In her kindergarten classroom at Kalihi Uka Elementary School, Kristy Inamasu’s students are rewarded for courageous learning, not just memorizing the right answers. Inamasu encourages all children to fully engage in the classroom by sharing their thoughts and ideas, participating in group work, and taking ownership of their academic responsibilities. Leading by example, she was one of the first teachers at the school to video herself teaching a lesson and share it with her colleagues as a teaching tool. Her willingness to be an example inspired other teachers and has contributed to a strong culture of learning at Kalihi Uka. Inamasu’s efforts to promote critical thinking, accountability, and respect and understanding for others have paid off for her students. They achieve significant growth in reading and math and exceed academic goals year after year.
Inamasu initially joined Kalihi Uka as a part-time teacher, and has since served as the school’s primary school adjustment program coordinator, provided ESL student support, and taught kindergarten and first grade. She is a steady presence in her students’ lives and mentors colleagues when they need a helping hand in their classrooms. Her leadership at the school is exemplified through her varied roles as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team and School Community Council, and a presenter to colleagues in the district on “Learning Intentions and Success Criteria” for young students. Her classroom serves as a destination for training and observation by new and veteran teachers, administrators, and student teachers throughout the school, complex and state who are eager to learn new ways of teaching that encourage a love of learning.
Inamasu is a graduate of Chaminade University, where she played collegiate volleyball. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology in 2012 and a Master of Arts in teaching, with a concentration in elementary education, in 2014.
Press Release: Honolulu Kindergarten Teacher Scores Big with National $25,000 Milken Educator Award
