Dee Takeno
- Island: Oahu
- District: Windward
- Class: Complex Resource Teacher
- Years of Teaching: 34
- Field/Office: Kailua-Kalāheo
- Complex Area: Kailua-Kalāheo
- Home Town: Kaneohe, Hawaii
What do you think is the Hawaii Department of Education’s greatest strength?
I believe the HIDOE’s strength is the people! We have AMAZING staff, teachers, parents, and students! Everyone works so hard to do the best they can for themselves and each other!
What do you think is the greatest strength about the complex area that you work in? What is your complex area known for?
I truly believe the greatest strength of our Complex is our Complex Area Superintendent. She is an amazing person that makes it a point to visit all her schools, she knows every staff member in our complex by name and she continuously strives to find ways to improve our systems!
What makes your particular school or office special or distinctive?
I think what makes Kailua-Kalaheo complex distinctive is that we meet regularly as a complex (Principals, VPs, Academic Coaches, SPED, HMTSS, Computer Science, CTE and Family Engagement Leads). This brings our complex together and provides a sense of connectedness.
What are two main challenges you face or teachers in general face as a educator in Hawaii?
I believe the two challenges facing teachers is time and initiatives. There is only so much time in the school day but elementary teachers especially are struggling to provide instruction, assessment, and RTI for 8 content areas. Another struggle is the amount of initiatives that are given not only by the State but also from the complex and the school. This can be a lot for teachers at school level.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaii State Department of Education teacher successful?
A successful HIDOE teacher possesses a growth mindset, is flexible and LOVES their job!!!
What words would you use to describe your students?
Fun, impressionable and moldable.
What is unique and/or special about the school you work at? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
I love being in Kailua-Kalaheo complex because everyone is so supportive of one another and I have made friends here who are my support team!
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours within the COMPLEX AREA that you represent?
We’ve done hikes, Happy Hours, and pickle ball!
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours on the ISLAND that you work at?
On Oahu, the beach is fun to go to, there are a lot of great hikes and a lot of great restaurants!
What do you enjoy most about the students you teach in Hawaii?
The kids in Hawaii are so eager to please and loving. They have a lot of heart and they really appreciate people who are genuine and they know who really are looking out for their best interest.
What do YOU enjoy doing in your free time while in Hawaii?
I love spending time with family and friends – we do theme nights, picnic at the beach and explore restaurants and shopping!
What’s YOUR favorite local food on your island? How would you describe the food?
My favorite local food is squid luau! It might not look very appetizing for someone not from Hawaii but I love it’s creaminess and the joy in finding the soft, chewy chunks of squid!
What’s your favorite place to eat on your island? What kind of food is it?
My favorite place to eat is Kenko-ya in Kaneohe. They have such ono sushi and their combination boxes are a bit pricey but so worth it!!!
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaii?
Find some place BEFORE you arrive on island. We’ve lost a lot of good teachers who thought they could “play it by ear” to find a place and struggled to find one in their budget, near their school or up to their standards.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex for the Hawaii DOE in general?
Remember that it is ALWAYS about the kids. Never lose your focus that your primary role is to meet the needs of the children of Hawaii.