Growing Our Own Teachers on Kaua‘i has helped 32 aspiring public school teachers join the professional ranks, according to Kani Blackwell who formed the organization. Believing that “good teaching is the single most important factor in how well a student will learn and achieve,” the non-profit organization invests in the education of teacher candidates so that they can give back to future generations.
Blackwell started Growing Our Own Teachers in response to the shortage of qualified teachers on island. The non-profit supports teacher candidates from Kaua‘i with financial aid while they are working to receive their teaching credentials at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa. This allows teacher candidates to work toward their credential without moving off island.
“Being a teacher candidate, one faces many hurdles with the school workload combined with family responsibilities and often having to hold down a full time job,” its website states. “The highest hurdle comes in the final semester in which the student is not allowed to have any other employment while interning in a classroom.”
Since 2007, the program has assisted 38 teacher candidates. Five of them begin their student teaching in Jan. 2011, according to Blackwell.
“Of the 33 teacher candidates who have already graduated and received funding from Growing Our Own Teachers on Kaua‘i, 32 teachers are teaching today in our Kaua‘i elementary and middle schools,” Blackwell said in an e-mail. “A great majority of teacher candidates who receive financial assistance were either born in Hawai‘i or have lived here most of their lives and so far, all have received teaching jobs upon graduation.”
One teacher from the program moved to the Mainland because of a family emergency.
Instead of relying solely on grant money, members of Growing Our Own Teachers volunteer their time to raise money for the organization.
“We plan to have a big fundraiser in May or June like we did last year when we had ‘Makana in Concert,’” Blackwell said. “Although the teacher candidates attend full-time school as University of Hawai‘i Manoa undergraduate students, with most of them holding one or two jobs to support their education and families, they do volunteer for other organizations’ fundraisers who donate to Growing Our Own Teachers on Kaua‘i.”
Hanalei Bay Rotary Club and Po‘ipu Rotary Club have each donated $5,000 annually to the organization, according to Blackwell. In October, teacher candidates and Growing Our Own Teachers board members will return to Foodland stores and ask for donations from the community, which is matched by Foodland.
Teacher candidates interested in aid must complete a written application and state their financial need. From there, candidates are interviewed and submit a written promise to teach at least three years on island.
“The biggest catalyst for success of Growing Our Own Teacher on Kaua‘i is the product that is produced — knowledgeable, caring and culturally-conscious teachers that have learned from local mentor teachers. The highly-qualified teachers are ready to serve, join with other Kauai teachers, and give back to their community.”
Visit GrowKauaiTeachers.org for more information or to contribute to the organization.
• Andrea Frainier, lifestyle writer, can be reached at 245-3681, ext. 257 or afrainier@thegardenisland.com.
