2015 NEA Delegates

About the Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly
The World’s Largest Democratic Deliberative Assembly

NEA’s Annual Meeting takes place during the final week of June and/or the first week of July . Various committees, constituencies, caucuses, leadership groups, and delegates from state and local affiliates gather to set policy and chart the direction of NEA business. The 2015 Annual Meeting will take place in Orlando, Florida.

The Representative Assembly (RA) takes place during the final four days of the Annual Meeting. It is the primary legislative and policymaking body of the Association and derives its powers from, and is responsible to, the membership. The Representative Assembly adopts the strategic plan and budget, resolutions, the Legislative Program, and other policies of the Association. Delegates vote by secret ballot on proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws. Those delegates with full voting rights elect the executive officers, Executive Committee members, and at-large members of the NEA Board of Directors, as appropriate.


2015 Meeting Agenda

Name: Glenda Anderson
School/Position:  Wailuku Elementary/Special Education Teacher

My HSTA experience includes nine years on the Charter, Bylaws and Resolution (CBR) Committee, two years on the National Education Association (NEA) Resolutions committee, and ten years on the Maui HSTA Chapter Executive Board.

I am asking to be voted in as an NEA delegate from the state of Hawaii.

Name: Nancyann Asato
School/Position: OCISS/Head Faculty Representative

In the past, I was very active in HSTA in Central District.  I was Aiea High school’s Head Faculty Rep for most of my tenure there – about 15 years.  During that time I served as State convention delegate.  I also served two times as an NEA delegate.  Presently, I am the Head Faculty Rep for OCISS.  I will be attending this year’s state convention.  My years have included being Captain for impending strikes.  Mahalo for your vote.

Name: James Au
School/Position: Wahiawa Middle/8th Grade History Teacher

I am the State Chair for the Youth, Human, and Civil Rights committee, the Central Chair for the Institute Committee, and a member of the Central Executive Board and Teacher Excellence committee. 

My past experiences include:  Head Faculty Representative for Wahiawa Middle School for seven years, and HSTA State Convention Delegate for Central Chapter (3 years) and Leeward Chapter (2 years).  In January 2014, I attended the NEA Minority Leadership Training and the first NEA Leadership Summit.

Name: Wylyn Auna
School/Position:  Moanalua Middle School/Holopono Program (similar to SMP/ALC)

Twenty plus years as a HSTA member.  Have been a Faculty Rep., Grievance Rep and over 10 years as part of the Negotiating Committee, having serve as Vice Chair and Chair person for several years.

Name: Fran Bellinger
School/Position:  King Intermediate School, Physical Education Teacher

Aloha Kako,
I’ve been engaged and involved in Association work and service for 24 years.  I continue to dedicate my time and commitment to advocate for Hawaii’s public school teachers, the working middle class, labor and social justice.  I humbly ask for your vote to be a Hawaii state delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly.  Mahalo nui.

Name: Lousie K. Cayetano
School/Position: Mayor Joseph J. Fern Elementary/First Grade Teacher

I have been involved with HSTA/NEA through the following:  HSTA State and NEA-RA delegate, Faculty Representative, APC Committee, Grievance Representative, Government Relations Committee, Finance Committee (BOD), Elections Committee, Honolulu Chapter Executive Board Committee, HSTA State Board of Director, HSTA Lobbyist and a member of NEA’s Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee in collaboration with the NEA’s Human and Civil Rights Committee.

Name:  Cynthia “Cindy” Constantino
School/Position:  Kanoelani Elementary/5th Grade Teacher

Previous Board of Director, Head Faculty Rep for 6 yrs., APC, GRC, served on Elections Committee and audit and evaluation committee – I would like to go to NEA to represent the state because I feel it is critical that our voices be heard.  It is a valuable opportunity and I want to share the impact of EES and common core implementation has had on me and my fellow teachers and also most of all my students and the students of Hawaii.  I humbly ask for your vote.  Thank you.

Name:  Ruth Dalisay
School/Position:  Farrington High School/Mathematics Teacher

• HSTA Honolulu Chapter President for 13 years
• Farrington HS Grievance Representative and APC member
• Farrington HS Faculty Representative
• HSTA Board of Directors member
• Trainer, “I Can Do It” – HSTA Classroom Management Class
• HSTA Convention delegate
• NEA RA delegate

Name:  Paul Daugherty
School/Position:  Konawaena High School/Math Teacher

As a 28 year veteran math teacher at Konawaena HS, I have been a school level leader most of my career which included Head Faculty, Faculty, Grievance, APC, and SCBM/SCC Reps.  I’ve represented Kona Chapter on the Negotiations Committee for 14 years and elected to the Negotiations Team three times.  Additionally I worked on the BOE Committee on Weights VI, VII, VIII, and now IX, and the Great Teachers Great Leaders and EES Teacher Leader Workgroups.  It has been an honor to be elected and serve as a delegate to HSTA Convention and the NEA RA many times.

Name:  Larry Denis III
School/Position:  Waikoloa School

An elementary school teacher for eleven years, I have been active with HSTA since my first year of teaching, when I needed their help.  HSTA was there for me, and I am grateful.  I am the Head Faculty Rep and an APC member.  I am the Kona Chapter VP and Elections Chair.  I have previously served as co-chair of the Membership Committee and was Chapter Treasurer.  You may also recognize me from HSTA’s Facebook page.  I have attended State Convention for seven years and I would like the opportunity to represent Hawaii’s teachers at the NEA Convention.  Mahalo!

Name:  Romeo Eleno
School/Position:  Lanai High and Elementary School/Health/PE Teacher

As the incoming HSTA Lana’i Chapter President, I would be honored to be a participant in the NEA Representative Assembly this summer.  Any support from teacher colleagues across the State would be greatly appreciated, especially coming from a small chapter such as Lana’i.  This experience would provide a broader perspective/knowledge of how the National level affects education here in Hawaii.  My experiences with HSTA are:  Lanai Chapter Vice President (2 yrs.); Government Relations Committee Chairperson (16 yrs.); Lanai Chapter Teacher Institute Chairperson (2 yrs.).  Thank you in advance for your support!

Name:  Mireille “Miray” Ellsworth
School/Position:  Waiakea High School/English and Drama Teacher

Students’ test scores should not be used as part of teachers’ evaluations!  Too many factors are out of a teacher’s control.  At my first NEA RA last summer, I networked with Iowa, Washington, and California delegations to amend NEA policy regarding this.  I worked with NEA BATs (Badass Teachers Association) Caucus to demonstrate in Denver and Washington, D.C. against corporate takeover of public education.  I am also very vocal at state conventions.  Toxic testing that is shrouded in secrecy and therefore cannot inform instruction must be stopped!  Please vote for me and give me your input to continue this important

Name:  Melissa Ferreira
School/Position:  Hauula Elementary School/Curriculum Coordinator

I am a first year curriculum coordinator at Hauula Elementary School.  Previously I taught third grade for six years.  I currently am our school’s head faculty representative.  I also sit on the Youth, Human, and Civil Rights committee.  I am asking for your support in electing me as your state delegate for the NEA representative assembly because I support social justice issues and I believe in a quality education for all students.

Name:  Stephen “Thing 4” Fong
School/Position:  Solomon Elementary/Teacher

Today you are you!  That is truer than true!  There is no one alive that is you-er than you!  Shout loud, I am lucky to have HSTA as a union, who fights for your rights, so we can have adjudication!  I have been blessed to have served as a Central Chapter Treasurer, and a person who loves Japanese governors!  I’ll be a teacher who’ll stand in the gap, who will stand strong, and won’t take any crap!  I will end this repartee with a short, ole decree – teachers helping teachers, smoothing out the road on this long journey-ee!  (adapted Seuss)

Name:  Cliff Fukuda
School/Position:  Aiea High School/Social Studies Teacher/Assistant Football Coach

“Engraved” at 8 NEA Teachers Conventions, enlisted to service at 17 HSTA conventions, “socratic” member of the Board of Directors for 9 years, “bushido” member of Central Chapter Executive Board for 10 years, a “Dalai Lama” personality as a school leader.

Jobs include:  Teaching Econ, History, Social Studies, Language Arts, at Aiea High, Mid-Pacific Institute, Newspaper/Yearbook at Aliamanu, Student Activities at Radford, Military Police, Air Police Office in National Guard, US Army Europe.

My best quote:  from Alabama Ed Assoc:  WE are the keeper of the Dreams”

Many thanks for you kind support over the years.

Name:  Edward B. Garcia
School/Position:  Maui Waena Intermediate/504/High Risk Counselor

As an HSTA Board of Director & former HSTA Teacher Lobbyist, I have a vested interest in teachers & students success.  As an educator, I have a teaching philosophy of having them understand learning happens not only in the classroom, but also at home with their parents & the playing field with their peers.  I believe I am qualified & confident to represent Hawaii at the NEA-RA.  I will help to enhance HSTA s mission & move Hawaii in the right direction.  With my wide variety of HSTA experiences, this will increase my awareness and understanding our needs in the

Name:  Jonathan Gillentine
School/Position:  Windward District Office/Early Learning Specialist

My work within HSTA as grievance rep, faculty rep, chapter VP, state board member, SPED committee member, HSTA convention delegate, NEA RA delegate, and professional development facilitator have served to prepare me for this position.  I also offer experience with initiatives established by NEA, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and the Center for Teacher Quality and involvement in an established, engaged network of teacher leaders.  I will promote excellence for students through innovation, teacher leadership, and teacher voice in school level, state, and national policy decisions.

Name:  Rebecca Hadley-Schlosser
School/Position: OCISS/Special Education Section/State Office Teacher

During my 18 years in Hawaii, I have been an active member of HSTA.  I have served as the Head Faculty Representative, Grievance Representative, and Faculty Representative.  I have served on the Youth, Human, and Civil Rights Committee as the Chapter Chairperson.  I have also served as the HSTA Leeward Chapter Secretary and am currently the HSTA Honolulu Chapter Secretary.  Through my active involvement, I have been honored to serve as a delegate to the NEA-RA.  I have returned to school refreshed and ready for the school year.  I share new information with my colleagues upon my return as well.

Name:  Justin Hughey
School/Position: King Kamehameha III Elementary/Special Education Teacher

I spoke to thousands of NEA delegates regarding the grave implications of the Supreme Court Citizens United Case, before it was decided.  NEA originally opposed my stance against the decision until they saw how corporate money took down collective bargaining in Wisconsin.  A resolution I submitted made Hawaii the first state legislature to oppose Citizen United.  I secured Jesse Hagopian as a speaker to Maui’s institute day after watching NEA support his uprising against high-stakes testing in Washington State.  Last convention, my legislative amendment passed that NEA supports requiring employers to offer short-term disability policies that include maternity leave.

Name:  Alan Isbell
School/Position: Wailuku Elementary/4th Grade teacher

After teaching English and newswriting three years at King Kekaulike High, I currently teach fourth grade at Wailuku Elementary, and have been HSTA’s head faculty representative there for seven years.  I was appointed to Maui’s government relations committee three years ago.  I have attended four HSTA conventions, and last year attended a National Education Association Convention, as well as the corollary convention on women and minorities.  I belong to the Native American and Pacific Islanders Caucus.  Formerly an award-winning journalist, I have written many education editorials that were extensively published in Hawaii and abroad.

Name:  Linda F. Jones
School/Position: Lanai High & Elementary School/Language Arts/Speech/Drama

Aloha,
My name is Linda Jones.  I moved to Hawaii in 1971; graduated from Radford in 1975.  I attended LCC, KCC and UH Manoa.  I graduated with a degree in Speech Communications with a minor in Writing.  Later, I returned to college to obtain my teaching license through R.I.S.E.  I taught Special Education English for 15 years.  I taught at Kailua Intermediate, Kaiser High, Paauilo Middle School and Lanai High and Elementary.  I served for one year as a school level representative for HSTA at Kaiser.  Our profession is a noble one which deserves respect and admiration.  Vote for me!

Name:  Antonia “Ann” Kaai
School/Position: Waianae Elementary/2nd Grade Teacher

I have been an active HSTA member since 1987 and became a field representative in the year 2000.  As a field representative, I participated in rallies, sign waving, and teacher strike.  In 2005, I was elected into the Negotiations Committee and continue to participate in meetings with the Negotiations Committee.  As a member, I am continually participating in the Executive Board meetings and RA meetings for Leeward Chapter.  I also helped out whenever help is needed.  I’ve participated in the Hawaii State Convention since 2005.  I was also invited to attend one of the special meetings held for women.

Name:  Edwin Kagawa
School/Position:  Kea’au Middle School/8th Grade Social Studies

I currently the Hilo Chapter President.  I have also served as Chapter Vice-President and Elections Committee chair.  I have served as HSTA State Convention Delegate and NEA RA Delegate over the past several years.  At the school level, I have served on the APC and been Head Faculty Representative.

Name:  Kawaileleohi’ilawe
School/Position:  Kea’au High School/Regular Education/Inclusion Social Studies Teacher

Aloha, I was born and raised in Keaukaha on Hawaii island and a product of Hawaii’s public schools.  I began my teaching career at Hilo Intermediate School in 1997 as a regular and special education teacher.  I transferred to Kea’au High School in 2008 and I’m currently teaching history in 9th and 11th grade inclusion classrooms.

I have served our Hilo Chapter on the following committees:  Youth and Human Civil Rights Committee, 1997-1998; Negotiations Committee, 1998-2001; Political Action/Government Relations Committee, 2001-2009; Government Relations Committee 2013 – Present.

I humbly ask for your vote.

Name:  Beldon Kealoha
School/Position:  Kohala High School/Secondary Teacher/Social Studies

Aloha!  My name is Beldon Kealoha and I am humbly asking for your vote as a state delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly.  I’ve been a chapter member since I’ve first started teaching 17 years ago and in the past 10 years, actively involved with our chapter union as a High School RA, APC rep, Vice-President (current), Negotiations committee (current), chairperson for our Institute Day the past two years, and Grievance Rep.  I also have attended four of the past five HSTA conventions for our chapter as well.  Mahalo for your consideration.

Name:  Barbara Kiakona
School/Position:  Olomana School/Teacher

I have been a member of the state CBR Committee since 1995 and VP of Windward Chapter for the past four years.  This year I was on the Institute Day Committee for the state.

At the school level, I have been the Head Faculty Rep, APC member and Grievance Rep.  I feel honored to serve my colleagues in any capacity.

Name:  Karen Kohagura
School/Position: Pahoa Elementary/Teacher

I have been active in the HSTA since the 1990’s.  I have served in the following capacities at the school level:  Faculty Rep, Grievance Rep, and Strike Team Captain in 2001.

I have served in the following capacities in the Hilo Chapter:  Secretary (present), Political Action Committee member, and Charter, Bylaws, & Resolutions Committee co-chair (present).

I attended the Pacific Regional Leadership Conference & Women’s Leadership Training in Reno, Nevada.  I was a delegate at the State Convention for more than ten years, and a delegate at the NEA RA in Atlanta, Georgia and Denver, Colorado.

Name:  Aaron Kubo
School/Position:  Hilo Intermediate School/Social Studies

I am an active member of the Hilo Chapter, a school level APC committee member and a national level NEA trainer within the ELL cadre.  With the cooperation of both HSTA and the NEA, I am currently working, with my colleagues, to train teachers to better assist the growing ELL population in our public schools.  With your assistance I plan to continue fighting for equity and tolerance at all levels!

Name:  Jodi T. Maeda Kunimitsu
School/Position: Maui High School/Math Teacher

My HSTA experience began ten years ago, when I was a delegate to the HSTA Convention.  Since that time, I have been an APC member, an NEA RA delegate, an Elections Committee member, the Kaua’i Chapter President, and a member of the HSTA Board of Directors.  On the NEA level, I am involved in the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus and once co-chaired the APIC Issues Conference.  I have also attended the NEA Minority Leadership Training, Pacific Regional Leadership Conference, Ethnic Leaders Meeting, and the Joint Conference on Concerns of Minorities and Women.  Mahalo for your time and consideration.

Name:  Lester Kunimitsu
School/Position: Baldwin High School/Grievance Representative

I am a vocational Agriculture teacher that graduated from U.H. Manoa.  I have been involved with our association since 1994 as a member of the political Action committee, Faculty representative, APC, Grievance representative, Board member and currently Chapter president.

Name:  Joan Kamila Lewis
School/Position: Kapolei High School/English Teacher

Participating as a delegate to the NEA RA has been an invaluable part of both my work as an association leader and as a professional educator.  Information gleaned from the discussions and debates, as well as the interactions with colleagues from around the country have helped me grow and improve as I have served throughout the organization.  I would appreciate the opportunity to represent you this year even as I hope to continue leading into the future.  For more information about how we can capture the learnings from NEA and maximize them at home, check out fb “team2015forhawaiiteachers”.  Mahalo!

Name:  Kimi Mark
School/Position:  Nanaikapono Elementary/1st grade

My name is Kimi Mark and I have been a teacher for the past 4 years.  I am very active in the union.  Currently I am on APC and also the Head Faculty rep for my school this year.  I have also taken the role as Leeward Chapter Secretary.  Prior to becoming the Leeward Chapter Secretary I was on the membership committee.  I love being involved and learning new things in education at the local, state and national level.  I hope to continue learning and being involved.  I love meeting new people and forming relationships.

Name:  Angie Miyashiro
School/Position: Ka’u High – Pahala Elementary/H.S. Physical Education And Health

I have been an active member of HSTA soon after my first year of teaching. I have been a delegate to HSTA and NEA and have presented NBIs and Resolutions at both. I am currently head rep at our school and was head rep at me prior school. I am also the chair of SCC. I have been a local Director of Recreation, YHCR and membership. I have I have helped in GR by being part of the interviews for legislature endorsement as well as helped at the fund raising campaigns. I have sign waved, written letters and telephone banking.

Name:  Laverne Fernandes Moore
School/Position: McKinley/Special Education Teacher

Presently serving as the HSTA Honolulu Chapter President, HSTA Board of Director and a member on the NEA Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee I ask for your vote in the upcoming State Election which will afford me the opportunity to continue advocating on your behalf at the National level.  Mahalo, Laverne Fernandes Moore

Name:  Ann Nakamura
School/Position: Makakilo Elementary/Grade 2 Teacher

I have been serving my school as a HSTA faculty representitive for the past ten years.  I believe it is critical for all teachers to be informed of any kind of changes that pertains to them.  By attending the NEA I’ll be able to professionally grow.  I have attended the NEA last year and learned from other colleagues.  For the past twelve years, I have been attending the HSTA Convention as a Leeward District representitive.

Name:  Patricia K. Niibu
School/Position: Lanai High and Elementary School/Social Studies Teacher

I am currently serving as Chapter President.  I also served as Lanai chapter treasurer and Membership committee chairman.  From 1998-2007 I served on the Legislative Committee for the Kona Chapter, 2 years as chairman.  From 1994-1998 I served on the Constitution & By-Laws & Resolutions (CBR) committee for the Kohala chapter.  Besides serving as Lanai Chapter President, I am also a member of the HSTA Board of Directors and have learned alot about parliamentary procedures, time management, and respect for others’ opinions.

Name:  Wil Okabe
School/Position:  HSTA State President

• HSTA State President
• HSTA Board
• HSTA Vice President
• HSTA Sec/Treasurer
• Hilo Chapter President
• Hilo Chapter Vice President
• NEA Chair Membership and Affiliate Committee
• NEA Civil Rights Committee member

I appreciate your continued support and vote so that I may represent you at the NEA National Convention.

Mahalo – Wil

Name:  Logan Okita
School/Position:  Nimitz Elementary School/1st Grade Teacher

I started out as a “volun-told” second year teacher on APC.  I served as Faculty Rep for two years.  I have attended two NEA leadership trainings and two NEA RAs (Atlanta and Denver).  I was the state chair of the Youth, Human and Civil Rights Committee for two years.  I now serve on the Board of Directors and the Negotiations Team.

Name:  Troi Orias
School/Position: Ewa Beach Elementary/Special Education Teacher

I served as a Board of Director & Government Relations chair for Honolulu.  I have been state Membership chair.  I was a student editor for the NEA Today as well as a student delegate.  I currently am a Head Rep & part of Leeward’s Government Relations team.

Name:  Colleen Pasco
School/Position: Kohala High School/Teacher

I have been actively involved with HSTA in various leadership roles for the last 25 years.  I have served as Faculty Rep, APC, Grievance Rep, chapter chair for PAC, LEG, Elections, and PCR.  I am the current state Secretary-Treasurer and would like to extend my role at NEA RA as a voting delegate.

Name:  Julie “Juli” Patten
School/Position:  Ma’ili Elementary School/Third Grade

I have been a teacher in Hawaii for over 25 years.  I have been a faculty representative every year.  I have also been on the membership committee and the elections committee.  I have served as the Leeward Chapter President for the past six years.  I have attended NEA Representative Assembly as a delegate for the past 10 years.  It is important for Hawaii teachers to have a strong voice, speaking for them at the national level.  I would like to be that voice for the teachers of Hawaii.  Please vote for me for NEA RA delegate.

Name:  Amy Perruso
School/Position: Mililani High School, Social Studies Teacher

My political work with NEA teachers, students and parents to reclaim public education over the past decade sparked my academic investigation into the roots and nature of the national ‘education deform’ movement.  This work inspired me to start organizing to resist the ‘education deform’ movement and enabled me to publicly challenge unfair teacher evaluations, toxic testing culture and the narrowing and scripting of curriculum.  We need to fight for a more democratic, transparent and member-driven union, because a strong teacher union is our best hope to reclaim a rich and meaningful public education for our children.

Name:  Michelle Pieper
School/Position: Nanakuli High School, Hawaiian Language Teacher

I’ve been a DOE teacher since 1997.  I have taught special education, social studies at the Waianae Intensive Learning Center, taught reading and math at Maili Elem, and currently teach Hawaiian Language at Nanakuli High/Inter.  I volunteer after school teaching hula and Oli, organize cultural activities for the schools Hawaiian club.  Last year, I found it interesting to learn about other states’ issues and how the NEA helps with lobbying at the National level.  I would love to represent Hawaii teachers at the 2015 NEA once again.  Imua!

Name:  Dawn Raymond
School/Position:  Waiakea High School/Special Education Teacher

After teaching for only five years, I’m so honored to be serving my first year as the elected Hilo Chapter VP.  I have participated in a variety of leadership training sessions including NEA’s Minority Leadership Conference, NEA’s Summit, and NEA’s Women Leadership Conference.  I continue to serve in a diverse range of capacities and committees including the State SPED Committee, the State Institute Committee, the Work Group for the HTSB (SY 14-15), and as a Faculty Representative at WHS.

I would like to represent all voices as your State Delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly.  I ask for your support.

Name:  Juliana Romero
School/Position: Central District Office/Autism Consultant Teacher

I am a proud member of the Hawaii State Teacher’s Association for 14 years.  I was a member of the Political Action Committee for two years, a member of the Board of Directors for one year, a member of the Charters, Bylaws and Resolutions for one year, and presently I am a member of the Government Relations Committee.  I attend two NEA Conventions, the first in Philadelphia, PN. In 2007, and the second in Denver, Colorado in 2014.

Name:  Sherry Rose
School/Position:  W.R. Farrington High School/Classroom Teacher (English)

I have been a member of HSTA since 1971.  I became active at Honolulu Chapter RAs in 2007, caught the bug, and became a State Convention Delegate in 2008.  I have been elected each year since.  I served as a school level leader, APC member, and a Grievance Rep.  In 2009, I attended my first NEA Representative Assembly in San Diego.  What an exciting experience!  I joined the Library and Technology, Women’s, and Asian Pacific Islander Caucuses.  These are so important to us here in Hawai’i and I was elected again in 2011, 2013, and 2014.  I would appreciate your

Name:  Corey Rosenlee
School/Position:  Campbell High School/Teacher

In the past two years I have fought to increase teacher wages, organized teachers and students to improve working conditions by putting air conditioning in hot classrooms, testified to end longer bell schedules, and worked to end the use of standardized testing on teacher evaluations.  Teacher unions must organize and fight to ensure that all children regardless of their socio-economic status are entitled to a quality education.  I have fought for these items in Hawaii and will continue to fight for them at NEA.

Name:  Michele Sasaki
School/Position:  Hickam Elementary/Kindergarten Teacher

Teaching is more than just a job.  We dedicate our time, love, and lives for a brighter future.  Thus, involvement in our Association has been a passion and a place to be part of positive change.  Support for teachers equals support for students and public education.  With care and pride through the years, I’ve served as a Faculty Rep, Strike Captain, Chapter Secretary, Grievance Rep, State Convention Delegate, and NEA Rep Assembly Delegate.  I kindly ask for support to represent the wonderful teachers of Hawaii at the NEA RA.  Mahalo!

Name:  Kathy Shibuya
School/Position: King Kaumualii Elementary

My name is Kathy Shibuya and I hope to represent your voice and your vision at the upcoming NEA Convention.  As a member of the EES Advisory Committee, HSTA’s new Strategic Plan Committee last year, a former head faculty, and Government Relations Representative, I have always tried to look out for the interests of Hawaii’s teachers and students.  I would like to continue working on behalf of all teachers to promote an attitude of respect and fairness.  When voting for your Hawaii NEA delegates this year, I humbly ask that you consider voting for me, Kathy Shibuya.  Mahalo!

Name:  Kathleen Shiramizu
School/Position:  Farrington High School/Special Education Teacher

A member since 1990.

I’ve served as a School Level Leader (Fac Rep, SCBM-SCC; currently APC, SCC co-chair); a previous delegate to State and NEA Conventions, member of the NEA Asian Pacific Islanders Caucus and the Women’s Minority Caucus.  I’ve actively served on the Honolulu Chapter Executive Board (11 yrs.), Elections Committee (chair/co-chair 5 yrs.), and Membership Committee (chair/co-chair 6 yrs.).  I volunteered for political action events (school visits, sign waving, political fundraisers, BOE meetings, MLK walk, and lobbied at the State Capitol).

I stood unified and walked the line in 2001, Teacher’s Strike.
I humbly ask for your vote.

Name:  Terrie Simpson
School/Position:  Nanaikapono Elementary/Kindergarten Teacher

Over the last 27 years, I have served HSTA as a CBR Committee member, Chapter President, Chapter Vice-President, Board of Director as well as being a faculty rep.

Name:  Jennifer Solmirin (Wolf-Moon)
School/Position:  Kealakehe High School/ELL/Social Studies/English Teacher 9-12

I have been a member of HSTA since 2003.  I have been a dedicated and highly motivated Faculty REP and APC member at Kealakehe High School from 2003 to present.  I currently serve as Head Faculty REP.  I participate in regular APC meetings with administration to address faculty concerns and attend Chapter RA meetings on a monthly basis.  In addition to my school and local chapter roles, I was lucky enough to be chosen and serve as a representative at the 2012 NEA Pacific Regional Leadership conference and the Minority Leadership conference in San Diego, California.  This experience and training

Name:  Barbara (Leimomi) Stender-Jenkins
School/Position: McKinley High School/Head Faculty Rep

I am the Head Faculty Rep at McKinley High School and have served in this capacity in the past, as well.  I have also been a member of the APC Committee.  My objectives as a Faculty Rep have always been to help teachers in any way that I possibly can.  By fulfilling this commitment, it allows us to achieve the desired goals and to collaborate on any challenge or issue that may arise through resolution.

Name:  Angela Powers Tabilas
School/Position:  McKinley High School

I have never been to the NEA Representative Assembly and would like to have an opportunity to represent the HSTA.  I’m looking forward to serving in the HSTA as a Faculty Representative and advocating on behalf of all teachers.

Name:  Sherry Takao
School/Position: McKinley High School

This is my first time running to be a delegate at the NEA National Convention.  I would like to experience being a participant at the Convention.

Name:  Sherilyn Tong
School/Position:  Makakilo Elem./Grade 3 Teacher

I have served as a HSTA faculty representative at Makakilo Elem. for the past 6 years.  I have also attended three HSTA conventions as a Leeward district representative.

Name:  Osa Tui, Jr.
School/Position: McKinley High School/Registrar

Hi!  My HSTA experience includes Faculty Representative, Association Policy Committee member, and current Grievance Representative.  I have also attended NEA Minority Leadership Training, the HSTA State Convention, and the NEA Representative Assembly and hope to return once again.  I am currently Chair of the Negotiations Committee and hear many horror stories relating to the DOE in that capacity.  Attending the NEA RA will assist in hearing first hand the problems that plague educators nationwide.  Thanks!

Name:  Jeri Lynn Yamagata
School/Position:  Kauai High School/Credit Recovery

I have been active in HSTA/NEA leadership since 1989 & continue to be at the local, state, & national levels.  Here is my leadership resume:  faculty representative (25 yrs.); NEA delegate (17 yrs.); State BOD (14 yrs.); HSTA State Convention Delegate (24 yrs.); APC/GR (15 yrs.); Chapter President (11 yrs.); Negotiation’s Chapter Chair (5 yrs.); Negotiation’s State Chair (2.5 yrs.); Negotiation’s State Vice-Chair (1 yr.); HSTA/MLT/PRLC delegate (2 yrs.); HCR/WLTP Senior/Mentor Trainer (11 yrs.); NEA/PAC (4 yrs.); NEA/WIC member (4 yrs.) & Chair (3 yrs.); NEA/HCR AYLS/SEL Senior/Mentor Trainer (9 yrs.); & NEA Social Justice Trainer (7 yrs.).