HEA Supports Professional Learning for Hawai‘i Educators

The Ronald K. Toma Scholarship for Professional Learning supports tenured Hawai‘i State Department of Education pre-K–12 teachers and school administrators who are pursuing professional learning opportunities, other than an advanced degree and formal post-secondary courses in higher education. Congratulations to the following seven educators!

MaliaLee Akutagawa is a veteran educator at Moloka‘i High School who has dedicated more than 20 years to helping students succeed.

With a bachelor of science degree from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo, MaliaLee is committed to continuously strengthening her teaching practice to meet the needs of all learners, particularly English learners. Her grant will help cover graduate coursework through the University of Massachusetts Global as she pursues specialized TESOL training focused on Writing Across the Disciplines.

MaliaLee aims to improve writing instruction and ensure English learners have equitable opportunities to succeed across all subjects. She looks forward to sharing her new knowledge with colleagues through professional learning communities, school leadership teams, and mentoring opportunities to strengthen instruction throughout the Moloka‘i school community.

Stephanie Keseday is a special education teacher at Maui Waena Intermediate School who is dedicated to helping diverse learners succeed through engaging, accessible science instruction.

She holds a bachelor of science degree in special education from Miami University and a master of science in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University.

Her grant will help fund coursework at Idaho University as she works toward earning a middle school science certification, strengthening her knowledge of next generation science standards and inquiry-based learning.

Stephanie is passionate about making complex scientific concepts meaningful and accessible for all learners, particularly students with disabilities. She looks forward to applying her new knowledge to create high-interest, inclusive science lessons that inspire curiosity and achievement in her classroom.

Arica Lynn is a biology teacher at Lahainaluna High School who is pursuing professional learning through the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Sustainability and Resilience Education program.

A dedicated educator since 2013, Arica is passionate about integrating place-based education, indigenous knowledge, and sustainability into her science curriculum to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

Her grant will help cover tuition for the yearlong program, equipping her with new knowledge in climate science, eco-literacies, and culturally grounded sustainability practices that she will bring back to her classroom and school community.

Deeply rooted in the recovery and future of Lahaina, she hopes to help students reconnect with the region’s rich cultural and ecological history while exploring innovative solutions for community resilience and food sustainability. Through her studies, Arica plans to develop interdisciplinary lessons, collaborate with fellow educators, and empower students to help build a stronger, more sustainable future for Lahaina.

Joy Paul is a dedicated third-grade teacher at Holualoa Elementary School who is passionate about helping all students become confident, successful readers. With more than a decade of teaching experience and a strong background in literacy instruction, Joy continually seeks opportunities to strengthen her practice and better serve students with diverse learning needs.

Her grant will help fund the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education (IMSE) Dyslexia Specialist Practicum and certification exam, allowing her to earn a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist credential and expand her expertise in evidence-based reading instruction and interventions.

Her work directly supports school goals focused on improving literacy achievement and ensuring students receive timely, effective support. Joy has already seen positive results through her practicum experience and is committed to applying these strategies to help more students overcome reading challenges.

A leader within her school community, she also serves in several educator leadership roles and looks forward to sharing her knowledge with colleagues to strengthen literacy instruction and student outcomes across her school.

Mari Sato is an accomplished educator and instructional leader at Enchanted Lake Elementary School, where she has served students and colleagues for more than 25 years. A National Board Certified Teacher in Literacy and the school’s Academic Coach, Mari is dedicated to advancing student achievement through evidence-based instruction, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative professional learning.

She holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and has been a leader in district-level initiatives focused on literacy, mathematics, and instructional improvement. Her grant will help cover the fees required to maintain her National Board Certification, ensuring she continues to strengthen her expertise in literacy instruction, instructional coaching, and student-centered learning. Passionate about empowering both students and fellow educators, Mari remains committed to fostering excellence, innovation, and continuous growth within Hawaiʻi’s public schools.

Nolan Yamaki is a veteran educator at Ernest Bowen deSilva Elementary School in Hilo, where he has dedicated nearly two decades to teaching and supporting student achievement.

With more than 25 years of experience in education and advanced degrees in elementary education and reading instruction from the University of Northern Colorado, Nolan is committed to continuously refining his craft to meet the evolving needs of students.

His grant will help cover tuition, airfare, lodging, and transportation to attend the Hawaiʻi Writing Project’s Advanced Invitational Summer Institute and Young Writers Camp, where he will strengthen his expertise in writing instruction. Recognizing writing is a key focus area for his school, Nolan is striving to help students develop the skills needed to communicate effectively and think critically.

Beyond the classroom, he is an active community leader and mentor who looks forward to sharing new strategies and insights with fellow educators, helping to advance teaching and learning throughout his school community.

Rain Yong is dedicated to being a kumu kaiapuni (Hawaiian language immersion teacher) at Ka Waihona o ka Naʻauao and is committed to fostering academic success, cultural identity, and lifelong learning among her haumana (students).

A graduate of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa with a background in Hawaiian language, Hawaiian studies, and Kaiapuni education, Rain has served students across multiple Hawaiian immersion schools and continues to be an active leader within the education community.

Her grant will support conference registration, travel, lodging, and college coursework, allowing her to participate in professional learning opportunities such as ELEVATE Your Classroom, Get Your Teach On, and University of Hawai‘i courses that strengthen culturally grounded teaching practices and support for diverse learners.

Guided by her school’s mission and a deep commitment to the revitalization of ōlelo Hawaiʻi, Rain strives to build learning environments where students feel connected, confident, and empowered. She is passionate about sharing new knowledge with fellow educators and contributing to the collective growth of Hawaiʻi’s educational community.