Kumu (Teacher)

Middle and/or High School Educator 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 An educator at Namahana School is responsible for navigating and guiding the learning process with 15-20 students for 2-3 years. They have a deep commitment to student engagement, an innovative mindset, and experience in designing and implementing hands-on, interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Educators play a pivotal role in guiding students through meaningful, ʻāina-based learning experiences that connect student interests to real-world applications. An educator at Namahana School is a teacher, advisor, coach, and kumu. They are a generalist who can support student work around each learning goal, and through multiple instructional models. The educator is a part of each student's learning plan team, along with the student, parent, and community. Key Responsibilities Embody and implement Namahana School's mission, vision, and values through daily actions and interactions Serve as primary ʻohana (advisory) teacher for a consistent group of 15-20 students for 2-3 years, guiding their educational journey and supporting their development Support and guide students in developing their personalized learning plans through regular student check-ins and quarterly meetings with families, ensuring each student's educational experience aligns with their interests and goals Build and maintain meaningful partnerships with ʻāina ulu (field study) collaborators to create authentic ʻāina-based learning experiences that elicit critical thinking and reflection Develop and implement on-campus learning experiences that integrate the learning from ʻāina ulu (field studies) through ʻohana (advisory) and multi-disciplinary work Design and teach skills labs that leverage personal expertise and interests while supporting student exploration, growth, and skill development Document student progress through detailed quarterly narratives, regular family communication, and support students in preparing and presenting exhibitions Engage collaboratively with colleagues in grade-level, school-wide, and community initiatives to continually grow as an educator 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 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 namahana.org/careers. Be sure to include your resume and cover letter.

Pay:

$53,649.00 - $105,426.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location:

In person