East Oahu Teachers Are Certifiably Good

Hawaii’s public school classrooms include hundreds of teachers who have completed the rigorous process of meeting national teaching standards. In the 2011-2012 school year alone, 59 new candidates successfully completed the months-long course and benchmarks, and another dozen instructors renewed their certification.

Among the teachers who recently met National Board of Professional Teaching Standards requirements are four individuals who live and/or teach in East Oahu. According to the official state list, they are Kori Briones, a Jarrett Middle School English teacher from Hawaii Kai; Karon Hansen, a Kaimuki Middle science teacher from East Oahu; Lindsay Lindenbach, a Kaimuki Middle social studies teacher; and Shiloh Richardson, a Castle High social studies teacher from Hawaii Kai.

“Every day, these accomplished teachers are having a positive impact on students in Hawaii,” said Terry Holck, who chairs the Hawaii State Teacher Standards Board.

At a recognition ceremony earlier this year. Gov. Neil Abercrombie also pointed out: “These teachers exhibit an admirable commitment to excellence by voluntarily honing and demonstrating their knowledge and skills through a nationally recognized model of performance-based assessments.”

Teaching standards will go up again next summer.