Chayanee Brooks
- Island: Hawai‘i
- District: Hawai‘i
- Class: Language Arts Grade 10-12
- Years of Teaching: 12
- Field/Office: Ka'u High and Pahala Elementary School
- Complex Area: Kaʻū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa
- Home Town: Volcano, HI
What do you think is the Hawaii Department of Education’s greatest strength?
The greatest strength of HIDOE is its grounding in local community, tradition, and the spirit of aloha. This is especially impactful because despite the geographical distances between our islands and within our own diverse island, our shared values and traditions connect us as one ‘ohana.
What do you think is the greatest strength about the complex area that you work in? What is your complex area known for?
As a teacher with nine years of experience mentoring new educators, I’ve seen firsthand that our complex area’s greatest strength is the proactive initiative of individual teachers and the robust induction and mentoring program that supports them. This is a dynamic relationship where everyone benefits—from the veteran to the novice teacher, and most importantly, our students.
What makes your particular school or office special or distinctive?
I am incredibly proud of my students. Despite the challenges of our location, they are remarkably resilient. They’ve learned to be resourceful and to trust in my ability to help them grow. This mutual trust and resilience create a unique learning environment where everyone is committed to finding a way to succeed. It’s not just about a curriculum; it’s about building a community that believes in its own potential, regardless of where we are on the map.
What are two main challenges you face or teachers in general face as a educator in Hawaii?
The first challenge is finding funding for professional development opportunities that are truly impactful and tailored to our unique needs. The second challenge for students on the neighbor islands is the physical and financial barrier to accessing resources on Oʻahu or the mainland. Many of our students are incredibly talented and driven, but they don’t have the same opportunities as their peers to visit college campuses, attend conferences, or participate in competitions that require travel.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaii State Department of Education teacher successful?
Successful teachers are adaptable and resilient, finding creative solutions to overcome these obstacles. They are often leaders in their schools, creating their own opportunities and building strong community partnerships to enrich student learning.
What words would you use to describe your students?
My students are deeply connected to their land, ocean, culture, and community. They understand the importance of their roots and the role they play in their families and neighborhoods.
What is unique and/or special about the school you work at? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
What I enjoy most is the deep, personal connection I have with my students and the community. I get to see them not just as learners in my classroom but as individuals with unique hopes, dreams, and family stories. Knowing their backgrounds and seeing their daily resilience inspires me to go above and beyond for them.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours within the COMPLEX AREA that you represent?
Some of the fun and rewarding activities for me is advising my students on their school performance and HIKINO production. I also love spending time help mentoring new teachers.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours on the ISLAND that you work at?
I enjoy hiking and traveling to new places. I’ve been learning to free dive this year, which has been a new and exciting way to connect with the ocean as well as myself. As I learn to hold my breath, it forces me to focus on listening to my body’s signals and be present with my thoughts.
What do you enjoy most about the students you teach in Hawaii?
Their deep connection to the land and culture.
What do YOU enjoy doing in your free time while in Hawaii?
Reading, hiking, and exploring new places.
What’s YOUR favorite local food on your island? How would you describe the food?
Poke
What’s your favorite place to eat on your island? What kind of food is it?
Poke at Suisan
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaii?
Reach out to your friends at school who might know information about reasonable price range.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex for the Hawaii DOE in general?
Take the time to learn from your students, colleagues, and community members.