Area Teacher Finalist For ‘Excellence’ Award

Kanoelani Elementary School teacher Andrew Joyce was a Top Teacher Award finalist.

Kanoelani Elementary School teacher Andrew Joyce made the top five in Prudential Locations LLC’s annual Teacher Awards Program.

Coordinated by The Locations Foundation, the nonprofit entity of real estate firm Prudential Locations, the awards are designed to recognize educators for excellence both in and outside of the classroom.

This year’s top prize went to Jenny Maeda of Enchanted Lake Elementary School in Kailua.

“Especially in light of budget cuts in our education system, The Locations Foundation understands that teachers often face financial challenges of obtaining adequate supplies for learning activities and projects,” explained Chad Takesue, partner at Prudential Locations Foundation and this year’s event chairman.

“The Teacher Awards Program aims to celebrate the everyday miracles these teachers work in their students’ lives, as well as equip them with a small fund to help them create the best learning environment for their students.”

In addition to recognizing teachers’ achievements, the award program gives them some financial assistance for their classrooms.

Over the last 10 years, the foundation has honored 143 teachers and donated $33,250 to support the work they do.

Joyce teaches fifth grade at Kanoelani and was one of four other finalists considered for the award. For his achievement, he earned $200 that will go toward school supplies or activities. His students also must be happy for their teacher, as his winnings come with a pizza party for the whole class.

Awardees were chosen based their success in reinforcing learning inside and outside of the classroom, engaging students to participate in classroom activities, demonstrating care for students’ well-being and development, communicating effectively with parents, and participating in extra-curricular activities and community service.