Media release from University of Hawaii-Hilo

University of Hawai`i at Hilo Chancellor Don Straney recently announced the name change of UH Hilo’s Education Department to the School of Education. The change reflects the School’s comprehensive operations of recruitment, advising, admission, assessment checkpoints, and national accreditation.

“UH Hilo’s Education program was already a school in everything but name,” Straney said. “This designation will raise its profile by acknowledging that status along with its significant role in educating future generations of teachers in the state of Hawai`i.”

The School of Education currently offers three distinct programs: an undergraduate Academic Certificate in Educational Studies (already with 125 students after its first year of implementation); a Master of Education for experienced teachers (with 95 graduates and 20 more scheduled to graduate in fall 2013); and the new Master of Arts in Teaching (beginning in July 2013), which also leads to initial state licensure.

“The School has a strong relationship and excellent reputation in the broader educational community,” said Dr. Jan Zulich, chair, School of Education. “Through a number of grants and professional development opportunities, we have supported local schools and teachers toward improved teaching and learning, and in particular, higher student achievement.” In the past decade, the School has graduated over 350 new teachers who completed their student teaching in 47 schools across Hawai`i Island.

“The name change underscores the professionalism and continuing pursuit of excellence that the School is known for across the state of Hawai`i,” noted Sharyn Hirata, co-chair of the UH Hilo School of Education Advisory and Advocacy Council.