Newly licensed teachers from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭ā苍辞补 could soon start their careers with more than just a diploma, .
Thanks to a partnership between the 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补 (COE), Fisher Hawaii, and Creative Teaching Press, three graduates will receive classroom supply prizes to jump-start their teaching journey. First place gets $500 in classroom materials. Second and third place winners will each receive a “classroom mega pack.”
New teacher closet
The contest is an extension of the , a program launched in 2024 by COE Recruitment Specialist Janet Kim. It provides recent grads with free supplies, everything from pencils to posters that are donated by the community.
“I created the New Teacher Closet as a way to reduce the costs that new teachers face when they establish their first classroom,” Kim said. “We invite our recent graduates to submit their wishlist and do our best to secure these items to help them create their own warm and productive environment.”
The idea for the makeover contest came full circle for Kim. She won a similar prize in 2008 as a new teacher. The person who awarded it? Derrick Isono who is now Fisher Hawaii’s business development manager. The two reconnected and created this new opportunity.
Nationally, teachers spend about $478 of their own money on supplies each year. Hawaiʻi teachers spend nearly double that at around $953 on average.
“Fisher Hawaii is proud to support the educational community and is especially excited to collaborate with the COE on the classroom makeover contest,” Isono said. “This initiative provides new teachers with a wide range of classroom essentials, innovative furniture, and professional development resources to support their teaching careers.”
More on how to apply
detailing how the makeover would assist them in creating an engaging and effective learning environment for their students.