Contact: Greg Knudsen
Date: August 2, 2005


DOE Announces Its 2006 District Teachers of the Year


As the 2005-06 school year begins, seven teachers commence their tenure as Hawaii's 2006 District Teachers of the Year.

Each District TOY will be honored at the September 1 Board of Education meeting at Radford High School in a ceremony that culminates with one of the seven being announced as Hawaii's 2006 State Teacher of the Year. The State TOY will represent Hawaii in the 2006 National Teacher of the Year program.

"These individuals are representative of Hawaii's best, most caring, and talented classroom teachers," said Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto. "They make learning happen, earn respect from their students and colleagues, and bring considerable honor to their profession."

Hawaii's 2006 District Teachers of the Year are:

-- Honolulu District - Colleen Uejo, Linapuni Elementary School. Uejo is a special education preschool teacher. She also taught special education at Kaimuki Middle School and worked at various private schools. She began teaching in 1971.

-- Central Oahu District - Joanne Fujita-Oshiro, Helemano Elementary School. First grade teacher Fujita-Oshiro has also taught in kindergarten, Grade 3, and special education, and served as a resource teacher. She began teaching in 1990.

-- Leeward Oahu District - Stacey Makanoe Kawasaki, Waiau Elementary School. Kawasaki teaches 1st grade and earlier taught grades K and 6. She also lectures for the University of Hawaii Outreach College. She began substitute teaching in 1994.

-- Windward Oahu District - Evelyn Oshima, Puohala Elementary School. Oshima, a 2nd grade teacher, has been at Puohala since 1988. She has taught grades K-3 at six public schools since 1971, including 11 years at Laie Elementary School.

-- Hawaii District - Sheri Kojima, Waiakea High School. Kojima teaches business education in grades 9-12. She earlier taught the subject at Hilo High (grades 9-12) and Laupahoehoe High (grades 8-12). She began teaching in 1990.

-- Maui District - Linda Yonemura, Molokai High School. Yonemura has taught business education in grades 9-12 at Molokai High her entire career. Joining the DOE in 1975, she now has more than 30 years of teaching experience.

-- Kauai District - Ryne Terao, Kapaa Middle School. Terao teaches career and technical education in grades 7-8, and has served as a district resource teacher. He earlier taught automotive technology in grades 9-12, adult education, community college, and the Army. He began teaching in 1984.

Every spring, each district administrative office selects its District TOY and nominee for the State TOY program. According to the selection guidelines, the “most important qualification” is a teacher with “a superior ability to inspire love of learning in students of all backgrounds and abilities.”

The DOE selection guidelines list other TOY qualities, including:

-- "Nominees should be exceptionally skillful and dedicated classroom teachers in grades K-12 who are planning to continue their teaching careers."

-- "Nominees should have the respect and admiration of students, parents, and co-workers. They should play active and useful roles in their communities, as well as in their schools."

-- "Nominees should be poised and articulate; they should possess the energy to withstand a busy schedule if selected as the National Teacher of the Year."

-- DOE --