Scholarships
HEA Scholarships for Current & Aspiring Educators
The mission of the Hawaii Education Association Scholarship Fund is to support the educational endeavors of Hawaii educators, HEA members, and their dependents to shape their future to reach their full potential.
HEA offers a slate of scholarships for public school teachers, administrators, educational assistants, student teachers, college students, and graduating high school seniors. These scholarships assist current and future teachers with professional development and achieving college degrees. HEA has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to hundreds of scholarship recipients in the teaching profession. Our goal is to help you become the best that you can be.
In-Service Public School Educators
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
For tenured and/or permanent Hawaii State Department of Education pre-K – 12 teachers, school administrators, or educational assistants, HEA offers scholarships to support study or training.
Ronald K. Toma Professional Learning
Scholarship Amount: Varies
For tenured Hawaii State Department of Education pre-K – 12 teachers and school administrators, HEA offers scholarships to support those pursuing enrichment opportunities and professional learning.
Student Teachers
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
For student teachers intending to teach in the Hawaii State Department of Education, HEA and the family of Helen McKay have established a Student Teacher Scholarship to minimize the need for employment during the student teaching semester.
HEA Richard Keakahiwa/Wilhelmina Luna Scholarship
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
For full-time undergraduate students majoring in education and intending to teach in a Hawaii public school, HEA is pleased to offer the HEA Richard Keakahiwa/Wilhelmina Luna Scholarship to assist with college.
Continuing College Students
Scholarship Amount: $1,000
HEA offers college scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in education.
Graduating High School Seniors
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
HEA offers college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who will enroll in any two-year or four-year accredited institution of higher learning.
HEA Carol H. Yoneshige Undergraduate College Students
Scholarship Amount: $3,000
For full-time undergraduate students majoring in education in their 2nd or 3rd year, intending to teach in a Hawaii public school, elementary or secondary level.
HSTA-Retired/HEA Professional Development Grant
Scholarship Amount: $2,000
For HSTA members in good standing and have been HSTA members for at least one year, have a Baccalaureate degree, and have a commitment to continue in the field of public education.
HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Teacher Micro Grant
Scholarship Amount: Varies
HEA/HSTA-Retired is offering grants up to $500 each that will be deducted by priority applications until the $8,000 threshold is atttained.
2026-27 Scholarship and Grant Recipients
Congratulations to our 2026-27 HEA scholarship and grant recipients. These exceptional current and future teachers showcased exemplary skills, drive and dedication to achieve their professional goals and pursue excellence in their careers.
2026-27 In-Service Public School Educator Scholarship
Lauren Collier
Kaneohe Elementary School Lauren Collier is a special education teacher at Kāneʻohe Elementary School and a statewide leader dedicated to advancing inclusive education for Hawaiʻi’s students. With more than a decade of experience in special education, Lauren serves as president of the Hawaiʻi Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children while mentoring educators and leading initiatives that strengthen equitable practices across the state. Her scholarship will help offset the cost of pursuing a doctor of education degree in educational leadership at the University of Southern California, where she is studying instructional change with a focus on educational equity and inclusive systems. Through her research and leadership, Lauren is committed to improving instructional decision-making, supporting fellow educators, and ensuring students with disabilities have access to high-quality, culturally responsive learning opportunities throughout Hawaiʻi’s public schools.
2026-27 In-Service Public School Educator Scholarship
Eleonor Simonette Ines
Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School Eleonor Simonette Ines is an English Language Arts teacher and team lead at Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School. She focuses on strengthening student-centered learning and instructional leadership in Hawaiʻi’s public schools. Currently pursuing a master of education in curriculum studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Eleonor combines her classroom experience with research in progressive pedagogy, culturally responsive teaching, and Philosophy for Children to better serve her students and colleagues. Her scholarship will help offset the cost of graduate tuition, allowing her to continue her studies while balancing the financial responsibility of supporting her family. Passionate about educational equity and teacher leadership, Eleonor looks forward to applying her advanced learning to curriculum development, mentoring fellow educators, and creating meaningful, culturally grounded learning experiences that help all students thrive.
2026-27 Ronald K. Toma Professional Learning Scholarship
MaliaLee Akutagawa
Molokai High School 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.
2026-27 Ronald K. Toma Professional Learning Scholarship
Stephanie Keseday
Maui Waena Intermediate School 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.
2026-27 Ronald K. Toma Professional Learning Scholarship
Arica Lynn
Lahainaluna High School 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.
2026-27 Ronald K. Toma Professional Learning Scholarship
Joy Paul
Holualoa Elementary School 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.
2026-27 Ronald K. Toma Professional Learning Scholarship
Mari Sato
Enchanted Lake Elementary 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.
2025-26 Ronald K. Toma Professional Learning Scholarship
Nolan Yamaki
Ernest Bowen deSilva Elementary School 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.
2026-27 Ronald K. Toma Professional Learning Scholarship
Rain Yong
Ka Waihona o ka Na'auao Public Charter School 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.
2026-27 Student Teacher Scholarship sponsored by the Helen MacKay Memorial
2026-27 Continuing College Scholarship
2026-27 Richard Keakahiwa/Wilhelmina Luna Scholarship
Chaeyoon Cho
University of Hawaii-West Oahu Chaeyoon Cho, an aspiring elementary educator at the University of Hawaiʻi West Oʻahu who is dedicated to creating inclusive classrooms where every child feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. Building on her background in psychology and early childhood education, Chaeyoon has gained extensive hands-on experience as a student teacher at Kalihi Waena Elementary School. Her scholarship will help cover tuition and other school-related expenses. When Chaeyoon moved to Hawai‘i as a child, she could not speak or understand English, but a teacher gave her confidence and made her feel capable. This inspired her to become a teacher. As a first-generation college student, Chaeyoon is passionate about supporting children and hopes to inspire confidence, belonging, and lifelong learning in every student.
2026-27 Student Teacher Scholarship sponsored by the Helen MacKay Memorial
Taylee Yamamoto
Kauai Community College Kaua’i resident Taylee Yamamoto said she has always felt called to be a teacher. Throughout her life, she has been inspired by teachers who made learning feel meaningful, encouraging, and fun. Their impact showed her the powerful influence of a good teacher, and this inspired her to be that same kind teacher. She has always taken her calling very seriously. “I have discovered a lot of joy working with keiki through my volunteer experience as an assistant kids coach at my local CrossFit gym, which has helped me build patience, confidence, and a stronger connection with children,” Taylee said. After attending Kaua'i Community College and completing her student teaching at Kekaha Elementary School, she is now pursuing a degree in elementary education at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, with support from an HEA Student Teacher scholarship. “I want to help create a classroom where students feel supported, capable, and excited to learn,” Taylee wrote in her scholarship application. “I hope to contribute to the teaching profession by being a caring, dedicated, and encouraging teacher who helps students grow both academically and personally.”
2026-27 Continuing College Scholarship
Carissa Miyamoto
Columbia University Carissa Miyamoto is a music teacher at Mililani ʻIke Elementary School who is dedicated to creating meaningful, high-quality music experiences for Hawaiʻi's students. A graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a bachelor's degree in music education, Carissa continues to refine her teaching through advanced training in Orff, Kodály, Suzuki, and other music education methodologies while remaining an active performer and youth symphony conductor. Her scholarship will help offset the cost of pursuing a master of arts in music education through Columbia University's Teachers College, allowing her to bring new instructional strategies and innovative approaches back to her classroom. Passionate about lifelong learning, Carissa is committed to inspiring a love of music while ensuring every student has access to engaging, enriching, and joyful musical experiences.
2026-27 Carol H. Yoneshige in memory of Faith C. Ai
Erin Rodrigues
Grand Canyon University Erin Rodrigues, an educational assistant at Makawao Elementary School and pursuing a bachelor of science degree in elementary education at Grand Canyon University, with plans to become a licensed elementary teacher in Hawaiʻi. Her scholarship will help offset the cost of earning her teaching degree, allowing her to continue balancing college coursework while working full-time in the classroom. Erin has nearly a decade of experience supporting students and is dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments where every child feels valued and capable of success. Her passion for teaching is rooted in helping students build confidence in themselves and their abilities. Her goal is to serve Hawaiʻi’s children by fostering classrooms where all learners can thrive and reach their full potential.
2026-27 Graduating High School Seniors Scholarship
Sydnie Melemai
Daugher of HEA member Scott Melemai
Kalani High School Sydnie Melemai, graduated from Kalani High School this year, plans to use engineering and sustainability to create innovative solutions for Hawaiʻi’s future. As captain of her school’s FIRST Robotics Competition team, a leader in STEM outreach, and founder of programs that inspire younger students, Sydnie has combined technical expertise with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community service. Her scholarship will help offset the cost of pursuing an engineering degree with a focus on sustainability, allowing her to continue developing technologies that address Hawaiʻi’s most pressing challenges, from renewable energy to food security. Guided by a strong sense of kuleana, Sydnie is committed to designing solutions that honor Hawaiʻi’s people, culture, and environment while inspiring the next generation of innovators.
2026-27 Graduating High School Seniors Scholarship
Micah Ynigues
Pearl City High School Micah Ynigues graduated from Pearl City High School and looks forward to pursuing a career in digital design and business. Through digital design coursework, college-level classes, and a graphic design internship with PD Technologies Hawaiʻi, Micah has developed creative and technical skills while building a portfolio that reflects his interest in branding, marketing, and visual communication. He will use his scholarship to attend the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where he plans to continue his studies in business or digital design while expanding his professional experience. A dedicated student leader and athlete, Micah has served as captain of his high school soccer and crosscountry teams and is committed to using design to help businesses and organizations connect with their communities in meaningful ways.
2026-27 Teaching As A Career (TAAC) Club/Education Pathway High School Seniors Scholarship, jointly sponsored by Pi Lambda Theta-Beta Zeta Hawaii Chapter
Layden Balisacan
James Campbell High School Layden Balisacan graduated from James Campbell High School, where he was an active member of the school’s Career and Technical Education Pathway, FCCLA, and Educators Rising. Passionate about working with children and advocating for student well-being, Layden has gained valuable hands-on experience through kindergarten internships, early college coursework, leadership projects, and community service. His scholarship will help offset the cost of pursuing a degree in education, allowing him to focus on preparing for a career as a teacher and returning to Hawaiʻi to serve future generations of students. Inspired by the impact educators have on students’ confidence and sense of belonging, Layden is committed to creating supportive, inclusive classrooms where every child feels heard, valued, and empowered to succeed.
2026-27 Teaching As A Career (TAAC) Club/Education Pathway High School Seniors Scholarship, jointly sponsored by Pi Lambda Theta-Beta Zeta Hawaii Chapter
Adora Cobb
Mililani High School Adora Cobb graduated from Mililani High School and participated in the Teaching as a Profession (TAAP) pathway. Her goal is to be a secondary English teacher. Over the past four years in the education pathway, she has gained valuable classroom experience through lesson planning, teaching, classroom observations, and mentoring students across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Her scholarship will help offset the cost of attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she plans to pursue a degree in education with a focus on secondary English. Adora is committed to creating inclusive classrooms where every student feels they belong and enjoys learning. She looks forward to using her classroom experience and passion for education to inspire the next generation of students.
2026-27 Teaching As A Career (TAAC) Club/Education Pathway High School Seniors Scholarship, jointly sponsored by Pi Lambda Theta-Beta Zeta Hawaii Chapter
Chloe Toledo
Pearl City High School Chloe Toledo graduated from Pearl City High School and was a member of the Teaching as a Profession (TAAP) pathway. Her dream is to become a special education teacher. Throughout high school, Chloe gained valuable classroom experience by creating lesson plans, working one-on-one with students in special education, and leading learning sessions at the 2026 EdRedefined Conference. Her scholarship will help cover the cost of attending Leeward Community College, where she plans to begin her studies in education with a focus on special education. Inspired by the teachers who have shaped her own life, Chloe is committed to supporting students with diverse learning needs and creating inclusive classrooms where every learner can succeed. She looks forward to building on her classroom experience helping students reach their full potential.
2026-27 HSTA-Retired/HEA Professional Development Grant
Dariess Ah Sui
Ka Waihona o Ka Na'auao Public Charter School Dariess Ah Sui, a special education inclusion teacher for kindergarten and first grade students at Ka Waihona o Ka Na'auao Public Charter School in Nanakuli on the Wai‘anae Coast, supports diverse learners in accessing the general education curriculum through differentiated instruction, visual supports and small group learning. She will use her HSTA-Retired/HEA grant to continue her master’s degree in interdisciplinary education at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She started the master’s program, focusing on place-based education and culturally responsive curriculum design this past spring and is expected to be completed in 2027. Dariess, who taught a summer program at Papa Hana No'eau at Ka Waihona, a public charter school on Nanakuli Hawaiian homestead land by integrating Hawaiian culture through hands-on arts and crafts and place-based learning, plans to work closely with students to develop individualized education programs to build independence and engagement.
2026-27 HSTA-Retired/HEA Professional Development
Rain Yong
Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao Public Charter School Rain Yong at Ka Waihona o Ka Naʻauao Public Charter School in Nanakuli will use her grant to further integrate indigenous knowledge systems and placebased learning into a modern educational framework, ensuring that her instruction is both rigorous and culturally relevant to better serve the unique student population. Rain has been a Kaiapuni since 2014, and previous taught at other schools, including Ke Kula Kaiapuni o Anuenue in Pālolo Valley, Ke Kula Kaiapuni ʻo Pūʻōhala (special education) in Kāne‘ōhe, and Ke Kula 'O Nāwahīokalani'ōpuʻu Iki Lab Public Charter School in Keaʻau, Puna, Hawai‘i Island. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian language and a master’s degree in elementary education, both from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, which she says provided “the pedagogical foundation for my teaching career.”
2026-27 HSTA-Retired/HEA Professional Development Grant
Tiffany Brown
Innovations Public Charter School Tiffany Brown, a full-time performing arts instructor at Innovations Public Charter School in Kailua-Kona on Hawai‘i Island, received a Ka'ohekani Hawaiian Music Academic Subject Certificate at Windward Community College last year, and loved it so much that she will use her HSTARetired/HEA grant to continue her training in Hawaiian performing arts because “the curriculum is strong, effective, and directly informs my teaching practice.” “Our school has long wanted to incorporate more place-based learning, and as their performing arts instructor, having a growing repertoire of content and curriculum aids me in this mission,” she wrote in her application. “I have studied Hawaiian language, music, movement, and history at introductory and intermediate levels now, and am ready to take my studies further.”
2026-27 HSTA-Retired/HEA Professional Development Grant
Matthew Gallivan
Waialua High and Intermediate School Matthew Gallivan, a math teacher at Waialua High and Intermediate School since 2024, will use his HSTA-Retired/HEA grant to pursue a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in instructional leadership at Chaminade University. He wrote in his application that a master’s degree “has always felt like a very important and natural next step for me as a teacher. Over time, I’ve realized that the more I learn about teaching, the more I see how much room there is to grow as an educator…Earning a master’s degree is not just about advancing my education, it’s about becoming a better teacher for the students I work with every day.” “Every class is different, and every student walks into the room with their own strengths, challenges, and experiences,” he added. “I try to adjust my teaching to meet their needs, but I know I can do that more thoughtfully and intentionally.”
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Kristy Arakawa
‘Ilima Intermediate School Kristy Arakawa will use her grant to engage 7th and 8th grade students as environmental engineers in designing and testing sustainable solutions to restore and protect Kalauhaʻihaʻi Fishpond. The project connects students to a critical local challenge: the health of Hawaiʻi’s ocean and coastal ecosystems. Students will explore how healthy water flowing from mauka to makai impacts fish, limu, native species, and the overall balance of the ecosystem. They will investigate authentic problems affecting the fishpond and develop potential engineering solutions. The goal of the program is to support environmental stewardship, problem-solving, collaboration, and a deeper connection to Hawaiʻi’s natural resources.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Rayme Ann Awaya
Webling Elementary School Rayme Ann Awaya says she struggled as a student because she was not an auditory learner. She needed to touch, build and learn by doing. That experience inspired her to become a special education teacher and has made it her life's mission to ensure every student, regardless of how their brain works, is given the opportunity to learn in the way that suits them best. Instead of creating her own materials, she will use the grant for commercial-grade, durable hands-on materials for her classroom that she can use for years to come.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Catherine Baldaino
Ala Wai Elementary School Catherine Baldaino’s project will provide handson learning activities for fourth grade students with significant learning needs. The grant will be used to purchase different materials to make concepts more concrete and accessible. These resources will support small-group instruction, intervention, independent practice, and participation in whole-group lessons. The goal is to help students access grade-level standards while receiving instruction and practice at their individual learning levels, and help students develop greater independence and confidence. The program will provide students with disabilities the tools and multiple ways of learning to make academic progress, and experience success alongside their fourth grade peers.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Rochelle Borja
Mokulele Elementary School Rochelle Borja will use her grant to help her students recognize letters, master phonic sounds, identify numbers and two- and threedimensional shapes, and solve basic addition and subtraction problems using hands-on resources. Her program will also support differentiated instruction, supply teachers with adaptive learning materials while empowering students to independently explore stations, build self-regulation, and meet their individual goals in a fun environment.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Katherine Brown
Wailuku Elementary School Katherine Brown is a special education teacher at Wailuku Elementary School and many of her students have Autism Spectrum Disorder. She plans to have special lighting for her classroom for students with sensory disabilities who are overwhelmed by the fluorescent lighting. The goal is to reduce sensory overload occurrences, and to create a calming environment and keep her students from becoming overstimulated. The alternative lighting will help her preschool special education students reach their goals for toileting, communication, numeracy, literacy, fine motor skills, and physical therapy. In addition, many students can improve their cognitive abilities, executive functioning, and approaches to learning.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Maureen Burnham
Kalani High School Maureen Burnham will put her grant to good use by implementing the "Falcons for Inclusion,” a yearlong, school-wide awareness campaign designed to reduce stigma and promote authentic inclusion for students with disabilities at Kalani High School. The Laulea Club, currently 35 members including students with disabilities and general education peers, will wear custom "Inclusion" t-shirts every Monday throughout the school year, creating a visible, recurring statement about belonging and wants to double membership to 70 with half of the members with disabilities.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Jason Dettweiler-Pavia
Ka‘iulani Elementary School In March 2027, Jason Dettweiler-Pavia plans to take his students on a field trip to watch a performance of Hawai‘i Theatre for Youth’s Heart Strings, which is set during the territorial days of old Hawai‘i. The story is about two hanai sisters who face a powerful storm, a clash of cultures, and the challenges of sibling rivalry. The story is told through the use of hei, traditional Hawaiian string games. The sisters must untangle what it means to be family and learn about the kuleana that comes with loving someone.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Jonathan Drayton
Kaua‘i High School Jonathan Drayton will use his grant to develop a steambending station to expand handson instruction in wood science, construction materials, and fabrication as part of the the Kaua‘i High School Construction Program. Steam bending allows students to investigate how heat and moisture affect wood that can be bent into curved components. This experience will allow students to connect math, material science, design and craftsmanship.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Tracey Murata
Ahuimanu Elementary School Tracey Murata is a fifth and sixth grade mathematics teacher at Ahuimanu Elementary, and plans to implement Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) with her students. As part of the BTC program, she wants to create a classroom where students actively think, persevere, collaborate, and develop their problem-solving skills rather than simply mimic procedures demonstrated by a teacher. She will use the grant to purchase rolling whiteboards for her classroom to create a dynamic classroom where students become confident, independent mathematicians.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Kelsey Muromoto
Pearl City Elementary School Kelsey Muromoto will use this grant to create an inclusive outdoor gathering space to provide students with a comfortable, welcoming place to eat lunch, enjoy picnics, and spend time with their peers. Her goal is to encourage meaningful social interactions and help students develop communication, cooperation, and friendship-building skills in a natural setting. For our special education students, opportunities to interact with same-age peers are especially valuable, as they benefit from observing and modeling positive social behaviors.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Becky Naeole
Kailua Elementary School This project is an observational study of a shortterm immersive experience through the Japan Preschool Exchange. As a parent of a child receiving special education services, Becky Naeole will observe how educators in Japan naturally integrate neurodivergent and diverse learners into unstructured, outdoor settings and explore how Japan’s nature-centric, inclusive early childhood practices support holistic development, social integration, and emotional resilience. She also hopes to learn about another country’s inclusive practices, including mixed-age collaborative play, sensory-rich forest exploration, mud play, and harvesting local crops, and to nurture confidence and non-cognitive skills beyond language barriers. She hopes to gather actionable insights, inclusive strategies, and pedagogical methods for inclusive outdoor learning in her school district.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Luciane Pimentel
Aliamanu Elementary School Luciane Pimentel will use this grant for a real-world project that culminates in March 2027 with her students operating an art store that they helped design, plan, implement and operate. Students will sell their art to raise funds for an organization that supports and cares for the Hawaiian endangered animals they learn about through this project. Students will practice and learn the values of living pono and aloha and its impact at their school community, in Hawaii and the world, building empathy, collaboration, communication and other important academic and life skills while caring for Hawai‘i’s unique natural resources.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Spencer Serrao
Leilehua High School Spencer Serrao will use this grant for his sophomore biology resource students at Leilehua High School and to provide hands-on learning experience through classroom dissections. He will purchase preserved specimens, dissection tools, and other necessary materials, rather than only reading about them in a textbook. His goal is to make biology more engaging, meaningful, and accessible for his special education students while building their confidence, curiosity, and understanding of science.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Lisa Jean Silva
Kula Elementary School Lisa Jean Silva will use her grant to implement “Building Blocks of Literacy,” a one-year project delivering multisensory reading intervention to 2nd grade special education students. As students transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn.” Grounded in science of reading principles, this initiative will use tactile phonics games, high-interest decodable books, and structured workbooks to offer visual, auditory, and kinesthetic pathways to learning and will feature hands-on game warm-ups, workbook practice, and decodable reading.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Natasha Skaltsas
Ewa Makai Middle School Natasha Skaltsas, a special education teacher at Ewa Makai Middle School, will implement a “Hands-On Science & Kitchen Lab Exploration,” to bridge functional life skills with rigorous core academic standards for her middle school students. Utilizing her classroom’s full kitchen setting, this initiative integrates hands-on science experiments, such as chemical reactions behind volcanic eruptions, with foundational English language arts, math, and social studies. Her classroom is a diverse group of multicultural learners with unique learning needs, and the project will help to make abstract scientific concepts tangible, accessible, and engaging. The project will also nurture critical thinking, functional independence, and a lifelong curiosity for STEM learning tailored to a Hawai‘i context.
2026-27 HEA/HSTA-Retired Susan Hagiwara Special Education Micro Grant
Van Tran-Trimner
Kalani High School Van Tran-Trimner will create, Mind in Focus, a student-led photo exhibit that uses art to break the silence around mental health and let teens know they are not alone. The exhibit will give students an opportunity to take an honest look into the real pressure, mental health struggles, and everyday resilience of young people. The art will be linked to youth crisis resources, school counselors, and mental health tools so that students know where to find support.