Molokai Middle: Grade 7 Hawaiian Studies Teacher

7th Grade Hawaiian Studies Teacher

Job Responsibilities:

Instructional Delivery & Cultural Curriculum Curriculum Implementation:
Design and deliver engaging, standards-based lessons covering the history, culture, language, and geography of Hawai’i, emphasizing the development of the Hawaiian Kingdom, the monarchy, and modern Hawaiian history. Place-Based Learning:
Integrate place-based and aina-based (land-based) learning experiences that connect students directly to the history, resources, and community of their local ahupua’a. Primary Source Analysis:
Guide 7th-grade students in analyzing diverse historical sources, including oral traditions, mo’olelo (stories/legends), historical documents, and artifacts. Cultural Literacy:
Foster a deep understanding of Hawaiian values, cultural practices, navigation, resource management, and the evolution of Hawai’i's multicultural society. Assessment & Data Driven Instruction Authentic Assessment:
Develop and implement diverse assessment methods, including traditional tests, oral presentations, cultural projects, and performance-based portfolios. Data-Informed Pacing:
Monitor and evaluate student progress to identify learning gaps, adjusting instructional pacing and delivering targeted support to ensure student growth. Feedback:
Provide constructive, timely feedback that encourages critical thinking, historical empathy, and academic confidence. Classroom Management & Student Culture Culturally Responsive Environment:
Establish a safe, inclusive, and respectful classroom culture rooted in values like aloha (compassion), malama (stewardship), and kuleana (responsibility). Adolescent Support:
Demonstrate an understanding of the unique social-emotional and developmental needs of 7th-grade students, guiding them through a transitional middle school year. Community & Behavioral Standards:
Implement proactive, positive behavior management strategies aligned with school policies and community standards. Collaboration & Community Engagement Department

Collaboration:

Collaborate actively with the Social Studies department and grade-level teams to integrate Hawaiian perspectives across disciplines and share best practices. Ohana Communication:
Maintain open, proactive communication with ohana (families) regarding student academic progress, behavior, and achievements. Community Connection:
Engage with local cultural practitioners, kupuna (elders), and community organizations to enrich the curriculum and provide authentic learning experiences.

Job Requirements / Qualifications (Bonus Section)

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Studies, Secondary Education, History, or a related field. Certification:
Valid State Teaching Certification for Middle School Social Studies / Secondary Education (or explicitly qualified via cultural expertise/Hawaiian Language Immersion pathways).

Experience:

Strong foundational knowledge of Hawaiian history, culture, and basic Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian language). Experience teaching middle school-aged students is highly preferred.