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Sometimes I really miss teaching in Hawaii

I was lucky enough to spend a year teaching amazing first graders. I remember walking in on the first day being a bit out of my element. For one, I get HOT when I teach and my room had no air conditioning, just fans and slats in the windows to let the warm Hawaiian air in. Teaching in Hawaii had it's ups and downs, but these are some of the things I'm thinking about tonight as I am about to embark on a new journey.

Some of the best things about teaching in Hawaii (in no particular order)

Everyone practices Aloha

Parents are so respectful and thoughtful

Each week, the students learn participate in Hawaiian studies (the learn about the culture, how to hula, hawaiian words, and more)

They learn Mandarin weekly as well

Music class is THE most fun compared to the music classes my kids get on the mainland (Don't get me wrong, our music teachers do a great job here. But there, they have SO much more fun

Before coming into class, kids take off their shoes and slippers, and walk around barefoot. This would never fly in California. I absolutely loved it.

They served fresh, hot lunches daily

Whenever a guest speaker came, they were always greeted with a lei

Things are a lot more laid-back

These are all the leis I received on “May Day.” They were gorgeous and smelled so good!

This was one phase in my teaching career that I will always remember.

But let's not forget the best part about living on O'ahu…I had this amazing ocean view to come home to. Miss my daily walks on the private beach with my dog, Marley.

If you could teach anywhere, where would you teach?

My name is Kristen and I’ve enjoyed teaching kindergarten, first grade, a 1/2 combo, and second grade. I’ve taught at both a low and high-performing Title I schools as well as a few fancy schools in California and O’ahu, Hawaii. I’ve earned my Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in reading in addition to my Reading Specialist Certificate. When I am not teaching my scholars or other educators at Professional Development classes, I enjoy creating materials to share with my colleagues, organizing family literacy events, and giving workshops on ways to make Literacy Workshop effective and engaging.

Sometimes I really miss teaching in Hawaii

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