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Hawai'i

Guided by our regional core values of kuleana (responsibility), ‘ohana (family), and aloha (love) and alongside our neighbors, we are preparing Hawai'i's keiki to be the authentic leaders of our local and global communities.
Hawaii region image
On This Page

Our Story

Who We Look For

Hoʻokahi nō lā o ka malihini is a ‘Olelo No'eau (Hawai'ian proverb). Translated to "a stranger for only a day" it speaks of how after the first day as a guest, one must help with the work. 

Teach For America's Hawai'i region needs:

  • Leaders who embody our regional values of kuleana, ʻohana, and aloha
  • Leaders who embody TFA's core values of choosing courage and acting with humility
  • Leaders with deep ties to Hawai‘i and partners with an orientation towards allyship
  • Leaders with awareness and understanding of Hawaiʻi’s history, context, culture, and relationship to the United States
Two corps members in Hawaii collaborate at a white board.
Corps members working alongside community partners at Kuhiawaho on Oʻahu as part of the summer local practicum experience.

Join Us Today

If you share our values and our belief in our keiki, we want to meet you. Check your eligibility to join the Hawai'i corps today.
Check Eligibility

Local Leadership 

The tourism-driven narrative of Hawai‘i as paradise ignores the complex history of colonization and its compounding effects that continue to impact generations of kamaʻāina (local residents) and Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) today. Kamaʻāina and Kanaka Maoli residents are increasingly priced out of their homes and Kanaka Maoli face persistent systemic inequities impacting education opportunities, health outcomes, and incarceration rates.

Combatting these inequities requires a collective effort, and we are proud to partner with the Hawai'i State Department of Education and our local communities. Also, because we believe that this movement must be locally led, we prioritize recruiting kamaʻāina and Kanaka Maoli corps members. You can read more about this effort, as well as our vision for our keiki, in our 10-year strategic plan or hear from some of our local corps members and alumni in the video below. 

Kama'aina Educators Reflect on Teaching

“We're so fortunate to be in this teaching profession where we're allowed to provide access, hope, and opportunity for students that are going to change the world tomorrow.”

Sheldon Konno

Principal, Wai'anae Elementary

Teaching Certification and Graduate School

Teach For America Hawaiʻi facilitates a state-approved and nationally accredited teacher education program. By completing TFA Hawaiʻi’s Alternative Route to Certification (ARC) program, you will be recommended for licensure in the State of Hawaiʻi typically at the end of your first year as a corps member.

Some certification courses are through our two university partners, both of which offer an optional Master's degree as a continuation of your certification courses.

Get in Touch

Questions about Teach For America Hawai'i?
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