The Hawaii State Department of Education on Wednesday named 15 complex area teachers of the year and one charter school teacher of the year as finalists for the 2024 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year recognition.
Three of the teachers are based on the Big Island.
“These outstanding educators have an unwavering dedication and passion for high-quality teaching and learning,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said in a statement. “We are proud to recognize them as true embodiments of what it means to be an exceptional educator, and are grateful for the creative and innovative ways in which they engage their students, colleagues and communities on a daily basis.”
The Big Island teachers who are among the 15 finalists are:
Christopher Pike of Kapiolani Elementary in Hilo (fifth-grade); Jennifer Ilaban of Kahakai Elementary in Holualoa (English language arts); and Pinky Grace Francisco of Ka‘u High and Pahala Elementary (English language arts).