{"id":21491,"date":"2026-08-12T08:08:14","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T18:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/?p=21491"},"modified":"2026-08-12T11:48:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T21:48:48","slug":"2026-staff-spotlight-jerico-v-jaramillo-lanai-high-and-elementary-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/2026-staff-spotlight-jerico-v-jaramillo-lanai-high-and-elementary-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Staff Spotlight: Jerico V. Jaramillo (L\u0101na’i High and Elementary School)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Jerico V. Jaramillo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Headshot<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Igoa: <\/strong>English Language Arts teacher
Nofoaga o galuega:<\/strong> L\u0101na\u02bbi High and Elementary School
Tausaga i le HIDOE:<\/strong> 3
Tausaga i le tulaga:<\/strong> 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Hawai\u2018i continues to address teacher shortages, the Department\u2019s J-1 visa teacher exchange program has become an important part of ensuring students have access to high-quality instruction, particularly in hard-to-fill subject areas and rural communities. Since launching in the 2020-21 school year, the program has helped fill critical vacancies with experienced educators from around the world while complementing, not replacing, the HIDOE’s efforts to grow and retain local teachers. Today, more than 600 J-1 teachers are serving in public schools statewide, with 90% choosing to remain in Hawai\u2018i for the program\u2019s minimum three-year commitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One such educator is Jerico V. Jaramillo, an English language arts teacher at L\u0101na\u02bbi High & Elementary School. A graduate of Mariano Marcos State University, where he earned his bachelor\u2019s, master\u2019s and doctorate degrees, Jamarillo has spent the past three years inspiring students on L\u0101na\u02bbi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

F: Fa'amatala fa'apuupuu lou ala faigaluega.<\/strong>
A: <\/strong>I began my educational journey in the Philippines, attending public schools from preschool through high school, where I developed a strong interest in culture, history, and language. I pursued this passion at Mariano Marcos State University, earning a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English in 2012, followed by a Master of Arts in Education major in Language and Literature in 2017, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Linguistics in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With over a decade of teaching experience, including 10 years in high school and one year in college, I have served in the Department of Education (DepEd) Region I, Schools Division of Ilocos Norte. I have grown into my role as a Master Teacher, committed to fostering meaningful learning experiences. As a Master Teacher in the Philippines (DepEd), I served as both a classroom teacher and mentor, spearheaded curriculum development, conducted demonstration lessons, and provided technical assistance through coaching and mentoring colleagues. My career reflects my dedication to education, my passion for engaging with diverse cultures, and my commitment to advancing language and literacy development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: How did you get into this field?<\/strong>
A: <\/strong>My journey into this field expanded through my experience as a J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Teacher. It began in January 2023, when I started the application process, including completing paperwork and attending interviews. By July 8, 2023, I was officially hired and traveled to Hawai\u2018i, where I began teaching in a new cultural and educational environment. This opportunity allowed me to grow professionally while immersing myself in a diverse community and broadening my perspective as an educator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: O a ou tiute autu?<\/strong>
A: <\/strong>My primary duties as a teacher at L\u0101na\u02bbi High and Elementary School have evolved over my three years, reflecting both instructional and leadership responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my first year, I taught high school English Language Arts and a Writing Workshop elective, served as Class of 2024 adviser, and collaborated in developing the high school ELA curriculum, which was later approved by HIDOE. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my second year, I continued teaching high school ELA and expanded my work in curriculum development by writing the Filipino language curriculum aligned with Hawai\u02bbi World Languages Standards and launching Filipino 1. I also contributed to the Hawai\u2018i Filipino Curriculum Project, supported student participation in the Sakada Student Day Celebration (earning third place statewide), and presented student work at the 2025 Education Week Summit. I served as High School Academic Leader for Hawai\u02bbi Multi-Tiered System of Supports (HMTSS), and participated in the ELL team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In my third year, I continued teaching ELA and expanded the Filipino program to Filipino 1 and 2. I strengthened my role in supporting colleagues at LHES and J-1 teachers across the state through the Hawai\u2018i State Teachers Association, providing mentorship and collaboration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From 2023 to 2025, I also served in the HIDOE Aloha Ambassador Program, sharing my teaching experiences in L\u0101na\u02bbi with prospective educators, particularly J-1 teachers. I continued my roles in HMTSS, the ELL team, and participated in the 2026 Education Week Summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, I took a role within HSTA to support and collaborate with colleagues at L\u0101na\u02bbi High and Elementary School and J-1 teachers across the state. I contribute to initiatives that promote teacher support, mentorship, and professional growth, helping new teachers adjust to teaching in Hawai\u02bbi. I also participate in chapter-level activities that strengthen communication and engagement within the teaching community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Vaega e fiafia i ai e uiga i le galuega?<\/strong>
A:<\/strong> My favorite part of the job is seeing the growth and transformation of my students, whether the changes are big or small. It is very fulfilling to witness students gain confidence, improve their skills, and develop a stronger sense of identity and purpose over time. I also find it rewarding when students are given opportunities to go out into the island and represent our school and community, showcasing their learning and sharing their voices beyond the classroom. These experiences remind me of the meaningful impact my work has on their academic and personal growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Vaega sili ona luitauina e uiga i lou tulaga?<\/strong>
A:<\/strong> The most challenging part of my position is meeting the diverse academic, emotional, and cultural needs of students while ensuring they stay engaged and supported in their learning. Balancing instruction, curriculum development, and additional responsibilities can also be demanding, especially in a small island school setting with limited resources. However, these challenges also push me to be more creative, flexible, and intentional in my teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: How does your job support students?<\/strong>
A: <\/strong>My job supports students by providing engaging and rigorous instruction in English Language Arts and Filipino language that builds their reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. I design meaningful learning experiences through curriculum development, project-based learning, and classroom discussions that connect lessons to students\u2019 lives. I also help students develop a strong connection to their culture and history as part of their identity, allowing them to better understand who they are and where they come from. In addition, I foster an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where students feel confident to participate, express themselves, and grow academically and personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: O le a sau fautuaga mo tagata e mafaufau i lenei tulaga?<\/strong>
A:<\/strong> My advice for those considering this role is to be intentional in everything you do and give your best effort in serving students. For J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Teachers coming from the Philippines or any part of the world, it is important to be open-minded and adaptable as you adjust to a new educational context and culture. See additional responsibilities not as a burden, but as opportunities to grow professionally and make a greater impact on students and the school community. Embrace collaboration, stay open to learning, and always keep students at the center of your work. It is also important to live out the core values of our school \u201cTORCH: Tenacious, Observant, Respectful, Compassionate, and Honorable\u201d as these guide your practice, relationships, and overall success in a new environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWalang bagay na MAHIRAP sa taong may PANGARAP. Walang bagay na IMPOSIBLE sa taong may PAGPUPURSIGE.\u201d (There is nothing DIFFICULT for a person with a DREAM. There is nothing IMPOSSIBLE for a person with PERSEVERANCE<\/em>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a J-1 teacher coming to Hawai\u02bbi, this means staying grounded in your purpose and remembering why you chose to teach despite the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and school system. It reflects the importance of having a clear dream for your students and career, while also showing perseverance in overcoming homesickness, cultural differences, and professional adjustments. Living by this mindset helps a teacher remain resilient, positive, and committed to growth, while continuing to make a meaningful impact on students\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Q: Fun fact about yourself?<\/strong>
A:<\/strong> A fun fact about me is that I started teaching at the age of 19 after graduating from college and passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers in the Philippines. I come from a family of educators, which inspired my passion for teaching from an early age. I am also a licensed teacher in both the Philippines and Hawai\u02bbi, having earned my Hawai\u02bbi Teacher Standards Board license during my first year of teaching in Hawai\u02bbi.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Jerico V. Jaramillo Title: English Language Arts teacherJob site: L\u0101na\u02bbi High and Elementary SchoolYears in the HIDOE: 3Years in the position: 3 As Hawai\u2018i continues to address teacher shortages, the Department\u2019s J-1 visa teacher exchange program has become an important part of ensuring students have access to high-quality instruction, particularly in hard-to-fill subject areas and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":8973,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"856,888,893,1022,1619,1622","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","wp_popup_display_lightbox":0,"wp_popup_suppress":"","wp_popup_trigger":"","wp_popup_trigger_amount":0,"wp_popup_disable_on_mobile":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,21,58],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hoohaaheo","category-news","category-staff-spotlight"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":22,"label":"Ho\u2018oha\u2018aheo"},{"value":21,"label":"News"},{"value":58,"label":"Staff Spotlight"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/Lanai-HS-and-ES-BANNER-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"author_info":{"display_name":"Kim Yuen","author_link":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/author\/kimberly-yuenk12-hi-us\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":22,"name":"Ho\u2018oha\u2018aheo","slug":"hoohaaheo","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":22,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":83,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":22,"category_count":83,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Ho\u2018oha\u2018aheo","category_nicename":"hoohaaheo","category_parent":0},{"term_id":21,"name":"News","slug":"news","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":21,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":350,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":21,"category_count":350,"category_description":"","cat_name":"News","category_nicename":"news","category_parent":0},{"term_id":58,"name":"Staff Spotlight","slug":"staff-spotlight","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":58,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":22,"count":32,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":58,"category_count":32,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Staff Spotlight","category_nicename":"staff-spotlight","category_parent":22}],"tag_info":false,"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-08-19 12:04:58","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"post_status","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21491","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21491"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21491\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8973"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21491"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21491"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hawaiipublicschools.org\/sm\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21491"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}