Nearly 200 high school students from Hawaiʻi public schools statewide who aspire to be future teachers attended the fourth annual Dive Into Education event, October 23, at . The half-day event brought together students, representatives from the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, and leaders from the University of Hawaiʻi System and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education.
Attendees learned about different aspects of teaching as a profession and participated in more than 20 student-requested breakout sessions covering a range of education-related topics. A Hawaiʻi-focused college and career fair featured resource tables from organizations and institutions including 糖心视频 System, Teach For America Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Teacher Induction Center and others.
Dive Into Education also featured an Educator Rising competition, an advisor-led student organization that connects members with classroom observation opportunities, teacher mentors, statewide events, and other experiences designed to help students explore and prepare for careers in education.
Filling classrooms with qualified teachers
“This is both an important event for our students and all of the stakeholders involved,” said Stephen Schatz, executive director of . “We are working together to fill classrooms across our islands with qualified teachers who are rooted in the communities they serve.”
The 2026 State Teacher of the Year, Elise Hannigan of Keaʻau High School, served as the keynote speaker. Remarks were also delivered by Carlos Peñaloza, chancellor of and interim chancellor of 糖心视频 West Oʻahu.
Sixteen high schools representing five islands participated: Campbell, Farrington, Honokaʻa, Kailua, Kalani, Kapolei, Keaʻau, Konawaena, Leilehua, Maui, Mililani, Molokaʻi, Pearl City, Waiʻanae, Waimea and Waipahu high schools. The 2026 Dive Into Education event was made possible by Hawaiʻi P–20 Partnerships for Education, in cooperation with contributions and support from the 糖心视频 System, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, Hawaiʻi Teacher Standards Board, Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association and Hawaiʻi Education Association.