The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education is dedicated to recruiting and supporting highly qualified educators and school staff to ensure student success. Whether you’re looking to become a licensed teacher, substitute teacher, paraeducator or school administrator, there are many pathways to joining our public education system.

​​​​​​​​​Educational providers

​​​​​​​​​Teachers

The Department is renewing its commitment to hiring highly qualified licensed teachers in every classroom. This effort aligns with Priority II of the Department’s Strategic Plan: High Quality Educator Workforce in All Schools.

In order to teach in Hawaiʻi’s public schools, you will need to hold a Hawaiʻi teaching license or permit. In some states, a license is known as your teaching credential or teacher certification. To obtain your no-cost Hawaiʻi teaching license or permit, you must complete the requirements laid out by the state’s Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board.

Visit our Teach in Hawaiʻi portal to learn more about the benefits of teaching in Hawaiʻi, including teacher licensing.

Substitute Teachers

The Department is seeking substitute teachers to help maintain learning continuity in schools. If you have a passion for education and want to make an impact in the classroom, explore the qualifications, hiring process, and training requirements to get started.

Paraeducator (Educational Assistants)

A paraeducator works under the supervision of teachers or other professional practitioners. The position is instructional in nature and provides other direct services to children and youth and their families, including:

1. One-on-one tutoring.
2. Assisting with classroom management.
3. Providing instructional assistance in a computer laboratory.
4. Conducting parental involvement activities.
5. Providing instructional support in a library or media center.
6. Acting as a translator.
7. Providing instructional support services under the direct supervision of a highly qualified teacher or professional practitioner.

At minimum, Educational Assistants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent AND one of the following:

1. Successful completion of an examination approved by the Department, such as the ParaPro or ParaPathways Assessment provided by the Education Testing Service (ETS). 
2. At least 48 baccalaureate-level semester credits from an accredited institution recognized by the Department, which included 3 credits in mathematics and 3 credits in English.
3. An associate degree or higher from an accredited institution recognized by the Department.

Go to www.hawaiischooljobs.org to see all available Educational Assistant job opportunities!

ParaPro and ParaPathways Assessments

These are computer-based assessment options for Educational Assistants and paraprofessional tutors to meet the minimum qualifications for employment. ETS will continue to offer the ParaPro Assessment through Aug. 31, 2026. See our informational flyer to learn about a ParaPathways testing opportunity only available until Dec. 31, 2026.

The administration of these assessments is managed by the Community Schools for Adults (CSA)​. Contact a CSA campus to schedule a test date and time:

McKinley CSA:

• McKinley Campus: 808-594-0540
• Kauaʻi Campus: 808-274-3390
• Maui Campus: 808-873-3082

Waipahu CSA:

• Waipahu Campus: 808-307-9677
• Hilo Campus: 808-480-3231
• Wahiawa Campus: 808-305-3200

Preparation Programs

Programs that prepare teachers – including counselor and librarian candidates – or other practicing professionals, must obtain an affiliation agreement with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education in order to place candidates in our public schools under the direct supervision of a mentor. The Department maintains a list of programs with affiliation agreements.

Important: The affiliation agreement does not guarantee that candidates completing an educator program will be approved for a Hawaiʻi teacher, school counselor or school librarian license. Questions regarding whether a program meets requirements for a Hawaiʻi license – including out-of-state, online and “alternative route” programs – should be directed to the Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board.

BECOMING A SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR 

The Hawai‘i Department of Education is committed to building strong school leadership through high-quality training and certification programs. Whether you’re an aspiring vice principal, principal, or an experienced administrator from another state, our certification pathways help ensure that all school leaders are equipped to guide students and staff toward success.

HICISL Vice Principal Certification Program 

This one-year residency internship provides hands-on leadership experience under the guidance of a mentor principal. Participants gain valuable skills in school administration, and successful completion leads to an Initial School Administrator Certificate (ISAC). This certification allows individuals to apply for vice principal or equivalent positions within Hawaiʻi’s public schools.

HICISL Principal Certification Program

Designed for tenured Department vice principals, this one-year preparatory program helps aspiring principals develop the skills needed for school leadership. Upon successful completion, participants receive a Professional School Administrator Certificate (PSAC), which qualifies them to apply for principal or equivalent positions.

Certification Pathways for Out-of-State Licensed Administrators

Experienced school administrators from other states may be eligible for certification based on their qualifications.

Track IV – Licensed Administrator with Vice Principal Experience

If you:

• Hold a valid K-12 school administrator license from another U.S. state.
• Have a master’s degree in Educational Administration or Educational Leadership from an accredited university.
• Have at least three years of experience as a licensed school administrator.

You may qualify for the Initial School Administrator Certificate (ISAC), allowing you to apply for vice principal or equivalent positions.

Track V – Licensed Administrator with Principal Experience

If you:

• Hold a valid K-12 school administrator license from another U.S. state
• Have a master’s degree in Educational Administration or Educational Leadership from an accredited university
• Have at least five years of K-12 administrative experience, including at least four years as a principal.

You may qualify for the Professional School Administrator Certificate (PSAC), allowing you to apply for principal or equivalent positions.

Military Service Members & Spouses – Portability of Licenses

Under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active-duty military personnel and their spouses may continue using their professional licenses when relocating due to military orders. To qualify, individuals must:

1. Move outside the jurisdiction of the licensing authority that issued their original license or certificate due to military orders.
2. Provide a copy of their military orders to the new licensing authority. 
3. Have actively used their license or certificate in the two years prior to relocating.
4. Be in good standing with the issuing licensing authority.
5. Comply with standards of practice, discipline, and continuing education requirements in the new jurisdiction.