Natsumi Yamasato
- Island: Kauai
- Class: STEM Teacher
- Years of Teaching: 14
- Field/Office: Wilcox Elementary School
- Complex Area: Kapaʻa-Kauaʻi-Waimea (KKW)
- Home Town: Yokohama, Japan
- District: Kauai
What do you love about teaching in Hawaiʻi?
Making a difference in ALL students
What do you value as a strength of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education?
The true gem of the Hawaiʻi Department of Education is how it embraces our island culture of deeply appreciating what we have and caring for one another. Meeting our induction team and Superintendent personally moved me so much; they are wonderfully real, genuine, and put our children’s education before themselves. We are truly in good hands. Backed by this incredible heart for community and guided by our General Learner Outcomes, we work hand-in-hand to ensure every student feels safe, valued, and loved!!
What do you value as a strength of your particular school or office? What is your complex area known for?
The ultimate strength of Wilcox Elementary and our complex area is a deep culture of trust. As a first-generation immigrant from Japan, I experienced this firsthand; they welcomed me with open arms and trusted me completely. I will never forget the laughter, shared jokes, and playful teasing; the ultimate, warmest sign of being accepted as a beloved member of this close school family. Because our administrators and colleagues value us for exactly who we are, they will always respect who you are, believe in you, and stand ready to support you whenever you need a helping hand in your teaching journey.
What is unique/special about your school and/or community? What do you enjoy most about teaching there?
Our isolated Kauaʻi community beautifully proves that it takes a village to raise our kids. Lacking mainland science museums, our incredible village wraps its arms around Wilcox Elementary to grow our annual STEM Night. Former students return year after year as community college culinary volunteers or high school Key Club members, working alongside local doctors, scientists, and NASA engineers. This heartwarming cycle of giving shows our K-5 students that they are surrounded by kind people and exciting opportunities. Growing up with these living examples of leadership, they learn they have the power to build a better world right here at home.
What are 2 main challenges you face (or you feel teachers face) as an educator in Hawaiʻi?
As educators in Hawaiʻi, we face unique hurdles, starting with the exceptionally high cost of living paired with salaries that struggle to keep pace, making teacher retention a constant battle. Additionally, our geographical isolation limits direct access to mainland professional development, physical resources, and specialized student experiences. Navigating these financial and logistical resource gaps requires immense teacher creativity and heavy reliance on our local communities to bridge the divide.
What are the qualities that make a Hawaiʻi Department of Education educator successful? Explain.
A successful Hawaiʻi DOE educator must be deeply intentional, which is why General Learner Outcomes (GLOs) are always included in my daily learning objectives. Teaching here requires adaptability; sometimes, I need to stop my lesson to address a GLO violation during class, turning those moments into real-time character-building opportunities. Our ultimate goal is to build good citizens who contribute positively to our community. This patient, in-the-moment guidance helps our keiki understand that mutual respect and strong character are just as important as academic achievements.
What words would you use to describe your students? Explain.
My students are passionate, determined, and deeply affectionate. Refusing to go home, they practice in my STEM classroom until 7:00 PM to give 101 percent; they confidently believe they can be engineers and scientists, knowing endless possibilities await them. This profound connection is why former students invite me to their science fairs through high school. I’ll never forget my fifth grader who cried on his couch because he would miss me. Today, alumni—like one studying molecular biology at UC Berkeley- trace their spark back to my Science Olympiad team. Watching them grow is incredibly fulfilling.
Free time: What are some fun activities that people can enjoy doing outside school hours on the island that you work at?
Many locals and tourists enjoy outdoor adventures on Kauai; there are many scenic trails and waterfalls located right behind the neighborhood houses. To unwind, I head to our beautiful beaches, where I can relax without ever having to fight for parking!
Free time: What are some fun activities that you personally enjoy doing on the island or complex area/neighborhood you work in?
During my free time, I love visiting the hot yoga studio near my house, which has a wonderful, welcoming community. Because we live in such a close-knit, small community, workers at our local coffee shops and restaurants always remember me when I return.
What’s your favorite local food on your island? -OR- Where’s your favorite place to eat on the island? Describe the food!
Because I am Japanese and very critical about Japanese food, my absolute favorite place on the island is Sushi Blue Wave in Lihue! It is hard to find truly authentic sushi, but this restaurant is Japanese-owned and features a Michelin-starred head chef who crafts the most incredible sauces. They import fresh fish and top-grade rice directly from Japan, and they even offer expertly dry-aged fish, which concentrates the umami flavor. Every piece is prepared with absolute precision.
Here are some amazing local spots:
Breakfast & Coffee: I love starting my day with a creative breakfast at Bread & Beast or Fresh, never-tired food and great coffee at the friendly Kalaheo Cafe.
Comfort Food: For classic, comforting dishes, the historic Tip Top Cafe and the legendary Hamura Saimin are my comfort food spots.
Plate Lunch: When craving a quick, satisfying plate lunch, you can’t beat local staples like Smiley’s, Mark’s Place, or Konohiki Seafoods!
What are some housing tips that you could recommend for teachers relocating to Hawaiʻi?
Since there is no official HIDOE teacher housing on our island, I highly recommend looking for local “ohana” units (attached/detached guest houses) to keep costs down. Because we are such a tight-knit community, don’t hesitate to ask your new school principal or fellow teachers; many of the best rentals are never listed online and are found entirely through coconut wireless.
What advice would you give to a new teacher who wants to work in your complex area or for the Hawaiʻi DOE in general?
Put your students first. When you base every decision on what is best for their learning and success, your path forward will always be clear. While you might occasionally encounter negative colleagues who complain or drain your spirit, protect your peace and stay away from that negativity. Instead, actively seek out the passionate, high-energy teachers who share your dedication and values. Surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded educators will keep you grounded, helping you remember exactly why you chose this beautiful profession!