KOLOA — Students write, draw, sing and dance through a range of activities to connect with learning, said Debbie Lindsey, principal of Koloa School. That was just one description of Tristan Shigematsu, a third grade teacher at the school, who
KOLOA — Students write, draw, sing and dance through a range of activities to connect with learning, said Debbie Lindsey, principal of Koloa School.
That was just one description of Tristan Shigematsu, a third grade teacher at the school, who was surprised Friday when she attended a school assembly.
Kaua‘i Complex Area Superintendant William Arakaki announced at the assembly that Shigematsu was the selected recipient of the Milken Family Foundation’s Teacher of Promise award for Kaua‘i.
“Tristan is enthusiastic in her work with children and in everything she does,” Lindsey said in her nomination of the young teacher. “She is creative and provides learning opportunities that address all learning styles.”
The National Milken Educators of Hawai‘i organization was established in 1996 by educators who have received national recognition as teachers and administrators by the Milken Family Foundation.
Recognizing Hawai‘i’s outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers who are beginning their teaching careers as licensed teachers is one of the objectives of the Teacher of Promise award, states a release from Koloa School.
One teacher from each complex is selected.
The vision of the NME Hawai‘i is to promote and enhance the quality of teacher and the education profession in Hawai‘i.
“Tristan is a gifted educator and we, as well as the third graders, are fortunate to have her at Koloa School,” Lindsey said.
