High school science teacher Whitney Aragaki from Hilo, Hawaii, has been named her state’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. Photo credit: University of Hawaii, Hilo

I always enjoy sharing stories about educators that have earned recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Whitney Aragaki, a high school science teacher who has been named Hawaii’s 2022 State Teacher of the Year.

Currently, Whitney teaches Biology and Environmental Science at Waiakea High School in Hilo, Hawaii. Her skill as an educator has been praised at the highest levels of the state’s Department of Education. “Whitney’s innovative approach to teaching offers students meaningful cultural and place-based learning opportunities that are both rigorous and relevant to our young learners,” asserted Interim Superintendent Hayashi. “Science can be an intimidating subject for students, but Whitney successfully engages her students in exciting and empowering ways,” he continued. Whitney’s principal, Kelcy Koga, agreed. “Mrs. Aragaki’s commitment to excellence goes far beyond her teaching and the four corners of her classroom,” he remarked. “She sees the benefits that a sound education can provide, and is willing to go above and beyond the call of duty to not only serve her students but her colleagues and school community as well,” he said.

In addition to her classroom responsibilities, Whitney has taught AP Environmental Science, AP Statistics, and AP Computer Science Principles for the statewide Hawaii Virtual Learning Network’s E-School since 2013. She is the lead teacher of the Waiakea High Public Services Academy, which was recognized as a National Model Academy under the National Career Academy Coalition in 2018.

Whitney earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Swarthmore College, and her Master’s in Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science from the University of Hawaii, Hilo. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Whitney is a National Board certified teacher in Adolescence and Young Adulthood Mathematics, and she is a Google-certified educator. In addition, she is an alumna of the Hawaii State Teacher Fellowship and the National Education Association Teacher Leadership Institute. In 2019 and 2021, she was named a state finalist for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in mathematics and science teaching.