More than 60 statewide attendees convened on Zoom on October 15 for the Hawaii Education Association’s first Educator Connection event, “Sparking Our Passion,” which provided teachers, administrators, students and retired educators with an opportunity to dialogue about transforming teaching during the pandemic.

Moderated by Hawaii News Now co-anchor Steve Uyehara, the virtual event on Zoom featured three panelists: 

Kecia McDonald, a resource teacher from the Hawaii Department of Education West Hawaii Complex, spoke about the Power of Connection during the pandemic and how she used technology to build relationships with like-minded colleagues around the globe.

Dr. Nathan Murata, Dean of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Education, shared about the Power of Movement and explained simple approaches, activities and exercises to stay active and combat Zoom fatigue.

Jodie Cheff, Interim Principal at Waialae Elementary Public Charter School, talked about the Power of Innovation at her school, including the portable cardboard Keiki Desks that her school’s parents designed so that student seating could be reconfigured indoors and outdoors for safer learning environments.

Rewatch the Panel Presentations

Following the panelist introductions, attendees were able to move freely among three interactive “hallway chat” breakout rooms where they could ask questions of the panelists and delve into each topic in more detail.

At the conclusion of the event, HEA President June Motokawa shared an exciting announcement that HEA will be presenting special Centennial Awards in 2022 that are above and beyond the annual scholarships. Stay tuned for more information and announcements about our next Educator Connection event!