Hahaʻione Elementary kindergarten and Japanese teacher Kylie Nakano was honored with the 2025 Teacher of Promise award and $4,000 cash prize for professional development.
HONOLULU — Hahaʻione Elementary School kindergarten and Japanese teacher Kylie Nakano was honored today with the 2025 state Teacher of Promise award. The award is granted annually by the Milken Educators of Hawai‘i — a select group of Hawai‘i educators who have been recognized by the nationally renowned Milken Family Foundation — to a classroom teacher for demonstrating outstanding commitment and potential during their first three years with the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE).
Nakano was awarded a $4,000 cash prize sponsored by HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union for professional development during a surprise ceremony at a faculty meeting.
“As a dual-language instructor in Japanese and an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme educator, Kylie seamlessly integrates bilingual education and global perspectives into her classroom, helping students to become globally competitive and locally committed,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “She further enriches her students’ experiences through music education, cultural immersion, and interdisciplinary projects that inspire creativity and collaboration. Her commitment to professional growth, curriculum development and supportive relationships exemplifies the qualities of a transformative educator.”
Nakano is one of three teachers in the HIDOE – all at Hahaʻione – who implements a dual-language instructional methodology, delivering full standard curriculum lessons in both English and Japanese. The bilingual education provides English speaking and Japanese speaking students the opportunity to learn a new language and perspectives. Her students engage in Japanese cultural immersive experiences like Undoukai, a sports day where they challenge each other in fitness events, participate in Japanese performances, and even compete in a Japanese language speech contest.
“Kylie embodies the essence of an emerging educational leader,” said Hahaʻione Elementary Principal Shannon Cappy Goo. “Her dedication, innovation and commitment to student success set her apart as a truly exceptional Teacher of Promise and a teacher of the future.”
Nakano was recognized for transforming classroom dynamics through innovative, student-centered learning approaches that are personalized for each student. She designs engaging learning experiences that meet the diverse needs of her students and also implements data-driven instructional strategies that help to accelerate student growth. In her classroom, students are given the freedom to express themselves in unique ways — such as through music or art — that celebrate their strengths.
“It means a lot and I was so surprised,” Nakano said after receiving the recognition. “I didn’t think it was something that I would win. I just do what I do and teach the kids… it really does mean a lot that all the hard work that I’m putting in is worth it.”
Established in 2006, the Teacher of Promise award alternates annually between elementary and secondary teachers, with the state winner selected from a group of HIDOE complex area honorees.
