- The finalists are (top row, left to right), David Adler, Josette (Kaleo) Akim Hanohano, Jessica Canyon, Susan Chew. (Second row, left to right) Claire Ann (Kalaunuola) Domingo, Steve Hanks, Judith (Elise) Hannigan, Christopher Justo. (Third row, left to right) Jodi Kadoyama, Emily Mendoza, Kristel Pigao, Dawn Spurrell-Robinson. (Bottom row, left to right) Courtney Suma, Kris Tajima, Kathleen Trifonovitch, Natsumi Yamasato.
HONOLULU — The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) today named 15 complex area teachers of the year and one charter school teacher of the year as part of the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year recognition.
“This year’s Teachers of the Year exemplify the profound impact our dedicated educators have in preparing our students to become globally competitive and locally committed,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Their commitment to fostering not just academic excellence, but also creativity, resilience, curiosity and critical thinking, is truly inspiring. We are honored to celebrate these individuals who are actively building a foundation for success for our students, our schools, and our state.”
The teachers of the year, in alphabetical order, are:
Teacher | Nofoaga Lavelave | Aoga | Subject or Grade |
David Adler | Nānākuli-Waiʻanae | Nānākuli Elementary | 6th grade math and science |
Josette (Kaleo) Akim Hanohano | Castle-Kahuku | Kahuku High & Intermediate | Modern History of Hawaiʻi and Hawaiian Language |
Jessica Canyon | Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani | Fern Elementary | vasega 5 |
Susan Chew | Hana-Lahainaluna-Lanaʻi-Molokaʻi | Lanai High and Elementary | A'oga |
Claire Ann (Kalaunuola) Domingo | Public Charter Schools | Ke Kula oʻ Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter School | Kindergarten (Hawaiian immersion) |
Steve Hanks | Honoka'a-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena | Honoka‘a High & Intermediate | 11th and 12th grade math |
Judith (Elise) Hannigan | Ka‘ū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa | Kea'au High | Igilisi |
Christopher Justo | Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua | Mililani Middle | Agriculture |
Jodi Kadoyama | Penina Aai-Waipahu | Mānana Elementary | Curriculum Coordinator |
Emily Mendoza | 'Aiea-Moanalua-Radford | 'Aiea maualuga | Tufuga Taumafa |
Kristel Pigao | Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kūlanihākoʻi-Maui | Waihee Elementary | vasega 5 |
Dawn Spurrell-Robinson | Hilo-Waiākea | Nofoaga Fa'alavelave o Hilo-Waiākea | PreK-6 |
Courtney Suma | Campbell-Kapolei | Kapolei High | Career Academy Coordinator |
Kris Tajima | Kaimukī-McKinley-Roosevelt | Kauluwela Elementary | English Learner Coordinator |
Kathleen Trifonovitch | Kailua-Kalāheo | Maunawili Elementary | vasega 4 |
Natsumi Yamasato | Kapaʻa-Kauaʻi-Waimea | Wilcox Elementary | STEM |
In September, one teacher will be announced as the 2026 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year and will go on to represent Hawaiʻi in the National Teacher of the Year program. The honor is presented annually to a teacher selected from more than 13,000 HIDOE educators.