Hanapēpē college student awarded Hawai‘i Education Association award

Hanapēpē resident Taylee Yamamoto was recently awarded a $2,000 Hawai‘i Education Association student-teacher scholarship.

Yamamoto attended Kaua‘i Community College and will student-teach at ʻEleʻele and Kekaha elementary schools while pursuing an elementary education degree through a University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa hybrid program.

She always felt called to be a teacher.

Yamamoto throughout her life was inspired by teachers who made learning feel meaningful, encouraging and fun. Their impact showed her the powerful influence of a good teacher, and this inspired her to be that same kind teacher.

“I have discovered a lot of joy working with keiki through my volunteer experience as an assistant kids coach at my local CrossFit gym, which has helped me build patience, confidence and a stronger connection with children,” she wrote in her Hawai‘i Education Association scholarship application.

Yamamoto wants to help create a classroom where students feel supported, capable and excited to learn.

“I hope to contribute to the teaching profession by being a caring, dedicated and encouraging teacher who helps students grow both academically and personally,” she said.

Hawai‘i Educational Association was founded more than 100 years ago to support the education profession.

The nonprofit recently awarded a total of $26,500 in scholarships to 20 people at various stages of their teaching careers, from high school graduates just entering college to experienced educators pursuing additional education to broaden their capabilities.