Congratulations to TLA 21-22 Cohort!

 

Congratulations to the Na Kumu Alakaʻi - 

Teacher Leader Academy (TLA) 2022 Graduates

The 21-22 TLA Cohort exemplified the saying - "When passion meets purpose" - in all they have done to grow as leaders, while also supporting and adding value to their respective learning communities! It truly has been a pleasure to learn and lead with such a powerful group of influencers! Let this not be the last time our paths cross! Mahalo!

Sandy Cameli, TLA Program Coordinator

TLA 2021-2022 Graduates

Rose Acevedo, Naʻalehu Elementary 

Daniel Akemoto, Kalani High 

Julie Bonilla, Holomua Elementary

Ben Callahan, Kula Elementary

Cherie Carvalho, Kohala Elementary

Juliet Cole, Lanakila Elementary

Serena Cox, Waimea Canyon Middle

Lisa Davalos-Wade, Waimea High

Nellie Davis,  Naʻalehu Elementary

Kellie Frias, Hilo High

Danielle Fujii, Kalaheo High

Victoria Gonzales, Keoneula Elementary

Caroline Goya, Waiakeawaena Elementary

Melissa Hangai, Pearl Harbor Elementary

Dani Hitt, Stevenson Middle

Rebecca Holland, Honowai Elementary

Jennifer Ichiyama-Bangan, Jefferson Elementary

Misty Isa Dacuycuy, Nanaikapono Elementary

Gina Kakalia, Manoa Elementary

Jessica Kam, Iroquois Point Elementary

William Kealy, Kihei Elementary

Jennifer Key, Naʻalehu Elementary

Renesha Kierstedt, Mililani High

Bryant Lau, Windward District Office

Joyceline Lee, Kainalu Elementary

Nicole Luke, Kainalu Elementary

Theresa Malone, Kalaheo Elementary

Nicole Martin, Kahului Elementary

Kristina McCracken, Keaʻau Middle

Tammy Miller, Leeward District Office

Melissa Moriguchi, Wahiawa Elementary

Travis Nakayama, Konawaena High

Elysia Ney, Kohala Elementary 

Kalelani Ogata, Lincoln Elementary

Dawn Palmerston, Kaʻumana Elementary

Brittney Pasion Almeida, Radford High

Molly Phipps, Kihei Elementary

Marissa Purcell, Kauai High

Kristi Reyes, Nanaikapono Elementary

Eddeille Thomas, Kohala Elementary

Heather Toguchi, Waialua Elementary

Summer Yonamine, Waialua Elementary

Ride the Carousel: The Power of Networking for Teacher Leaders

 

Ride the Carousel: The Power of Networking for Teacher Leaders

Sandy Cameli, EdD • Educational Specialist
Hawai'i State Dept. of Education

During a recent event coordinated through Na Kumu Alaka'i - Teacher Leader Academy (TLA) - a professional learning experience sponsored by the Hawai'i State Department of Education, a teacher leader asked me, "How did you get so many wonderful organizations to participate? I would love to do something like this for my school (or district), but don't even know where to begin!" 

The event she was referring to was the annual TLA Carousel of Resources in which educational partners from state-level offices, non-profit organizations, professional development sponsors and stakeholders interested in supporting Hawai'i public schools are invited to share their resources and opportunities with the current teacher leader cohort. These partners represent, but are not limited to: university and community college outreach, local museum and zoo education departments, Hawaiian cultural resources, subject matter experts for curriculum programming, leadership pathways, and professional development experiences. Similar to a gallery-walk event, partners typically set up tables on the perimeter of a large room and teachers move freely between stations to network with the variety of educational stakeholders. (During the pandemic years, however, the event was replicated via Zoom and used breakout rooms with a rotational schedule for participants and guest partners to engage). In both formats, teacher leaders spend time collecting *brass rings* while building their network with enthusiastic partners.

So how would an interested educator go about planning and coordinating a similar event for their own school or district? The answer - just ask!

When we started this event 6 years ago, there were a half-dozen tables and a handful of guests who attended. The teacher leader participants were equally excited to experience the Carousel, and took away resources, opportunities and contacts to share with their schools - the quantity of partners was not the focus, the quality of connections gained however was priceless! The event has now grown to 20 different stations with upwards of 40 guest presenters joining us annually. Stakeholders in the community are eager to participate in education-based events, and are always on the look-out for networking opportunities, so again - just ask!

Returning to the original question of how to coordinate a networking opportunity for a school and stakeholders, I've included some simple steps based on the 5 Ws & 1 H for planning and preparation:

• Why is this opportunity is important for your group (what is the purpose?)

• Who is this for? Who should be invited? Who will help you coordinate? (an event like this takes a team, so find those colleagues who share the vision!)

• When will this be held? (determine a date and time convenient for your group.)

• Where will it be housed? (consider table space and networking room; make sure parking is adequate for guest partners; if hosting online, be aware of logistics for all attendees)

• How often will you communicate with all involved? (ex: invite guests 3 months out; announce event to group 6-8 weeks out; send reminders to all within a week of the scheduled date)

• What resources/tools are needed for event? (ex: a program with description of options for attendees; signage for tables; name tags; water/drinks; notes of appreciation to guest, post-event) 

For teacher leaders participating in TLA's annual Carousel of Resources, the takeaways and opportunities from thought-partners who value education and embody a pay-it-forward philosophy, are an invaluable experience. And although the event may look intimidating from the outside for a first-time coordinator, consider just starting with a few horses on your carousel ... ultimately you will still walk away with some amazing gold rings!

Mahalo to the 2022 TLA Carousel Partners: