Quite a day for Principal Ushijima
By Suzanne Roig
Advertiser East Honolulu Writer
| |||
 |
|
||
|
|||
|
|
||
Mokulele Elementary School Principal Teri Ushijima thought it was just going to be a routine visit to her school by the schools superintendent and the governor.
It never dawned on her that the schoolwide assembly yesterday would be in her honor, or that she would be receiving the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award and the $25,000 check that goes with it.
"It's all kind of a blur," said Ushijima, Mokulele's principal the past two years. "I'm so grateful to receive this honor."
The school cafeteria was filled with banners congratulating her.
Under Milken Award rules, only five educators can be nominated in each of the 48 participating states each year, with each state receiving at least one winner. Last year, Hawai'i had two recipients.
Ushijima was Hawai'i's lone winner this year, earning her a congratulatory visit from Gov. Linda Lingle and state Department of Education superintendent Pat Hamamoto.
"She's one of the best administrators," said Darrel Galera, principal of Moanalua High School. Galera and retired complex area superintendent Betty Mow nominated Ushijima.
"She has a gift for teaching teachers and administrators on how to be effective educators," Galera said. "She has a passion for professional development and for being a role model. She has a bright future."
The Milken Foundation recognizes educators who show "exemplary instructional practices, outstanding accomplishments and long-range potential to contribute to the profession and an inspiring presence that motivates students, colleagues and the community."
Last year, Farrington High physics and chemistry teacher Bebi Davis and Waipahu High's Carl Matsumoto received the award. Over the 17 years, 65 Hawai'i educators have received an award from the Milken Foundation, and nationwide 2,200 educators have been recipients.
"Hawai'i is grateful to be part of the generous Milken Educator Awards program," Hamamoto said. "Teachers and school administrators seldom receive as much praise as they deserve. This award is confirmation that their good work is noticed and appreciated."
The criteria for the selection of Milken award winners include:
"She's a consummate professional," said Bart Nakamoto, Mokulele vice principal. "She lives and breathes this job."
While the award was a surprise to Ushijima, some knew about it in advance. One of those was parent Kim Hunnicutt, who couldn't have been happier for her son's school principal. As a parent representative on the School Community Council, Hunnicutt knows firsthand the power that Ushijima wields.
"It's very good for our school," Hunnicutt said. "She has a lot of goals and wants the school to change. She's very upbeat."
Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.
