Hawaiian Studies Education Specialist

The newly established Office of Hawaiian Education (OHE) is recruiting for the exciting and critical position of Hawaiian Studies Education Specialist II to advance Hawaiian education across the Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE). The Hawaiian Studies program was established in 1980 following the 1978 State Constitutional Amendment and is further supported by the recently amended Hawaii Board of Education Policy 105.7 stating that “Hawaiʻi’s public education system should embody Hawaiian values, language, culture and history as a foundation to prepare students in grades K-12 for success in college, career and communities, locally and globally.” Hawaiian Studies is a K-12 program that provides curriculum support and resources in the instruction and learning of Hawaiian values, culture, history and language for all public schools. This includes the Cultural Personnel Resources (CPR) or Kūpuna Program, which brings Hawaiian cultural practitioners and community members into classrooms, K-6, to share their knowledge and experience with students.

This position sits at the state level and reports to the Director of OHE. It is responsible for overseeing and advancing the Hawaiian Studies program Department wide. The position will work closely with schools, complex areas, other state offices and communities to meet the goals of the program. In addition to supporting scools by providing curriculum support and resources and setting the strategic direction for the Kūpuna program, the position will also:

1. Oversee the creation of Hawaiian Studies Standards to be implemented across content areas K-12 along with curricular, instructional and assessment resources;

2. Design and implement professional development pathways for educators, staff and administrators to support the incorporation of Hawaiian Studies at all levels of the system; and

3. Complete a plan for HIDOE to evaluate 105.7 success.

The position requires a person with a systems perspective who can help guide and shape Hawaiian Studies for all public schools and can work collaboratively with schools and community partners. It will also work hand in hand with the Kaiapuni (Hawaiian Language Immersion) program and Nā Hopena Aʻo (HĀ) pilot to advance the OHE 3-year delivery plan. A deep knowledge of Hawaiian values, culture, history and language in an educational context is necessary as well as a masters degree in a related field and 6 years of education experience. Apply online. Select Educational Specialist II (Office Location: OS – Hawaiian Education Office). Application open November 1 – 20, 2016.