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 think is the Hawaii Department of Education’s greatest strength?
HĀ Framework
What do you think is the greatest strength about the complex area that you work in? What is your complex area known for?
Multicultural, BKKM has a diverse population
What makes your particular school or office special or distinctive?
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 two main challenges you face or teachers in general face as a educator in Hawaii?
Two main challenges include the cost of living in Hawaiʻi and administor turnover.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaii State Department of Education teacher successful?
Culturally mindful and open minded
What words would you use to describe your students?
My students are eager to learn and resilient.
What is unique and/or special about the school you work at? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
My school is unique because we have dedicated staff members who truly care about our students and their families. We care about the community that we live in.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours within the COMPLEX AREA that you represent?
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.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours on the ISLAND that you work at?
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 do you enjoy most about the students you teach in Hawaii?
I enjoy my studentʻs curiosity about the world! This inspires my work.
What do YOU enjoy doing in your free time while in Hawaii?
I enjoy spending time in nature such as camping and swimming. I love to give back to my community by volunteering for youth organizations such as Island Aquatics and Grow Some Good.
What’s YOUR favorite local food on your island? How would you describe the food?
My favorite local food is plate lunch. I LOVE Hamburger Steak with mac salad and rice.
What’s your favorite place to eat on your island? What kind of food is it?
My favorite places to eat on Maui are: Da Kitchen for local plate lunches, Fabianiʻs for Italian cuisine, Roasted Chiles 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 Hawaii?
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 for the Hawaii 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.