A total of 25 Hawai‘i educators from throughout the state 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 539 in Hawai‘i who hold this designation.
Gov. Josh Green, M.D., Hawai‘i State Department of Education (HIDOE) Superintendent Keith Hayashi, and Hawai‘i Education Association (HEA) President Joan Lewis recognized the board-certified teachers at a luncheon and ceremony held at Washington Place on March 1. The event was sponsored by the HIDOE, HEA, Hawai’i State Teachers Association (HSTA), Hawai‘i NBCTs Collective, and the Hawai‘i Teacher Standards Board.
“The certification is strictly voluntary and shows the serious commitment of these educators to their profession,” said Gov. Green. “We are proud to have such a high caliber of dedicated educators in our state.”
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,” said Keith Hayashi, HIDOE Superintendent. “We are incredibly proud of these educators who have gone above and beyond to elevate their practice, deepen their impact on students, and strengthen our public school system. Their commitment reflects our shared mission to empower every student with a high-quality education and opportunities for success.”
Joan Lewis, President of HEA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to professional development for educators and encouraging students to pursue teaching as a profession, added: “It is exciting to see more teachers pursuing certification each year. They are an inspiration to the next generation of teachers.”
Congratulations to the following Hawai‘i teachers who received their certification:
O‘ahu
- Dancette Ah Lee Sam, Waialua Elementary
- Kalika Ayin, Pearl City High
- Janae Cole, Ho‘okele Elementary
- Adele Dial, Wai‘anae Intermediate
- Shelby Furtado, Rev. Benjamin Parker Elementary
- Xiaochen “Lily” Gong, Ali‘iolani Elementary
- Nicole Kamau Ha, Ali‘iolani Elementary
- Carissa Kano, Ma‘ema‘e Elementary
- Thomas Lee, Wahiawā Middle
- Jaycie Martinez, Nānāikapono Elementary
- Scott Melemai, Kalani High
- Jacie Miyashiro, ‘Aiea High
- Erin Okamoto, Pearl City High
- Margeaux Ra, Helemano Elementary
- Cristin Selle, Kamehameha Schools
- Amber Smith
- Amy Sun-Miyashiro, Hawai‘i Tech Academy PCS
- Nicole Suzuki, Honoluiuli Middle
- Lourena Yco, Highlands Intermediate
- Jihan Yuen, Moanalua Elementary
Kaua‘i
- Marly Madayag, Kalāheo Elementary
Maui
- Leanne Dunn, Makawao Elementary
Hawai‘i Island
- John Crommelin, Ha‘aheo Elementary
- Andrea Wilson, Pa‘auilo Elementary and Intermediate
- Leilani Yamauchi, Waiākea Elementary
For more information about the certification and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, visit nbpts.org.
