Description
Welcome to Kapa'a Middle School, where we are dedicated to building a strong foundation for our students by fostering character, confidence, and compassion. Our commitment to the success and well-being of every student is reflected in the implementation of key characteristics advocated by the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). While we are at the foundational stage of building these characteristics, we expect all students, teachers and non-teaching staff members to commit to thesesuccessful middle school practices.
Positive and Inclusive School Culture:
Kapa'a Middle School strives to create a positive and inclusive school culture where students feel safe, valued, and respected. Our staff is committed to promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance for all students, fostering an environment conducive to character development.
Responsive Advisory Programs:
We are building responsive advisory programs that focus on growing strong relationships between students and staff. Advisory provides a platform for students to discuss social and emotional concerns, enhancing their academic confidence and interpersonal skills. Advisory groups serve as a support system throughout their middle school journey.
Academic Excellence:
Kapa'a Middle School strives for high academic standards to ensure that students are well-prepared for the challenges of high school and beyond. Our curriculum is designed to not only develop academic skills but also instill a growth mindset, encouraging students to approach challenges with confidence and resilience.
Teaming for Students and Teachers:
Teachers and students are placed in teams to collaborate and work closely together to support the academic, social, and emotional development of each specific group of students. This approach fosters a sense of community and allows for a more personalized and supportive educational experience. For teachers, this involves collaborative teaching, advisor-advisee relationships, common planning time, and opportunities for cross curricular integration of learning.
Character Education Programs:
Kapa'a Middle School has implemented the Character Strong education program that emphasizes the importance of integrity, respect, and responsibility. These programs are integrated into the curriculum and are reinforced through regular discussions and activities to help shape students' character positively.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):
Recognizing the importance of social-emotional development, we have implemented SEL programs to help students navigate the challenges of adolescence. These programs focus on building self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills, contributing to the overall well-being of our students.
Effective Communication:
Open communication between teachers, students, and parents is a priority at Kapa'a Middle School. Parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, and online platforms are utilized to keep families informed about students' progress and to create a collaborative partnership in supporting the growth of each child.
At Kapa'a Middle School, we are dedicated to laying a solid foundation for our students, focusing on character, confidence, and compassion. By incorporating these AMLE successful middle school characteristics, we aim to prepare our students not only academically but also socially and emotionally for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Our Pledge to Being a Successful Middle School
At Kapa'a Middle School,
We have chosen to be middle grades educators, for we recognize that the years of early
adolescence are pivotal and abound with individual potential and opportunity.
We will care for our students, respect them, listen to their voices, and engage them in
meaningful educational experiences that will prepare them for a promising future.
We believe that every young adolescent:
- Has the capacity to learn, grow, and develop into a knowledgeable, reflective,
caring, ethical, and contributing citizen.
- Must have access to the very best research-based programs and practices a
school can offer.
- Should be engaged in learning that is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and
diverse.
- Faces significant life choices and needs support in making wise and healthy
decisions.
- Thrives academically, socially, and emotionally in a democratic learning
environment where trust and respect are paramount and where family and
community are actively involved.
- Benefits from policies and practices that are student-centered, unbiased, and
fairly implemented.
- Deserves educators who are prepared to work with this age group, who are
themselves lifelong learners, and are committed to their own ongoing professional
development and growth.
Therefore, we proudly dedicate ourselves to becoming the best middle grades educators
we can be and active advocates for all young adolescents.
Examples of Duties
Kapa'a Middle School is seeking an enthusiastic and innovative Media Production and
Yearbook Teacher to inspire and guide students in the exciting fields of multimedia
creation and yearbook production. The ideal candidate will be responsible for
developing and implementing a comprehensive curriculum that integrates media
literacy, digital storytelling, and publication design, while fostering the holistic
development of middle school students.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Curriculum Development and Instruction:
- Design engaging lessons and projects that develop students' skills in
media production, including photography, video editing, graphic design,
and journalism.
- Integrate media literacy concepts to teach students how to critically
analyze and create media messages.
- Guide students in the production of the school yearbook, overseeing all
aspects from content creation to layout and distribution.
2. Student Engagement and Support:
- Create a collaborative and inclusive classroom environment that
encourages student creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.
- Provide individualized support and feedback to students to help them
develop technical skills and achieve their creative goals.
- Foster students' digital citizenship and responsible use of technology in
media production.
3. Family and Community Collaboration:
- Collaborate with families to involve them in the yearbook production
process and showcase student achievements.
- Build partnerships with community organizations and media professionals
to enrich students' learning experiences and expose them to real-world
applications of media production.
4. Professional Development and Growth:
- Stay informed about current trends and best practices in media
production, journalism, and yearbook design.
- Participate in professional development activities to enhance instructional
strategies and integrate innovative technologies into the curriculum.
- Collaborate with colleagues to align media production projects with
interdisciplinary learning objectives.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Media Studies, Communications, Education, or a related field
(required); Master's degree preferred.
- Valid Hawai'i teaching license or certification with expertise in media production,
journalism, or related areas.
- Experience teaching middle school-aged students, preferably in media production
or related fields.
- Proficiency in multimedia software and tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, video
editing software, digital photography).
- Strong understanding of media literacy concepts and their application in
educational settings.
- Ability to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that promotes
creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Knowledge of AMLE Successful Middle School Practices:
The Media Production and Yearbook Teacher should demonstrate knowledge and
application of the AMLE successful middle school practices outlined in "The Successful
Middle School: This We Believe." These practices include:
- Educators who value working with young adolescents and are committed to their
success.
- Varied teaching and learning approaches that respond to students' diverse
needs.
- Multiple learning and teaching approaches that support intellectual, social,
emotional, and physical development.
- Organizational structures that support meaningful relationships and learning.
- Adult advocates for every student.
- School-wide climate that fosters belongingness and emotional and physical
safety.
- Respectful and inclusive culture that values diversity.
- Comprehensive guidance and support services.
- Strong community partnerships that enhance student learning.
- Technology and information resources that support learning and teaching.
Working Conditions:
The Media Production and Yearbook Teacher will primarily work in a classroom and
studio setting within Kapa'a Middle School, with opportunities for off-site media projects
and community collaborations. The position may require occasional evening or
weekend hours to support extracurricular activities and events.
Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding
the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be
subject to change based on organizational needs and priorities.
Minimum Qualifications
The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree.
If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department. Within each year of employment, you must satisfactorily demonstrate active pursuit towards meeting Hawaii licensing requirements, as set forth by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). It is your responsibility to ensure the program you have enrolled is aligned with the teaching line you are hired in.
Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit. You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website (https://hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org/).
Supplemental Information
Please visit www.teachinhawaii.org to review the eligibility requirements for all bonuses, differentials, and initial salary placement. To obtain a Hawaii Teaching License, which is required to receive any salary differentials, please apply with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at www.hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org.
For more information about this school, please visit their website at: https://www.kapaamiddleschool.org/Certificated 10-Month Teachers enjoy a range of competitive benefits:

• Compensation: 10-month teachers shall be compensated for the applicable Bargaining Unit 05 10-month salary schedule for working a 10-month work year. Salaries, Benefits, and Support - Teach in Hawaii
• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10-month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan. For more information, please visit the Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund | Home to see premiums and contributions for Bargaining Unit 05 members.
• Group Life Insurance: The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees and retirees.
• Premium Conversion Plan: Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex (nbsbenefits.com) This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.
• Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees with at least 10 years of credited service and who have reached 62 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and are 55 years old may retire and receive benefits. For more information, please visit ERS (ehawaii.gov)
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several investment options are available.
• Temporary Disability Insurance: Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.
• Social Security: As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.
• Workers' Compensation: If an employee is injured while on the job, benefits covering medical expenses and partial wage support may be available through workers' compensation.
• Union & Collective Bargaining: Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. 12-Month Teachers are represented by the Hawaii State Teachers Association. More information can be found at by visiting the HSTA.

The above is intended as a general summary of the benefits offered and is subject to change. This does not constitute a contract or binding agreement. Benefits vary by type of employment appointment and collective bargaining agreements.