Thirty Hawai‘i educators were recognized for their completion of the rigorous National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) certification program. With the latest cohort of newly certified teachers, there are now 569 in Hawai‘i who hold this designation.
A luncheon and ceremony was held at the Honolulu Country Club on April 11 to recognize the board-certified teachers. The event was sponsored by the Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE), Hawai‘i Education Association (HEA), Hawai’i State Teachers Association (HSTA), Hawai‘i NBCTs Collective and the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board.
To earn or retain this certification, educators must be up-to-date with the latest strategies and best practices in education. It is a rigorous process that can take anywhere from one to three years and involves applicants submitting a comprehensive portfolio.
“Achieving National Board Certification is a testament to a teacher’s dedication to professional excellence and lifelong learning,” HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “These educators aren’t just improving their own practice — they’re strengthening their schools, supporting their colleagues, and ultimately creating better outcomes for students. Their commitment reflects what we all believe in: making sure every student in Hawaiʻi has access to a high-quality education and real opportunities for success.”
Legislators including Senate Education Chair Donna Mercado Kim, Senate Education Committee Member Samantha DeCorte, House Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Education Committee Vice Chair Trish La Chica and House Public Safety Vice Chair Kim Coco Iwamoto were also in attendance.
Congratulations to the following Hawai‘i teachers who received their certification:
O‘ahu
- Crystal Alejandro, Hoʻokele Elementary
- Micah Benavitz, Mililani High
- Marcella Clark, Prince David Kawānanakoa Middle
- Brandon Galarita, Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani Middle
- Mary Gleaso, President Abraham Lincoln Elementary
- Gina Hyun, Niu Valley Middle
- Kara Jussaume, Mililani Uka Elementary
- May Anne Kim, Honowai Elementary
- Lianna Lam, Kaimukī Middle
- Angela McElfresh, Kahaluʻu Elementary
- Leah Angela Padilla, Nānākuli High & Intermediate
- Ashley Piche, Pearl Harbor Elementary
- Sonya Porcher, Pūʻōhala Elementary
- Jacqueline Rasmussen, Kahuku High & Intermediate
- Nathalee Reyes, Waimānalo Elementary & Intermediate
- Katie Sampson, SEEQS Public Charter School
- Julie Tanigawa, Waikīkī Elementary
- Sarah Tupou, Hoʻokele Elementary
- Natalie Wong, Hoʻokele Elementary
Kaua‘i
- Lisa Yamagata, Waimea High
Maui County
- Jessica Ford, Molokai High
Hawai‘i Island
- David Brooks, Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary
- Amy Carlson, Waikoloa Elementary & Middle
- Darice Carvalho, Waimea Elementary
- Liam Conway-Nesson, Hilo High
- Gretel Christina Kovach, Konawaena High
- Matthew Moustaka, Kealakehe Intermediate
- Melissa Pierce, Waiākea High
- Sarah Polloi, Waiākea High
- Amelia Thorne, Konawaena High
For more information about the certification and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, visit nbpts.org.
