EOEL Public Pre-Kindergarten Teacher: Position # 603852
Location: Honaunau Elementary School, Captain Cook, HI
Position Type: Full-Time
Certificated Reports To: School Principal / EOEL Program Manager
Honaunau Elementary School is seeking a passionate, dedicated, and culturally responsive EOEL Preschool Teacher to join our 'ohana. In this role, you will lead a high-quality, public pre-kindergarten classroom funded by the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL). You will play a pivotal role in providing equitable early childhood education, ensuring our youngest learners develop the foundational social-emotional, cognitive, and physical skills they need to thrive. Nestled in South Kona, Honaunau Elementary values community, collaboration, and a deep connection to the 'aina (land). If you are an educator who believes in the power of play-based learning and family engagement, we want you on our team! Key Responsibilities Instructional Leadership: Plan, implement, and assess a high-quality, child-centered, and play-based curriculum aligned with the Hawaii Early Learning and Development Standards (HELDS). Classroom Environment: Create a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and culturally sustaining classroom environment that fosters curiosity, exploration, and a love for learning. Assessment & Growth: Conduct ongoing authentic assessments (e.g., teaching portfolios, observations) to monitor child development and differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Family & Community Engagement: Build strong, respectful partnerships with families. Conduct home visits (as required by EOEL guidelines), host family workshops, and maintain open communication regarding child progress. Collaboration: Work closely with the classroom Educational Assistant (EA), special education staff, elementary faculty, and EOEL coaches to ensure a smooth transition into Kindergarten. Professional Development: Participate actively in mandatory EOEL professional development sessions, coaching cycles, and professional learning communities (PLCs). Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Licensure: Valid Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) license in Early Childhood Education (PK–3 or PK–K) OR a valid out-of-state license in Early Childhood Education eligible for Hawaii reciprocity. Knowledge: Strong understanding of early childhood development theories, play-based learning, and positive behavior interventions. Desired Qualifications Experience teaching in a public school Pre-K. Familiarity with the Creative Curriculum and TSGOLD assessment tool. Experience or deep familiarity with the South Kona community and culturally relevant instruction (incorporating Hawaiian values and place-based learning).
The Hawaii State Department of Education is committed to hiring highly qualified teachers in every classroom. With the exception of designated Career and Technology Education (CTE) positions, the minimum qualification to apply for a teacher, librarian or counselor position is a Bachelor's Degree.
If you are hired without completing a Teacher's Education Program, you have a maximum of 3 years to obtain a valid Hawaii teaching license. You must enroll in a Program to continue employment with the Department. Within each year of employment, you must satisfactorily demonstrate active pursuit towards meeting Hawaii licensing requirements, as set forth by the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB). It is your responsibility to ensure the program you have enrolled is aligned with the teaching line you are hired in.
Upon hire you will need to have a valid Hawaii teaching license or Emergency Hire Permit. You may apply for your Hawaii teaching license on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board Website (https://hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org/).
Please visit www.teachinhawaii.org to review the eligibility requirements for all bonuses, differentials, and initial salary placement. To obtain a Hawaii Teaching License, which is required to receive any salary differentials, please apply with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board at www.hawaiiteacherstandardsboard.org.
