Jessie OʻNeill-Prest
- Island: Maui
- Class: Curriculum Coordinator
- Years of Teaching: 18
- Field/Office: Kīhei Elementary School
- Complex Area: Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kūlanihakoʻi-Maui
- Home Town: Kihei, Hawaii
- District: Maui
What do you love about teaching in Hawaiʻi?
I love teaching in Hawaiʻi because we foster a strong sense of ʻohana (family). We are all working together as ʻohana to strengthen our sense of belonging and educate our keiki.
What do you value as a strength of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education?
Our strength lies in the HĀ framework.
What do you value as a strength of your particular school or office? What is your complex area known for?
Kīhei Elementaryʻs and our district (BKKM) strength lies in our diverse population.
What is unique/special about your school and/or community? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
Kīhei Elementary is distinctive due to its variety of learner experiences. Using student voice, we offer a range of cultural opportunities for students in school and after school that include the fine arts, technology, health, field trips, and community service.
What are 2 main challenges you face (or you feel teachers face) as an educator in Hawaiʻi?
Two main challenges include the cost of living in Hawaiʻi and administration turnover.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaiʻi Department of Education educator successful? Explain.
Two qualities that make a HIDOE educator successful are being culturally mindful and open minded.
What words would you use to describe your students? Explain.
My students are eager to learn and resilient.
Free time: What are some fun activities that people can enjoy doing outside school hours on the island that you work at?
We are a beach community. Most enjoy spending time at the beach or in the ocean. Whether itʻs swimming, surfing, snorkeling, paddleboarding or wind surfing, residents enjoy being in or near the water.
Free time: What are some fun activities that you personally enjoy doing on the island or complex area/neighborhood you work in?
Maui has the best hikes and camping spots. Journey to a waterfall on a hike or backpack through Haleakala, Maui offers weather that is suited to outdoor adventures! We have numerous camping grounds near the ocean and up in the mountains!
What’s your favorite local food on your island? -OR- Where’s your favorite place to eat on the island? Describe the food!
My favorite local food is plate lunch. I LOVE Hamburger Steak with mac salad and rice. My go to place for plate lunch is Da Kitchen in Kihei. Other favorite places to eat are Fabianiʻs for Italian cuisine, Roasted Chiles and Amigos for Mexican food, Nalus for a delicious breakfast/brunch and Fork and Salad for healthy locally grown salads and soups.
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaiʻi?
Some tips would be to network! Reach out to locals in the community for recommendations. Prepare in advance for rental requirements such as first and last monthʻs rent. Look into teacher housing being offered! We have studios in Kihei for teachers to rent, too.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex area or for the Hawaiʻi DOE in general?
My advice would be to visit the school and community before you relocate here. Find the area that speaks to you! We have a range of school settings and environments that work for all types of people.