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  • #1

    I would like to introduce myself to you all

    Aloha!

    I have been a Special Education teacher in West Philadelphia for the past 3 years. I love working with special needs children and I feel very happy and privileged to say that I will soon be a Special Education teacher on the Big Island (I'm waiting to be assigned but hope that we will be in the Puna area). My boyfriend, myself, and my cat will be moving there at the end of June. Just so it is out there, I have been to Hawaii 3 times before. On 1 of my trips I spent several weeks camping on the Big Island, mostly on the Puna side in August 2005. I have never loved a place more in my life and have had an absolutely overwhelming desire to live there ever since.
    I joined this forum because I am seeking the advice and opinions from people in the community. I have read a lot of comments about the poor state of the public schools there. So I would like to know as a new teacher there, what would you like to see as a member of the community or the parent of a child in a public school? I'm not concerned with what they don't have. I am interested in bringing something to the table. Any advice or comments would be much appreciated. Mahalo!
    Tags: big island
  • #2
    Re: I would like to introduce myself to you all...

    I'm sure you have many wonderful skills to offer, so this in not a commentary on your abilities. But, have you given thought to why the Dept of Ed needed to go to the mainland to fill the position, when most likely there are qualified people in Hawaii?
    Now run along and play, but don’t get into trouble.

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    • #3
      Re: I would like to introduce myself to you all...

      Originally posted by Amati View Post
      I'm sure you have many wonderful skills to offer, so this in not a commentary on your abilities. But, have you given thought to why the Dept of Ed needed to go to the mainland to fill the position, when most likely there are qualified people in Hawaii?
      That is an EXCELLENT question! I'd love to see a discussion on this. Another question might be...... why are so many locals who are qualified leaving for the mainland? Guess I'll start a thread..........

      BTW, welcome to HT teachtheworld. Good luck with the new job.

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      • #4
        Re: I would like to introduce myself to you all...

        Originally posted by Amati View Post
        I'm sure you have many wonderful skills to offer, so this in not a commentary on your abilities. But, have you given thought to why the Dept of Ed needed to go to the mainland to fill the position, when most likely there are qualified people in Hawaii?
        It seems you're suggesting that "qualified people in Hawaii" did not apply for the job. Is that a correct interpretation?

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        • #5
          Re: I would like to introduce myself to you all

          Aloha and welcome, Jim. Whether there are enough qualified people here already is academic, we do NOT have enough special ed. teachers in the schools.
          Some parents also say that the public schools here are substandard; another perspective is always welcome.
          Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!
          ~ ~
          Kaʻonohiʻulaʻokahōkūmiomioʻehiku
          Spreading the virus of ALOHA.
          Oh Chu. If only you could have seen what I've seen, with your eyes.

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          • #6
            Re: I would like to introduce myself to you all

            Originally posted by Amati View Post
            But, have you given thought to why the Dept of Ed needed to go to the mainland to fill the position, when most likely there are qualified people in Hawaii?
            Originally posted by Kaonohi View Post
            Aloha and welcome, Jim. Whether there are enough qualified people here already is academic, we do NOT have enough special ed. teachers in the schools.
            First of all, Aloha and welcome to HT, Teachtheworld! Sorry I didn't say that in my first post. Puna is a beautiful place, as is everywhere that I've been throughout Hawaii.

            Also, thanks Kaonohi. If it is indeed 'academic' that there are not enough qualified Special Ed teachers here, then Teachtheworld is very much needed and she need not puzzle over why she was hired from the mainland.

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            • #7
              Re: I would like to introduce myself to you all

              Originally posted by Kaonohi View Post
              Aloha and welcome, Jim. Whether there are enough qualified people here already is academic, we do NOT have enough special ed. teachers in the schools.
              Some parents also say that the public schools here are substandard; another perspective is always welcome.

              Mahalo for the responses so far! One never knows where a conversation might go if given the chance.
              I certainly can't speak to the situation of the Big Island since I am not a resident there. Therefore I do not know what the educational needs of the Big Island are at present. Hence, why I am seeking input.
              Perhaps there could be some clarification over my application process however. I submitted my application at the same place anyone else would. There is no special application or site for people from the mainland. I do not believe that I was given any level of preference. I had to pass all the same tests and complete all the same paperwork and when it comes to being assigned, I will be given what is left over after all the current teachers get their pick. Therefore, I am only taking a job that would otherwise not be filled this year.
              Just so you know, there is a nationwide shortage in Special Education. Districts across the country are seeking out Special Education teachers from all over, not just their area. Special Education programs are being overrun nationwide and it is not the type of job that just anyone can do. I have met many people already who quit teaching within 1 year. It is not an easy job, especially when you do not have a great deal of support or resources to do your job.
              I hope that I am not perceived as someone that is trying to take something away from someone else. It is purely my interest to be a helpful and considerate member of the community.
              Thank you to those of you who have expressed your well wishes.
              Again, any further advice or insights would be much appreciated.

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              • #8
                Re: I would like to introduce myself to you all

                Originally posted by teachtheworld View Post
                I hope that I am not perceived as someone that is trying to take something away from someone else.
                Not at all, my question was more along the lines of why there are not enough qualified people in Hawaii to fill the position? Why is Hawaii (UH) not equiping our own teachers to teach special ed?

                And on the other hand, checking out the academic successes and failures of certain schools/areas can be very insightful regarding attracting teachers.
                Now run along and play, but don’t get into trouble.

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                • #9
                  Re: I would like to introduce myself to you all

                  On a positive note Teachtheworld. Hawaii does need teachers who specialise in special needs. This, I've been assured by friends who live and work there. Please don't be put off by *sour grapes* ,,,, No doubt you will do a wonderful job and become a great asset.

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