New UH System campaign encourages students to consider teaching careers

UH Hilo offers two teacher credentialing programs: the School of Education and Kahuawaiola Teacher Education Program.

The above video is part of the new UH campaign to encourage students to consider teaching careers. The poem narrative in the video is written and performed by Clint Anderson, alumnus of the UH Hilo School of Education and dean of studies at Kamehameha Schools Hawaiʻi High School—Kula Kiʻekiʻe.

The University of Hawaiʻi this week launched a multi-media campaign aimed at addressing Hawaiʻi’s teacher shortage.

The Be a hero. Be a teacher. campaign encourages high school and college students, as well as working professionals, to consider the teaching profession. The campaign also reminds everyone how important teachers are to our society.

Hawaiʻi Department of Education statistics show mounting vacancies over the past five years.

“The State of Hawaiʻi has faced teacher shortages for years, and it is crystal clear that we need to grow more teachers from our own communities,” says UH President David Lassner. “This campaign highlights the multitude of options available at UH campuses to earn a teaching degree or certificate that can lead to a very fulfilling career right here at home.”

UH Hilo offers two teacher credentialing programs: the School of Education and Kahuawaiola Teacher Education Program. Programs are also offered at UH Mānoa, UH West Oʻahu and Leeward Community College.

“Our hope is that students entering college or who are on their way to earning a degree will look at teaching as a profession that provides rewards on many levels,” says Donald Straney, UH vice president for academic planning and policy. “This campaign speaks to the very important role that teachers play for students and our society, and aims to inspire those who may not have considered a career in teaching, to take another look.”

Read full story at UH System News