HONOKAA — For Honokaa High School teacher Doug McDowell going to work is like going to the playground. Doug has taught Art and Graphic Design at Honokaa High for 14 years. He believes all his students can speak through a visual language to communicate issues that matter to them. Doug has bridged fine art, design and technology to serve our community and often gives his students the opportunity to work with the community.
After Doug learned about the rat lungworm disease (RLWD) epidemic on Hawaii Island, he taught his students about the RLWD life cycle, as well as the current research, social systems and education surrounding the issue.
He asked students what could be done to help our community. The students decided a campaign of information, education and branding should be developed. The result was “Jug the Slug” T-shirts and stickers. They visited local farms to share the information and even met with State Sen. Michael Gabbard at the school farm to discuss RLWD.
Doug loves project based learning, especially when the learning connects students to the land and people. Recently, Doug worked with the University of Hawaii and the Sea Grant on the Waiuluulu Stream erosion control project. After his students visited the sites, met with natural resource professionals and understood the strategies used to increase the health of our stream and ocean, students used a “Design Thinking Process” to create and install interpretive signs at sites along the stream.
Another powerful project Doug led a group of students through was the development of a mental health and suicide prevention campaign. His students developed an outreach presentation and video they delivered to the Honokaa School staff, DOE complex leadership and all of the students at Honokaa High. It was powerful and supportive work for their community.
By students, for students is Doug’s mantra. He loves putting his students in charge and considers himself more of a guide or facilitator than a traditional teacher.
Outside of school, Doug is actively involved in Calvary Hillside Church and the Parker Ranch Scouts, Pack 27. Doug is an Eagle Scout and serves as the Cubmaster for his son’s Cub Scout unit. His family loves camping, going to the beach and the Keiki Rodeo, where his daughter has been riding since kindergarten. When not in school, Doug travels with his family in an RV.
Teacher Feature is a partnership among the Department of Education West Hawaii Complex Area, Hokupaa, and Delta Kappa Gamma Rho Chapter.