Kalani High School's Bryan Silver was named the 2025 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, marking a proud moment for Honolulu's education system. According to KHON2, this award was presented by the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE) at a ceremony graced by Governor Josh Green and Superintendent Keith Hayashi. Silver's accolade comes as a recognition of his 24 years of dedication to fostering STEM education among his students.
The decision to honor Silver out of the vast teaching community was informed by his impactful work in science and Career and Technical Education (CTE). The honor places him at the forefront of teacher excellence from a pool of over 13,000 educators. Additionally, Silver represents the archipelago in the National Teacher of the Year program. "Thank you, teachers, for setting the standard," Gov. Green said, as reported by KHON2. Superintendent Hayashi praised Silver, highlighting his leadership in CTE Engineering and robotics on both local and national stages.
Aside from his in-class triumphs, Silver is also known for managing multiple after-school robotics programs, starting LEGO FIRST robotics teams across the state, and attracting significant grants to propel these initiatives. His endeavors in STEM education are comprehensive; he extends his expertise to educator workshops, as acknowledged in KHON2.
When accepting the award, Silver's humility shone as he reflected on his journey, saying, "Teaching is never a solo journey… We are part of a larger community that supports and uplifts each other," a statement obtained by the KHON2. As reported by KITV, this community-centered educator's story is one contrasted by his accolades and the collective impact on his students, colleagues, and the broader educational circuit in the Pacific.
The ceremony at Washington Place inspired both students and educators. Honorees like Leah ‘Aiwohi and Ian Cablay, along with Bryan Silver, represent the dedicated teachers who shape future generations.
