Category Archives: Education

Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, though not a teacher, is nevertheless a Chalkboard Champion

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Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop helped establish and support the Kamehameha Schools, which meet the educational needs of Native Hawaiian students.  Photo credit: Public Domain

This week the spotlight is on our 50th state, Hawaii, and while our attention is there, I would like to share the story about Kamehameha Schools, one of the most famous private schools in the United States.

Kamehameha Schools were first established in 1887 at the bequest of Bernice Bishop, a historical figure also known as Princess Pauah. She was a member of the Hawaiian royal family when the state was still a territory. Princess Pauahi and her beloved husband, an American named Charles Reed Bishop, had no children of their own, so when she passed away in 1882 at the age of 52, she directed that her vast estate should be used to benefit and educate underprivileged Native Hawaiian children. The answer was to found a school specifically to meet the educational needs of Native Hawaiian students.

Two schools were built: one for boys and one for girls. Eventually the two schools were merged to form a coed school. The facility is now located on a six-hundred-acre campus on the main island of Oahu overlooking Honolulu Harbor.

Kamehameha Schools serve the important function of preserving Native Hawaiian culture, history, and language. One of the ways this is done is through the annual choral competition known as the Kamehameha Song Contest, where traditional Hawaiian songs and dances as well as new compositions in the genre are performed by the students. This is a wonderful tradition that goes back 45 years.

When I think of Chalkboard Champions, my first thought is of teachers, of course, but individuals such as Princess Pauahi who support schools financially and with their volunteer hours are also heroes to our students!

Read more about Kamehameha Schools in my book Chalkboard Champions, available on amazon.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

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This year is the 83rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan, an event that triggered the entry of the United States into World War II. To commemorate the event, every year, thousands of people gather on the shores of Pearl Harbor to remember the events of December 7, 1941, and to think about the long-lasting impact that day had upon everyone in our county. This day is an opportunity to honor the sacrifice, courage, and perseverance of what has become known as the Greatest Generation. And while we are honoring our courageous service members, let’s remember that many of them left their teaching positions to serve their country, and many of them became teachers at the end of their military service. Happy Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Auto shop teacher Bob Mauger named finalist for 2025 California State Teacher of the Year

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Bob Mauger has been named one of five finalists for 2025 California State Teacher of the Year. Photo Credit: Corona High School

I am always excited to share the news that an outstanding teacher has earned recognition for their work, especially if that teacher is one who works in the same school district where I worked before I retired! Today, I share the news that Bob Mauger of the Corona Norco Unified School District in Corona, California, is one of five educators to be named a 2025 California State Teacher of the Year.

Bob instructs technical education transportation automotive courses—also known as auto shop—at Corona High School. In fact, he is credited with revitalizing the automotive technology program at his school, providing students not only the technical skills necessary to work in the automotive industry, but also developing personality traits needed to success, including confidence, a strong work ethic, and integrity

“It is the commitment of my students who give up extra time on weekends and after hours to make this program successful,” declared Bob when he discovered he had earned the honor. “I wouldn’t be getting this award without you,” he told his students. “When I started, I knew the job was about preparing students for careers in automotive technology,” he continued. “But, I’ve come to realize that connecting them to the community to help those who might not otherwise be able to afford car repairs was important,” he concluded.

Bob didn’t always harbor a desire to become an educator. In fact, he didn’t even consider the career choice until he volunteered at his daughter’s elementary school. Originally, he considered a career as a probation officer.

The honored educator earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social and Criminal Justice with a minor in Child Development from Ashford University. He earned his Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Brandman University. He has three teaching credentials: Multiple Subjects; Industrial and Technology (ITE); and Career and Technical (CTE).

Texas teacher Sue King: One of the founders of Delta Kappa Gamma

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High school History teacher Sue King helped colleagues become better educators through the organization Delta Kappa Gamma. Photo credit: DKG

Many talented classroom teachers are also devoted to assisting their colleagues to become better educators. One of these was Sue King, a high school  history teacher from Texas. Sue worked to provide professional training and support to fellow women teachers through the organization Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG).

Sue was born January 8, 1886, in Pilot Point, Texas. After she graduated from high school, she enrolled at North Texas State Normal School in Denton. There she earned a reputation for a proficiency in languages and history.

After completing her courses at Denton, the novice educator taught history in high schools in Denton and Mineral Wells. Later she taught history in Fort Worth. By all accounts, her students found her inspiring.

During vacation periods Sue read widely for her own pleasure as well as to select supplementary materials for the school library. At one point in her career she served as the Chair of the History Department at the University of California in Berkeley.

In 1929, Sue was one of 12 educators who founded the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society (DKG) in Texas. Because of a long-standing custom in those days, women were prohibited from meeting together professionally. Nevertheless, the group of women believed there was a need for an organization in which women educators could assist each other in their efforts to become better teachers. The 12 co-founders extended membership in their newly-formed organization to rural and urban teachers; preschool, elementary, high school, college, and university teachers; librarians; and school administrators. Today, DKG members still work together to improve professional preparation, to recognize women’s work in the teaching profession, and to fund scholarships to those who need support to improve their professional skills.

Sadly, Sue King passed away May 4, 1930. To read more about this amazing educator, see this biography on the website of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society. To read more about the organization, click on this link: DKG.