HEA Awards Five HSTA-Retired Grants
Five exceptional teachers whose work directly enriches the lives of their students recently received HEA HSTA-Retired grants.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Chassidy Kaaihue, Jacie Miyashiro, Curtis Ogi, Joy Paul, and Adrienne Yanke.
These educators were selected for this grant because of their commitment to advancing their training and strengthening their professional practice. Each recipient explained how the grant will support their continued growth and development.
Chassidy Kaaihue
University of Hawaii Mānoa – Reading Interventionist Program
Chassidy Kaaihue, a special education teacher at Kamaile Academy Public Charter School, is participating in UH Mānoa’s Reading Interventionist Program to become a Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist. This training enhances expertise in evidence-based literacy interventions, structured literacy, and multi-sensory instruction. With nine years of teaching experience, she aims to support students with reading difficulties, close learning gaps, and serve as a resource for colleagues, giving back to her Waiʻanae community.
Jacie Miyashiro
University of Hawaii at Mānoa – M.A., English
Jacie Miyashiro is an exemplary English teacher at Aiea High School with eight years of experience, known for creating supportive, student-centered classrooms that build confidence and engagement. She designs inclusive, culturally responsive lessons connecting literature to real-world issues, mentors colleagues, leads initiatives like HSTA CARES, and recently earned National Board Certification. Jacie is recognized for her dedication, professionalism, leadership, and “Teacher’s Heart,” making her a highly respected educator and valuable asset to any educational program.
Curtis Ogi – Spalding University – M.Ed., Learner-Centered Practices
In his third year teaching AP Language and Composition, Curtis Ogi, an English teacher at Mililani High School, aims to make the course more accessible while maintaining rigor. With larger enrollment than other schools, he focuses on learner-centered practices to reduce the elitist stigma of AP classes and provide opportunities for students who might not otherwise consider them.
Joy Paul
Institute for Multi-Sensory Education – International Dyslexia Accreditation
Joy Paul, a third-grade teacher at Holualoha Elementary School, is taking three courses at the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education: Orton-Gillingham Plus, Morphology Plus, and Fidelity Training. These courses are the first steps toward full Orton-Gillingham Certification. This training in Structured Literacy will enhance instruction in her classroom and English Language Arts block, support schoolwide literacy initiatives, and allow her to share strategies with colleagues.
Adrienne Yanke
University of Hawaii at Mānoa – Ph.D., Curriculum & Instruction
Farrington High School teacher Adrienne Yanke’s PhD work focuses on improving math outcomes for English learners and Pacific Islander students, who score far below proficiency statewide and at Farrington High School. After creating EL-specific math courses, she now supports two cohorts from pre-algebra through geometry using culturally relevant, language-focused instruction. Her PhD work will help develop shareable, standards-based math lessons that better support multilingual learners.
