Muranaka, along with six other district teachers of the year, received the use of a new car for the coming year from the Hawai'i Automobile Dealers' Association, one of the sponsors of the program.

In honoring the state's top teachers, Superintendent Pat Hamamoto read a quote from Muranaka:

"My approach to teaching is very personal. I first learn as much as I can about my students, build rapport and treat them as I do my own children — with love and respect."

Muranaka, the Honolulu District teacher of the year, said she teaches a rigorous curriculum highlighted by "who done it" projects. She has been teaching since the early 1990s and has been at Kaimuki High since 1999.

The Teacher of the Year was chosen from among these district winners:

i Lizabeth Horii, from Central district, Mililani 'Ike Elementary.

i Naidah Gamurot from Leeward district, Kapolei High.

i Brett Kewish from Windward district, Kahuku High and Intermediate.

i Janice Nakagawa from Hawai'i district, Waiakea Waena Elementary.

i Judy Locke from Maui district, Kihei Elementary.

i Allison Carveiro from Kaua'i district, Kekaha Elementary.