What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kapaa Elementary: Grade K-5 Teacher, 62270 (2026-02234) position at Hawaiʻi State Department of Education?
Description
Kapa’a Elementary School is seeking dynamic, culturally responsive, and student-centered Elementary School Teachers for Grades K-5. The elementary school teacher is responsible for creating a supportive, high-engagement classroom environment that fosters academic excellence and social-emotional growth. In alignment with HIDOE’s Na Hopena A?o (HA) framework, teachers will cultivate a deep sense of Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-being, and Hawai?i (BREATH) across all aspects of the school day. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Instructional Delivery & Differentiation Plan, prepare, and deliver rigorous lessons aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Hawaii Core Standards for Social Studies (HCSSS). Integrate Hawaii-specific cultural contexts, place-based learning, and the HA framework into the daily curriculum to make learning relevant for our keiki. Differentiate instructional materials and strategies to meet the diverse academic, linguistic, and socio-emotional needs of all learners, including English Learners (EL) and students receiving Special Education (SpEd) services. Utilize active student discourse strategies (such as regular Turn-and-Talks and peer-to-peer accountability share-outs) to move away from passive learning. 2. Data-Driven Assessment & Planning Implement a balanced system of formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and mastery of grade-level benchmarks. Participate actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and Data Teams to analyze student data, track Tier 1 and Tier 2 growth, and adjust teaching strategies accordingly. Manage student records, input grades, and maintain precise attendance logs within the HIDOE student information system (Infinite Campus). 3. Classroom Management & Culture Establish a safe, structured, and joyful classroom environment rooted in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Maximize instructional time by implementing clear routines, smooth physical transitions, and high behavioral expectations. Organize learning environments (classroom setup, small group tables, and carpet meeting spaces) to maximize student focus and facilitate collaborative learning. 4. Collaboration & Support Services Partner with Grade Level Chairs (GLCs), instructional coaches, and specialized personnel (including Student Support Committees (SSC), Mokihana/SBBH workers, and counseling teams) to implement wrap-around interventions for students. Collaborate with academic support staff, adult supervisors, and technology coordinators to maximize the impact of resources on student achievement. 5. Family & Community Engagement Maintain proactive, empathetic, and collaborative partnerships with parents, guardians, and extended ?ohana regarding student progress. Actively engage in campus-wide cultural traditions and student milestones (such as the annual May Day Ho?ike and elementary transition events) that celebrate the diverse voices and growth of our student body. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Licensure: Valid Hawaii State Teacher License issued by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) in Elementary Education (K-6), or eligibility to obtain an emergency/provisional HTSB license. Knowledge & Skills: Solid foundational knowledge of child development, early literacy acquisition, and foundational mathematical reasoning. Proficiency in integrating classroom educational technology (such as Google Workspace for Education and interactive displays). Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills suited for a collaborative school environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience working within a Title I school setting, diverse student populations, or rural island communities. Demonstrated familiarity with place-based educational models, trauma-informed practices, and Hawaiian cultural values. Proven track record of managing well-balanced classroom sections with a focus on student engagement.
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 (
Supplemental Information
Please visit
Equal Opportunity
The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Payday
New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month.
Certificated 10-Month Teachers enjoy a range of competitive benefits:
01
EXTERNAL TEACHER APPLICATION:
Will you have completed a bachelor's degree or higher by the effective start date of the teaching position?
EXTERNAL TEACHER APPLICATION:
Are you currently employed as a Teacher, Librarian, or Counselor (BU05) in the Hawaii State Department of Education?
EXTERNAL TEACHER APPLICANTS FINISHING A HAWAII BASED TEACHER'S EDUCATION PROGRAM:
I will be completing my State Approved Teacher's Education Program (SATEP) by the end of this semester?
Kapa’a Elementary School is seeking dynamic, culturally responsive, and student-centered Elementary School Teachers for Grades K-5. The elementary school teacher is responsible for creating a supportive, high-engagement classroom environment that fosters academic excellence and social-emotional growth. In alignment with HIDOE’s Na Hopena A?o (HA) framework, teachers will cultivate a deep sense of Belonging, Responsibility, Excellence, Aloha, Total Well-being, and Hawai?i (BREATH) across all aspects of the school day. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Instructional Delivery & Differentiation Plan, prepare, and deliver rigorous lessons aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and Hawaii Core Standards for Social Studies (HCSSS). Integrate Hawaii-specific cultural contexts, place-based learning, and the HA framework into the daily curriculum to make learning relevant for our keiki. Differentiate instructional materials and strategies to meet the diverse academic, linguistic, and socio-emotional needs of all learners, including English Learners (EL) and students receiving Special Education (SpEd) services. Utilize active student discourse strategies (such as regular Turn-and-Talks and peer-to-peer accountability share-outs) to move away from passive learning. 2. Data-Driven Assessment & Planning Implement a balanced system of formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and mastery of grade-level benchmarks. Participate actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and Data Teams to analyze student data, track Tier 1 and Tier 2 growth, and adjust teaching strategies accordingly. Manage student records, input grades, and maintain precise attendance logs within the HIDOE student information system (Infinite Campus). 3. Classroom Management & Culture Establish a safe, structured, and joyful classroom environment rooted in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). Maximize instructional time by implementing clear routines, smooth physical transitions, and high behavioral expectations. Organize learning environments (classroom setup, small group tables, and carpet meeting spaces) to maximize student focus and facilitate collaborative learning. 4. Collaboration & Support Services Partner with Grade Level Chairs (GLCs), instructional coaches, and specialized personnel (including Student Support Committees (SSC), Mokihana/SBBH workers, and counseling teams) to implement wrap-around interventions for students. Collaborate with academic support staff, adult supervisors, and technology coordinators to maximize the impact of resources on student achievement. 5. Family & Community Engagement Maintain proactive, empathetic, and collaborative partnerships with parents, guardians, and extended ?ohana regarding student progress. Actively engage in campus-wide cultural traditions and student milestones (such as the annual May Day Ho?ike and elementary transition events) that celebrate the diverse voices and growth of our student body. Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Licensure: Valid Hawaii State Teacher License issued by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) in Elementary Education (K-6), or eligibility to obtain an emergency/provisional HTSB license. Knowledge & Skills: Solid foundational knowledge of child development, early literacy acquisition, and foundational mathematical reasoning. Proficiency in integrating classroom educational technology (such as Google Workspace for Education and interactive displays). Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills suited for a collaborative school environment. Preferred Qualifications Experience working within a Title I school setting, diverse student populations, or rural island communities. Demonstrated familiarity with place-based educational models, trauma-informed practices, and Hawaiian cultural values. Proven track record of managing well-balanced classroom sections with a focus on student engagement.
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 (
Supplemental Information
Please visit
Equal Opportunity
The Hawaii State Department of Education does not discriminate in its educational policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability in accordance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. The Department does not discriminate in its employment policies, programs, and activities on the basis of sexual orientation, arrest and court record, and National Guard participation, as well as on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, and disability, in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991, Equal Pay Act of 1963, and Chapter 378, Part I, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Payday
New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month.
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
01
EXTERNAL TEACHER APPLICATION:
Will you have completed a bachelor's degree or higher by the effective start date of the teaching position?
- Yes
- No
EXTERNAL TEACHER APPLICATION:
Are you currently employed as a Teacher, Librarian, or Counselor (BU05) in the Hawaii State Department of Education?
- Yes
- No
EXTERNAL TEACHER APPLICANTS FINISHING A HAWAII BASED TEACHER'S EDUCATION PROGRAM:
I will be completing my State Approved Teacher's Education Program (SATEP) by the end of this semester?
- Not applicable. I have not enrolled in a SATEP, yet. If hired, I know I must submit documents to prove I am enrolled in a SATEP and I must complete it within 3 years of employment.
- Not applicable. I am currently enrolled in a SATEP and will not graduate by the end of this semester.
- Not applicable. I completed an out-of-state SATEP.
- Not applicable. I already completed a SATEP in Hawaii.
- Yes. I will complete a Hawaii based SATEP by the end of this semester.