Page 3 - MidWeek East - January 18, 2023

High School Teacher Is Recognized For Years Of Dedication, Commitment
FROM PAGE 1
always something unex- pected and surprising that can happen. Each year, you get new students, too. There’s a nice variety.”
to be careful about. They have this intuitive use of technology, but it can also be a big distraction.”
dividually outside of class to help them understand math concepts, and he structures the class so that there is plenty of oppor- tunity to meet as a small group or one-on-one for additional help.
This past year has been especially exciting for him as pandemic restrictions have relaxed in public schools.
As a teacher, it’s im- portant to meet kids where they are and be flexible. He shares that he recent- ly attended a conference where a speaker discussed the idea of having grace in teaching.
He’s surprised and hum- bled to be recognized as Teacher of the Year.
“We can have kids work- ing in groups and collabo- rating again. It feels like a fresh start and there’s ex- citement and energy in the classroom,” Ida says.
“I want my students to know their worth as a per- son is not dependent on their accomplishments,” Ida says. “Regardless of your mastery of the subject, you’ re still a person worthy of respect and dignity. Es- pecially for kids who strug- gle with math, this idea has really helped me to see our
“If you’d have asked me ayearagoifIeversawmy- self named Teacher of the Year, I would have said, ‘never’,” he laughs. “It was never on my radar and I think for many teachers, we just do our jobs and we don’t think about being de- serving of recognition.”
Throughout the years, he’s seen a difference es- pecially in his students in regards to technology.
“Kids nowadays have grown up with technology and it’s part of who they are,” he notes. “It’s a good thing and also something
Hawai‘i State Teacher of the Year Michael Ida (front, second from right) poses with his award. Pictured with him are keiki not just a ‘student’ (front, from left) Hawai‘i Department of Education superintendent Keith Hayashi, Dawn Amano-Ige, former Gov. David
Ida will now represent Hawai‘i in the National Teacher of the Year pro- gram — a winner will be announced in spring 2023.
JANUARY 18, 2023 3
but as an individual.” Ige, (back) Board of Education chair Bruce Voss, complex area superintendent Linell Dilwith and Kalani High School He helps his students in- principal Mitchell Otani. PHOTO COURTESY HAWAI‘I DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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