Charles Matthew Dela Cruz

タイトル 教育アシスタント
仕事場： ‘Ewa Beach Elementary School
HIDOEでの年数： 4
ポジションでの年数 1

Charles Dela Cruz was named a finalist for the 2025 Sustained Superior Performance Awards, also known as the Department’s Employee of the Year award. Charles was recognized for bringing professionalism and genuine care to his work, helping to keep students focused on their goals while encouraging them. He’s also known for being a visible and trusted presence throughout campus, from the cafeteria to recess to afternoon bus pick-up. 

Q：あなたのキャリアパスについて簡単に説明してください。
A: I have a background in technology and started as a para-professional tutor tech coordinator at Puʻuhale Elementary School from 2021 to 2022. In 2023, I found an opportunity to work closer to home as an adult supervisor at ‘Ewa Beach Elementary School. During my first year there, I was exposed to many opportunities, including assisting in the library, filling in for Response-to-Intervention (RTI) sessions, helping custodial staff when needed, and serving as a substitute Educational Assistant. By Oct. 2024, I officially became a full-time EA.

Q: How did you get into this field?
A: During the times I worked inside the classroom, I discovered how much I enjoyed spending time with students—talking story with them and providing academic guidance. Building connections with our inclusion special education students was especially meaningful, and celebrating their milestones brought me a lot of joy. Those experiences strengthened my desire to support and help guide our next generation.

Q：主な職務は何ですか？
A: Being an EA requires flexibility, as our responsibilities can vary throughout the school day. My primary duties include implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for our special education students and providing accommodations that support their learning. I work closely with our special education and inclusion teachers to discuss student progress and share observations. My special education teacher and I follow a rotating schedule to provide services across different classrooms.

Q: How does your job support students?
A: My special education teacher and I follow each student’s IEP and design individualized instruction to support their needs. Since every student learns at a different pace, we work together closely to scaffold lessons so they can participate in class while still receiving the support they need. We also focus on establishing routines, building confidence, and encouraging independence so students feel empowered in their learning. Providing tools and strategies that help bridge learning gaps is a key part of how we support them.

Q：このポジションを考えている人へのアドバイスは？
A: My advice to anyone considering this position is to take things one day at a time. There will be cases where the toughest kids may be assigned to you, but a bad day does not mean every day will be bad—it simply means there will be another day to try again. The first step to being an effective EA is building a connection with your students, and once that relationship is established, everything else will follow.

Q：この仕事で好きなところは？
A: Hands down, the best part of the job is the children. Hearing them share stories about their daily lives brings joy in the simplest moments. Being part of their academic journey is incredibly rewarding. One of the best feelings is when a student finally pieces something together and you see that “aha!” moment in their eyes as they apply what they’ve learned.

Q：あなたのポジションで最もやりがいのあることは？
A: One of the most challenging aspects of the job is addressing long-term behavioral needs. Behavior growth does not happen overnight—it takes patience, consistency and teamwork over time. Sometimes progress develops slowly throughout the school year and continues into the next. Unexpected changes, such as student transfers or sudden increases in workload, can also disrupt established routines. We always say that a school year is never dull!

Q: Fun fact about yourself?
A: I enjoy playing video games, writing short stories and taking photos of nature.