Honolulu teacher wins prestigious educational award
HONOLULU (KHON2) — One of the best educators in the country teaches at Kalihi Uka Elementary School, and received the prestigious Milken Educator Award.Kindergarten teacher Kristy Inamasu joins over 3,000 Milken Educators spanning the 40-year history of the award. Often noted as the 'Oscars of Teaching,' the Milken Educator Awards inspire communities to 'Celebrate, Elevate and Activate' the K-12 teaching profession, and encourage young people to become teachers.
Inamasu was awarded for her studentsʻ courageous learning, as well as her classroom engagement tactics. Her kindergarteners share their thoughts and ideas, participate in group work and take ownership of their academic responsibilities.
She was also one of the first teachers at the school to record herself teaching a lesson, sharing it with her colleagues so that they may use it as a teaching tool.
Under Inamasuʻs leadership, her students have achieved significant growth in reading and math, exceeding their academic goals year after year. She has also provided ESL student support and previously served as a first grade teacher.
Inamasu is also involved as a member of the schoolʻs Instructional Leadership Team and School Community Council, a volunteer volleyball coach and a district presenter. Her classroom is noted as a training and observation destination by teachers of all experience levels, administrators and student teachers.
'Kristy is an exceptional educator who cultivates critical thinking skills, communication, self-awareness and empathy in her kindergarteners, giving them the foundation learning qualities needed for future success,' Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. 'Her collaborative work with her fellow teachers has also guided institutional decision-making to the benefit of the entire school, helping all of Kalihi Uka's students to rise together. Her classroom serves as a model for new teachers entering the profession and we are very lucky to have an outstanding teacher like her leading the way.'
Inamasu will be rewarded with a cash prize, mentorship opportunities and attend the awards forum in Los Angeles in April.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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