In Hawaii's ongoing quest to tackle the persistent shortage of teachers, Filipino immigrants emerge as significant contributors to the educational landscape. The latest wave of educators arrived under the auspices of a cultural exchange program, shouldering the responsibility of not just teaching, but also serving as cultural ambassadors. Hawaii News Now reports that the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) welcomed 125 Filipino teachers this year, a cohort poised to occupy half of the over 200 teacher vacancies in the state.
James Urbaniak, a recruiting specialist for the Hawaii DOE, noted the program's twin benefit of easing staff shortages and reinforcing cultural representation. "Over 30% at a minimum of students identify in some part as Filipino. So seeing that teacher from the Philippines, you know, inspires them possibly to become an educator like that teacher that’s in front of them," Urbaniak expressed in statements to Hawaii News Now. Recognizing the transition challenges, the DOE provides these educators with a nurturing start, guiding them through essentials such as healthcare enrollment, banking, and community integration upon arrival.
The teachers arrive on J1 visas, designed for work-based and study-based exchange visitor programs, with a stay in the U.S. permitted for up to five years. Despite earning a salary around $60,000, the high cost of living in Hawaii poses a considerable challenge for many. Community advocates have highlighted the need for more support – not just in monetary terms but also in adaptation and classroom management training. Rose Churma from the Filipino Association of University Women cited the importance of rights awareness for these residents, while also acknowledging the vital role of donations and assistance from local groups in moments of need, such as last year's Lahaina fires.
Meanwhile, Natasha Ubas, a teacher from the Philippines with nine years of experience, recounted to Hawaii Business Magazine the initial skepticism she faced from her students in Maui. Over time, however, she earned their respect and even affection, with some students expressing a desire to visit her, although they won't be in her class the following year. Ubas stands among others in a "very competitive" program that often sees Filipino educators holding advanced degrees and fluently speaking multiple languages, according to Urbaniak in the magazine's report.
The program not only addresses academic needs but also fosters a cultural rapport that resonates deeply with Hawaii's substantial Filipino community. Teachers like Jerico Jaramillo, who teaches at Lāna‘i High and Elementary School, have taken the opportunity to showcase Filipino culture to their students, bridging gaps and enriching the educational experience.
