Description
About Our School
Pahoa Elementary School (PES) is located in the Puna District on the island of Hawai'i. The school services seven major subdivisions in a rapidly growing rural community.
The school receives Title I funds which support the schools disadvantaged population. PES also supports community partnerships with multiple agencies. The School Community Council continues to advise the school on its academic and financial plan as well as host parent/ community meetings for their input.
PES continues to focus on the following identified areas of improvement and implementation: Tier I, 2, and 3 interventions for students not meeting proficiency levels academically and behaviorally by using research-based instructional strategies; Continuing Achievement Team meetings with a dedicated data-driven decision-making process focusing on student work and the decisions made based on student performance; and differentiated instructional strategies focusing on intervention and enrichment opportunities during a dedicated block of time.
Our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports system focuses on recognizing positive reinforcement for all students and working towards building a system to increase skills in social and academic success via social emotional learning.
In school year 2024-2025, PES will continue with monthly progress monitoring of our current academic plan in relation to the HIDOE State Strategic Plan. This will assist Pahoa Elementary to continue work on our school improvement plan, working towards the goal of closing the achievement gap and ensuring equity and excellence in all students.
We will continue doing what is best for the students of Pahoa Elementary School by looking at the whole child and ensuring that all students have access to a quality standards-based education.
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://sites.google.com/pahoaes.k12.hi.us/pahoaelementaryschool/welcomeCertificated 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.