Middle and/or High School Educator Job Description

Namahana School is a 7-12th, public charter school committed to growing rooted youth

and community that care for ʻāina through their curiosities and gifts. Namahana students

are expected to cultivate deep relationships with ʻāina (natural environment), kanaka (self,

family, community), and ao (cultures of the world) through the development of skills,

ambition, and self-confidence to actively contribute to a resilient future on Kauaʻi.

Namahana School is guided by three community-determined values: aloha ʻāina (to

practice a shared understanding of our kuleana for ʻāina); aloha kanaka (to respect and

mālama our community, our families, and ourselves); and aloha i ke ao (to perpetuate

pono practices to navigate cultures of the world. Namahana School’s purpose is to serve

the communities of Haleleʻa and Koʻolau with rigorous ʻāina-based education through

cultivating relationships with ʻāina, kanaka, and ao. Namahana School’s vision is to nurture

ʻāina-conscious graduates that know who they are, where they come from, and are

prepared with the skills necessary to be kia’i (caretakers) for their community.

Position Overview

An educator at Namahana School is responsible for navigating and guiding the learning

process with 15-20 students for 2-3 years. They have a deep commitment to student

engagement, an innovative mindset, and experience in designing and implementing

hands-on, interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Educators play a pivotal role in guiding

students through meaningful, ʻāina-based learning experiences that connect student

interests to real-world applications. An educator at Namahana School is a teacher, advisor,

coach, and kumu. They are a generalist who can support student work around each

learning goal, and through multiple instructional models. The educator is a part of each

student’s learning plan team, along with the student, parent, and community.

Key Responsibilities

Embody and implement Namahana School's mission, vision, and values through

daily actions and interactions

Serve as primary ʻohana (advisory) teacher for a consistent group of 15-20 students

for 2-3 years, guiding their educational journey and supporting their development

Support and guide students in developing their personalized learning plans through

regular student check-ins and quarterly meetings with families, ensuring each

student's educational experience aligns with their interests and goals

Build and maintain meaningful partnerships with ʻāina ulu (field study) collaborators

to create authentic ʻāina-based learning experiences that elicit critical thinking and

reflection

Develop and implement on-campus learning experiences that integrate the learning

from ʻāina ulu (field studies) through ʻohana (advisory) and multi-disciplinary work

Design and teach skills labs that leverage personal expertise and interests while

supporting student exploration, growth, and skill development

Document student progress through detailed quarterly narratives, regular family

communication, and support students in preparing and presenting exhibitions

Engage collaboratively with colleagues in grade-level, school-wide, and community

initiatives to continually grow as an educator

Physical Demands of the Position

This position requires Namahana educators to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach above the

shoulders, walk short and long distances, climb stairs, listen effectively, speak clearly, and

visually observe staff and students on a routine basis. Accommodations may be made to

enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree
Two years experience working with young people
Willingness to get a Hawaii Teaching License

Preferred Experience

Masters Degree
Three years experience working with middle school-aged children
Valid Hawaii Teaching License in the grade level
Excellent problem-solving skills, multi-tasking abilities
Passion for engaging students in meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
Ability to demonstrate competency in other content areas beyond certification content, particularly in Math, Science, and Literacy
Resiliency, ability to improvise and work through uncertainties
Experience working with diverse learners
A sense of humor

Location: On-campus at Namahana School Temporary Site, 4551 Kapuna Rd, Kilauea, HI

Off-campus (one day a week) at community ʻāina ulu (field study) sites

Position Details: 10-month position, paid over a period of 12 months. The Namahana year

generally follows the Hawaii DOE’s yearly calendar.

Start Date: July 28, 2026 - June 30, 2027

Compensation: Pay rate is subject to HSTA BU05 salary schedule. Employees also receive a

generous benefits package provided to Hawaii State Government Employees.

How to Apply: Please submit your application through the online portal namahana.org/careers. Be sure to include your resume and cover letter.

Pay: $53,649.00 - $105,426.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Health insurance
Paid time off
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Namahana School jobs

Kumu (Teacher)

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