Evaluation paused this school year for effective teachers
The Hawaii State Department of Education will carry over the previous rating of educators who already have an effective or higher rating this school year, unless they are on a probationary status. This change and more were outlined in a memo released by the HIDOE Friday.
HSTA files labor board complaint as educators picket HIDOE, BOE headquarters
Dozens of educators and supporters gathered Wednesday to hold an informational picket in front of the Queen Liliuokalani building in downtown Honolulu, where the Hawaii State Department of Education and Board of Education offices are located.
Substitute shortage reported in urban and rural schools across the state
Educators across Hawaii report the substitute shortage caused by the pandemic has made it more difficult for teachers to teach and students to learn in large and small schools in communities of all sizes, according to a survey the Hawaii State Teachers Association conducted of its members in October. More than 100 substitute positions go unfilled every day around the state, according to reports from schools.
HSTA president says suspension of Chapter 89 sets dangerous precedent
Join us for sign-waving on Wednesday, Oct. 20, as we send the message to the HIDOE and the BOE that we have a right to bargain for the safety of our schools.
What you need to know about Public Service Loan Forgiveness
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Education announced a change to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program rules for a limited time as a result of the COVID-19 national emergency. Now, for a limited period of time, borrowers may receive credit for past payments made on loans that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF.
Hawaiʻi’s public education must include honest lessons of racism and oppression, past and present
As educators, we provide our students with the tools, information, and support they need to become strong, independent thinkers who are able to critically examine the world they live in, and understand past and present so they can build a better future. Manufactured attacks on critical race theory aim to dismantle ongoing efforts to provide an equitable education for all keiki.
HIDOE takes no action on pandemic grievances, citing suspension of collective bargaining law
The Hawaii State Department of Education has notified the Hawaii State Teachers Association that it will “take no further action” on two class grievances over unsafe working conditions and the state’s mandate that unvaccinated education employees be tested for COVID-19 weekly, citing the suspension of parts of Hawaii’s collective bargaining law because of the pandemic.
Central Oahu educators call for strong, consistent health protocols
“We're here to help our students learn. We are here. We are in the classrooms, and we really want to ensure all classrooms are safe for everyone, including the families and the community,” said Berta Akiu, a special education second- and third-grade teacher at Mokulele Elementary who also serves as HSTA Central Chapter president.
Kauai educators concerned about uneven pandemic policies raise new concerns
More than 150 teachers from schools on Kauai took part in informational sign-waving before and after classes Tuesday, raising health concerns about a lack of consistent COVID-19 protocols, pressure to not report positive cases, and persistent staffing shortages that have forced the highest-ranking public school official on the Garden Island to fill in as a substitute
East Hawaii educators picket for school safety
Teachers from all around East Hawaii conducted informational picketing late Friday afternoon outside the State Office Building in Hilo, raising concerns about a lack of uniform health protocols in public schools.