Courtney Suma
- Island: Oahu
- Class: Academy Coordinator & Career & Technical Education Coordinator
- Years of Teaching: 16
- Field/Office: Kapolei High School
- Complex Area: Campbell-Kapolei (CK)
- Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
- District: Leeward
What do you love about teaching in Hawaiʻi?
Hawaiʻi is my home, and after starting my teaching career in California, I deeply yearned to return. I wanted to give back to my community by teaching local students and helping them expand their horizons. My goal is to inspire them to explore the world beyond our islands while remaining rooted in the values that make Hawaiʻi so special.
What do you value as a strength of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education?
I value how the Hawaiʻi Department of Education brings us together like one big family. By focusing on HĀ, our schools do more than just teach subjects—they help us practice values like aloha, respect, and responsibility. It makes sure every student feels safe, welcome, and ready to thrive.
What do you value as a strength of your particular school or office? What is your complex area known for?
One of our school’s greatest strengths is our wide variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways. Our complex area is well-known for offering hands-on programs in fields like architecture, culinary arts, law enforcement, education, and fashion merchandising. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated teachers who help students explore their career interests early. This real-world experience equips our students with the tools they need to make successful decisions for their futures after high school.
What is unique/special about your school and/or community? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
The Kapolei community is rapidly growing and serves as home to the largest Hawaiian Homestead for our Native Hawaiian population. Because our families tend to stay local, I am now reaching a special milestone: I am beginning to teach the children of students I once taught years ago. Getting to educate this next generation is a true blessing, and it is a privilege that I deeply cherish.
What are 2 main challenges you face (or you feel teachers face) as an educator in Hawaiʻi?
The primary challenge is the steep cost of living, which often catches new teachers off guard when they try to budget for basic needs like housing and groceries. Another is because of Hawaiʻi’s geographic isolation, getting specialized supplies can be delayed or expensive, and teachers frequently find themselves stretching their own pockets or getting creative just to ensure their students have an updated, comfortable environment to learn in.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaiʻi Department of Education educator successful? Explain.
Hawaiʻi has one of the most diverse mixes of students in the entire country! Because every student is unique, successful teachers don’t use a “one-size-fits-all” style. Instead, they use “place-based learning”—which means they bring local history, Native Hawaiian culture, and community traditions right into your everyday lessons. They don’t look at different cultures, languages, or local dialects as obstacles; they see them as superpowers that make the whole classroom a cooler, richer place to learn.
What words would you use to describe your students? Explain.
Fun, Creative, and Proud
Free time: What are some fun activities that people can enjoy doing outside school hours on the island that you work at?
Head to the nearest beach, hike a beautiful mountain, or visit a new restaurant to enjoy some awesome food.
Free time: What are some fun activities that you personally enjoy doing on the island or complex area/neighborhood you work in?
I enjoy watching student productions, competitions, or athletic events Kapolei High students participate in and being a part of their proudest moments.
What’s your favorite local food on your island? -OR- Where’s your favorite place to eat on the island? Describe the food!
One of my favorite local dishes is loco moco, and I’ll enjoy curry or ramen dishes.
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaiʻi?
Rent is very expensive in Hawaiʻi. Before moving, be sure to look closely at rental prices and make sure your monthly income is at least 3 to 4 times that amount. That way, you know you’ll have enough funds to feel comfortable and truly enjoy living in paradise.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex area or for the Hawaiʻi DOE in general?
I’d highly advise any teacher considering a move to our complex area to reach out to someone who already works here—including me!—to arrange a visit. There is absolutely no shame in asking for a campus visit or a virtual tour. It’s so important to get to know the school and the community on a deeper level than just what you see on the website.