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I think I'm all set in terms of respecting different cultures & not acting in a superior way. It seems like that goes without saying, but there are all kinds of people... I don't mind being a minority. I assume a lot of the "white hate" people talk about on these forums is from people who don't respect ways of life other than their own & then are surprised by any backlash. Since I consider myself a respectful person, I am not worried about that aspect of Hawaii.
Some don't like certain types of haoles. Some don't like all haoles. Hawaii is just like anywhere else when it comes to the temperament of the people there.
Thank you! I would love to speak to those currently teaching in Hawaii but I've been struggling to find websites (or threads here) that address that. It seems like most of the threads are questions about teaching rather than answers from teachers themselves. I've spoken to a friend of a friend currently teaching in Hawaii, but she's in Oahu & that lifestyle seems pretty significantly different than the one we're pursuing. That & we think the Big Island & Maui make the most sense. Narrowing it down to one island would be helpful but I'm not sure we're ready to make that decision quite yet.
I'm a teacher. I lived on Maui when the teachers went on strike for three weeks back before 9/11. I'd love to go back and teach on One of the outer islands but the teacher salary and cost of living make me wait. The funding issues are what are keeping us away.
Thank you! I would love to speak to those currently teaching in Hawaii but I've been struggling to find websites (or threads here) that address that. It seems like most of the threads are questions about teaching rather than answers from teachers themselves. I've spoken to a friend of a friend currently teaching in Hawaii, but she's in Oahu & that lifestyle seems pretty significantly different than the one we're pursuing. That & we think the Big Island & Maui make the most sense. Narrowing it down to one island would be helpful but I'm not sure we're ready to make that decision quite yet.
I wonder if you might find a Hawaii teacher Facebook group...
I would love to speak to those currently teaching in Hawaii but I've been struggling to find websites (or threads here) that address that. I
I left Kona two years ago to move to the mainland. Prior to that, I was a classroom teacher and a specialist for the DOE in Kona for many years. At different times, I worked at virtually all the schools on Kona side, except for the two high schools and the Waldorf charter. I don't do FB, but don't know of any teacher FB group. Even amongst schools in Kona, the "culture" of the school is very different and driven by the people who work there and the families who attend. Your attitude of watching first and learning through observing is smart. I have watched many mainland teachers and specialists come to the island and fail miserably because of preconceived notions and lack of flexibility.
I left Kona two years ago to move to the mainland. Prior to that, I was a classroom teacher and a specialist for the DOE in Kona for many years. At different times, I worked at virtually all the schools on Kona side, except for the two high schools and the Waldorf charter. I don't do FB, but don't know of any teacher FB group. Even amongst schools in Kona, the "culture" of the school is very different and driven by the people who work there and the families who attend. Your attitude of watching first and learning through observing is smart. I have watched many mainland teachers and specialists come to the island and fail miserably because of preconceived notions and lack of flexibility.
Thanks for offering your insight! I'm very flexible & openminded so I'm hoping that will serve me well (& I've heard from several places that many teachers fail specifically because they're stuck in their ways.) I'm just trying to figure out how I can hopefully get interviews at districts in north Big Island (Waimea, places on the Kohala coast) because that's where we're tentatively drawn to. The hiring process is difficult, since it seems like you get put in a big pool & districts then pick you to interview. Is there any way to get around this? I was thinking of calling specific schools and asking about any open positions but I don't know if that would make me look proactive or disrespectful of their process. Lol. You said you're a specialist-- what kind? I'm going to be a certified Reading/Literacy specialist B-12 (alongside my English 7-12 cert) by August 2016 & I'm hoping that will help with hireability. Do you know if there is a need for reading specialists? I know there's a big need for Special Ed. but I can't find much information in terms of literacy/reading specialists.
Thanks for offering your insight! I'm very flexible & openminded so I'm hoping that will serve me well (& I've heard from several places that many teachers fail specifically because they're stuck in their ways.) I'm just trying to figure out how I can hopefully get interviews at districts in north Big Island (Waimea, places on the Kohala coast) because that's where we're tentatively drawn to. The hiring process is difficult, since it seems like you get put in a big pool & districts then pick you to interview. Is there any way to get around this? I was thinking of calling specific schools and asking about any open positions but I don't know if that would make me look proactive or disrespectful of their process. Lol. You said you're a specialist-- what kind? I'm going to be a certified Reading/Literacy specialist B-12 (alongside my English 7-12 cert) by August 2016 & I'm hoping that will help with hireability. Do you know if there is a need for reading specialists? I know there's a big need for Special Ed. but I can't find much information in terms of literacy/reading specialists.
Aren't you a first year teacher? I wouldn't qualify you as a specialist if that is the case.
A good teacher is a good teacher. Look for openings and apply for any positions you are qualified for.
I teach in Alaska (very similar to HI when it comes to unique culture and totally different than the mainland/lower 48) and one thing I learned, is to send a cover letter and email to principals of schools in areas you are interested in. Introduce yourself.
I also contacted teachers from various schools I was interested in teaching at. I found their emails from school websites.
Sounds strange, but two interviews, and two jobs. It works.
Don't sell yourself short, but don't over qualify yourself either.
I say this b/c traditionally (two different states I have been in) reading specialist jobs go to teachers with a little more experience in the classroom and within the district. Also, when cuts come down the pipeline, specialist jobs get cut first.
Aren't you a first year teacher? I wouldn't qualify you as a specialist if that is the case.
A good teacher is a good teacher. Look for openings and apply for any positions you are qualified for.
I teach in Alaska (very similar to HI when it comes to unique culture and totally different than the mainland/lower 48) and one thing I learned, is to send a cover letter and email to principals of schools in areas you are interested in. Introduce yourself.
By specialist I mean state-certified reading specialist with a degree in literacy, not personal area of expertise. I would prefer to teach English & not Reading, but am open. When applying to teach in Hawaii, I'll have a year of full-time teaching alongside any teaching I did in undergrad along with my masters degree, so I'll be dual certified in English 7-12 & Literacy B-12. Of course, I need more experience, but I'm hoping a school will take a chance on me despite it. I'll be sure to follow the advice to contact principals! I wasn't sure if that would make me look proactive or disrespectful, so I'm glad it is the former! Thank you for the helpful advice.
Yeah, pretty much visit the islands and drop into the schools you're interested in and chat with the principals. They'll know about upcoming vacancies and they have various ways to slot the folks they want into them. Frequently, a 'known' person, even if it's just from an afternoon's chat has precedence over a complete unknown.
I'm just trying to figure out how I can hopefully get interviews at districts in north Big Island (Waimea, places on the Kohala coast) because that's where we're tentatively drawn to. The hiring process is difficult, since it seems like you get put in a big pool & districts then pick you to interview. Is there any way to get around this? I was thinking of calling specific schools and asking about any open positions but I don't know if that would make me look proactive or disrespectful of their process. Lol. You said you're a specialist-- what kind? I'm going to be a certified Reading/Literacy specialist B-12 (alongside my English 7-12 cert) by August 2016 & I'm hoping that will help with hireability. Do you know if there is a need for reading specialists? I know there's a big need for Special Ed. but I can't find much information in terms of literacy/reading specialists.
Yes, you are right in that there is a big need for Special Ed. Regarding literacy/reading specialists, it depends on the school size and structure. Schools have a little autonomy in how they choose to spend their discretionary funds. Some schools have chosen to hire reading (or math- bigger push for math more recently) specialists to lead RTI processes or reading coaches or such. Others spend the money in a different way. Of those who do hire reading/math specialists, they are often considered "plum" jobs and they hire from within (often regardless of whether the candidate has special endorsements in that area). That's not to say that it won't be helpful to have that extra certification, just that getting a job as a specialist would be very difficult right out of the gate.
Yes, the hiring process is difficult and you never know where you might end up. Basically, you submit your info, pass the first set of hoops, and then you are on a "list." Principals with open positions can download the information for candidates on the list and choose who to interview.
When I was first applying, I was already living in-state. I was only wanting to work at one specific school. I talked to the administration there, gave my cover letter/ resume, and got an interview. Then they had me go through the process to apply officially (I hadn't at the time of my unofficial interview) and as soon as I was "on the list" they could hire me. After submitting my application paperwork, I was approved for a Ventures interview. They scheduled it with another principal in the area. It was a set of specified questions and I was deemed "acceptable" (versus do not hire) and then I was on the list and available for hire.
As a specialist, I was in a classified position and was involved in hiring others and it worked quite the same way. I was technically based in the complex sped office, and I serviced several different schools.
Honestly, I'd research as much as you can about the schools where you might end up working in the areas you like, and contact the administration with cover letters and resumes. Some districts indicate that you should NOT contact schools directly. Hawai'i is not like that, and you are more likely to be hired if they have some connection to you in some way. Ideally, you'd visit and get to talk to administration at schools and get a feel for schools. I can't tell you how many times we hired a specialist from the mainland who never did show up. Jobs in Hawai'i are much easier to come by if you are there in person. I completely agree with this:
Quote:
Frequently, a 'known' person, even if it's just from an afternoon's chat has precedence over a complete unknown.
In Hawai'i in particular (ime, more so than places I've worked on the mainland), it really is all about who you know and how they perceive you.
You've probably already seen this, but here is Waimea Elementary's website. Under the community link at the top, you can find links to other public schools in the vicinity. (And, as I'm sure you'er aware, the post office designation/name for Waimea on Hawai'i island is Kamuela so as not to confuse it with Waimea on Kaua'i).
As well, you've hopefully run across this, since you have been looking. It is a list of mainland recruitment visits. That website indicates that priorities for hire are special education and secondary English, so you and your partner both would be set.
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I don't mind being a minority. I assume a lot of the "white hate" people talk about on these forums is from people who don't respect ways of life other than their own & then are surprised by any backlash. Since I consider myself a respectful person, I am not worried about that aspect of Hawaii.
