Diverse Learner Kumu (Special Education Secondary School Teacher)

Diverse Learner Kumu Job Description Namahana School is a 7-12th, public charter school committed to growing rooted youth and community that care for ʻāina through their curiosities and gifts. Namahana students are expected to cultivate deep relationships with ʻāina (natural environment), kanaka (self, family, community), and ao (cultures of the world) through the development of skills, ambition, and self-confidence to actively contribute to a resilient future on Kauaʻi. Namahana School is guided by three community-determined values: aloha ʻāina (to practice a shared understanding of our kuleana for ʻāina); aloha kanaka (to respect and mālama our community, our families, and ourselves); and aloha i ke ao (to perpetuate pono practices to navigate cultures of the world. Namahana School's purpose is to serve the communities of Haleleʻa and Koʻolau with rigorous ʻāina-based education through cultivating relationships with ʻāina, kanaka, and ao. Namahana School's vision is to nurture ʻāina-conscious graduates that know who they are, where they come from, and are prepared with the skills necessary to be kia'i (caretakers) for their community. Position Overview A Diverse Learner Kumu at Namahana School is responsible for supporting the unique learning needs of students with disabilities through individualized, inclusive, and strengths-based approaches. The Diverse Learner Kumu is deeply committed to student engagement, equity, and innovation, with experience in designing and implementing differentiated, hands-on, and interdisciplinary learning experiences. Grounded in ʻāina-based learning, they help connect student interests to real-world applications while aligning with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). As a teacher, advisor, coach, and advocate, the Diverse Learner Kumu supports students in meeting their learning goals across multiple instructional models and is an essential member of each student's learning plan team. Key Responsibilities - Diverse Learner Kumu Embody and implement Namahana School's mission, vision, and values through daily actions, instructional decisions, and inclusive practices Guide students in developing and revisiting personalized learning plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), conducting regular check-ins to align learning with student interests, strengths, and needs Collaborate with general education kumu and ʻāina ulu (field study) partners to design and implement accessible, meaningful ʻāina-based learning experiences that support diverse learners and foster critical thinking and reflection Co-plan and differentiate on-campus learning experiences that integrate learning from ʻāina ulu through ʻohana (advisory) and interdisciplinary work, ensuring equitable access for students with varying abilities Document and communicate student progress through detailed quarterly narratives, data-informed IEP progress updates, and regular, transparent communication with families and student teams Engage collaboratively with colleagues, support staff, and external service providers in grade-level, school-wide, and community initiatives to ensure inclusive practices and ongoing professional growth Physical Demands of the Position This position requires Namahana educators to sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach above the shoulders, walk short and long distances, climb stairs, listen effectively, speak clearly, and visually observe staff and students on a routine basis. Accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree Two years experience working with young people Willingness to get a Hawaii Teaching License Preferred Experience Masters Degree Three years experience working with middle school-aged children Experience working with diverse learners Valid Hawaii Teaching License in the grade level Excellent problem-solving skills, multi-tasking abilities Passion for engaging students in meaningful, real-world learning experiences. Ability to demonstrate competency in other content areas beyond certification content, particularly in Math, Science, and Literacy Resiliency, ability to improvise and work through uncertainties Experience working with diverse learners A sense of humor

Location :

On-campus at Namahana School Temporary Site, 4551 Kapuna Rd, Kilauea, HI Off-campus (one day a week) at community ʻāina ulu (field study) sites

Position Details:

10-month position, paid over a period of 12 months. The Namahana year generally follows the Hawaii DOE's yearly calendar.

Start Date :

July 28, 2026 - June 30, 2027

Compensation :

Pay rate is subject to

HSTA BU05

salary schedule. Employees also receive a generous benefits package provided to Hawaii State Government Employees. How to

Apply:

Please submit your application through the online portal at namahana.org/careers. Be sure to include your resume and cover letter.

Pay:

$53,649.00 - $115,426.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person