Dana Kern, cofounder, co-administrator and full-time teacher at Kuleana Education Academy in Kona, is passionate about her work and shares how impactful it is to be a teacher, as well as what makes this school different.
Specializing in kindergarten through eighth grade, Kuleana is a nonprofit private school that is licensed by HAIS (Hawaii Association of Independent Schools) and accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
“I became an educator after founding the school because I fell in love with the students. I went back to school to get my educational degree, as I knew after being in the school environment, I did not want to do anything else. I wanted to teach because I am passionate about kids and ensuring we support the individual needs of students in the classroom. I believe strongly that each child learns differently and that we need to find what works for each student,” Kern told Big Island Times.
Kern believes that teaching can be an enjoyable profession, as well as a meaningful one.
“I see the role of the teacher as a guide to show students different ways to arrive at their goals, different strategies for learning, and to show students how to think critically. Students who can think critically can often find creative ways to move forward in the learning process, even when they stumble,” Kern said.
While the world has changed a lot since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuleana does what it can to make children feel comfortable at school.
“For our school, we do everything we can to ensure that school is normalized. I believe we have been successful in this, too. For the students who have been with us since pre-COVID, they have truly had a normal school experience since August 2020, and we maintain that fun, engaging environment they are used to,” Kern said.
Kuleana uses standards based on research to educate their students. According to the school’s website, “A common theme keeps student learning focused on a broad concept while touching on specific knowledge and skills throughout. Teachers cite that thematic units provide one of the best vehicles for integrating content areas in a way that makes sense to children and helps them make connections to transfer knowledge they learn and apply it in a meaningful way.”
Kuleana is now accepting applications for the 2022-23 school year.
