Jonathan Peralto
- Island: Hawai‘i
- District: Hawai‘i
- Class: Instructional and Literacy Coach
- Years of Teaching: 12
- Field/Office: Waiakea Intermediate School
- Complex Area: Hilo-Waiākea
- Home Town: Hilo, Hawaiʻi
What do you think is the Hawaii Department of Education’s greatest strength?
In my opinion, one of the greatest strengths of the Hawaii State Department of Education is its centralized structure which allows for equitable funding for all public schools across the state and also provides us with consistent academic standards.
What do you think is the greatest strength about the complex area that you work in? What is your complex area known for?
The greatest strength of the Hilo-Waiakea Complex is its commitment to preparing students for college, career, and community readiness through partnerships and real-world experiences. A great example of this is the academy system at Waiakea High School.
What makes your particular school or office special or distinctive?
Waiakea Intermediate School (WIS) has a rich history. Originally located in Waiakea Kai (near Reed’s Bay), the school was relocated to its current location after the 1960 tsunami. WIS has a track record for academic success and our mission is to prepare each student with the character and skills necessary to thrive in today’s world.
What are two main challenges you face or teachers in general face as a educator in Hawaii?
The biggest challenge that teachers face in Hawaii is connecting with the students on a personal level and in turn making the classroom content relevant to their lives here in the islands. As someone who grew up in the district in which I teach, I am always looking for ways to make connections with my students when it comes to life outside of the classroom…sports, hobbies, etc.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaii State Department of Education teacher successful?
Qualities that make a teacher successful in Hawaii are wide-ranging, but I think the most important are Aloha, Respect, and a positive attitude. Hawaii’s students are unique and they need to know that you care and have a love and respect for the places they hold dear.
What words would you use to describe your students?
Diverse, Fun, Hardworking. Hawaii has an extremely diverse population and that can be a new challenge for some teachers. Being able to adapt and connect with students from various backgrounds is vital.
What is unique and/or special about the school you work at? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
The Waiakea Intermediate school community is great! The students are a diverse mixture from throughout the Hilo area and the teachers and staff are extremely welcoming and willing to help. WIS is located in the community I grew up in, so it’s great to have the opportunity to give back to my community and teach the children of my own classmates and friends.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours within the COMPLEX AREA that you represent?
The Hilo area is centrally located and offers a lot of outdoor activity options. Surfing, paddling, fishing, hiking, running, and biking to name a few.
What are some fun activities that individuals enjoy doing outside school hours on the ISLAND that you work at?
In addition to the activities mentioned for the Hilo area, the Kona side of the island has much to offer as well. Swimming, surfing, and white sandy beaches are the main attractions. Other locations on the Big Island offer places to go horseback riding, exploring Kilauea volcano, hunting…you name it, the Big Island has it!
What do you enjoy most about the students you teach in Hawaii?
I teach middle school so I really like the intricacies of that age group. They are still kids, but learning how to grow up. It’s a fun but delicate balance! As mentioned before, I really enjoy the diversity of my students. Learning about their backgrounds and experiences, places they’ve lived or visited, it’s a learning experience for me as well.
What do YOU enjoy doing in your free time while in Hawaii?
Growing up in Hilo I’ve tried most outdoor activities that the area has to offer. Lately, my free time has been spent paddling outrigger canoes, running, and spending time at the beach with my family.
What’s YOUR favorite local food on your island? How would you describe the food?
One of my favorites is a poke bowl from Poke Market in downtown Hilo. Hawaii’s local food is a mixture of many different cultures: Hawaiian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Filipino, and many more. For me, a bowl of fresh poke and rice is hard to beat!
What’s your favorite place to eat on your island? What kind of food is it?
My favorite restaurant in Hilo is Moon and Turtle, also located in downtown Hilo. Their menu is constantly changing, offering unique tastes that combine local food products with asian flavors.
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaii?
While housing prices have been rising everywhere, I feel that here in the Hilo area it is still relatively affordable. There are good deals out there, you just need to be patient. Many people offer rooms for rent, or you could rent an entire house on the outskirts of town. Be sure to visit the area you are looking at first, so you know what to expect.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex for the Hawaii DOE in general?
If possible, visit the school and area you are looking to work at before making a decision. Hawaii isn’t all white sandy beaches. Familiarize yourself with the area as much as possible before making the move. Learn about the people, the place, the stories, and the history.