Jessica Canyon
- Island: Oahu
- District: Central
- Class: Teacher
- Years of Teaching: 18
- Field/Office: Fern Elementary
- Complex Area: Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani (FKK)
- Home Town: Honolulu, Hawaii
What do you love about teaching in Hawaiʻi?
I love the hearts of island people. The students can be hard but they all come from families that have that island spirit. They are loving, generous, and full of aloha.
What do you value as a strength of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education?
The department has great leadership. This leadership produces excellent teachers. Teachers that are committed to excellence and love what they do.
What do you value as a strength of your particular school or office? What is your complex area known for?
Our complex is known to be a difficult area with difficult students. But I think the teachers and staff at Fern elementary work so well with our population giving them the love and support they all need. The community has seen how much we all care and love their families.
What is unique/special about your school and/or community? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
Our school is very unique because we all work so well together and we have teachers who are all on board to do their very best. There is no weak link which is very unique and special. I enjoy coming to work every single day!!
What are 2 main challenges you face (or you feel teachers face) as an educator in Hawaiʻi?
One challenge I have is there are too many things to do in a day that there isn’t enough time. Time is really our main challenge. Another challenge is that Social studies, which is a subject I love, is put on the back burner and doesn’t have as much urgency.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaiʻi Department of Education educator successful? Explain.
Teachers have a collaborative spirit and like to help one another. Teachers in Hawaii have heart and love for the keiki (children) of Hawaii. Hawaii teachers have lots of school spirit and show up for school events.
What words would you use to describe your students? Explain.
My students are curious. They are always eager to learn new things. They are loving. They want your love and they have lots of love to give. They are survivors. They know how to survive where they live and they can learn to adapt to challenges.
Free time: What are some fun activities that people can enjoy doing outside school hours on the island that you work at?
I like to play in the ocean. My family and I like to surf, fish, snorkel, and sunbathe. We like to go to Alamoana beach because it is close, but we could also be found at Kailua beach or the north shore. Don’t forget the sun screen.
Free time: What are some fun activities that you personally enjoy doing on the island or complex area/neighborhood you work in?
My son plays soccer in Kalihi. We also have some of my students on his team. We like to visit the Bishop Museum when they have special events. My kids enjoy visiting the science building, as well as the building with rotating exhibits.
What’s your favorite local food on your island? -OR- Where’s your favorite place to eat on the island? Describe the food!
I love so many places on the island. I think Hawaii has so many different cultures and that is depicted in the diverse foods on the island. My favorite Japanese restaurant in Kalihi is Kikuya. They have good lunch bentos.
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaiʻi?
Research the neighborhoods you’re interested in before making a move. To save on expenses, consider getting a roommate or staying with family; multigenerational living is very common in Hawaii.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex area or for the Hawaiʻi DOE in general?
Come!! Kalihi is a great community and has the BEST teachers. Having the best teachers means you will love your school and therefore love your job! Hawaii has a loving community of teachers who work very hard and do everything for our students.