaching award, came to the classroom after working in payroll for Costco, a job he still holds part time. Rather than distract from the challenges he faces in teaching, his other career interests have helped to turn him, as well as others who come to education from other fields, into "dynamic teachers."

This was the assessment of Moanalua principal Caroline Wong, who nominated Vierra to receive the No Child Left Behind American Star of Teaching Award.

Given that the state is facing a teacher shortage, it would be wise for the Department of Education to consider this attribute in its recruiting efforts. Ways must be found, without sacrificing needed requirements for teaching credentials, to draw more candidates to the profession.

Vierra and others on his teaching team work with students in smaller groups and share ideas on innovative assignments, such as collaborations with university researchers.

This kind of teacher peer support is exactly what's needed as schools transition through a difficult period of high faculty turnover.