Two Big Island teachers were recognized this year for showcasing their potential and growth in the Hawaii Department of Education.
Among this year’s finalists for the statewide Milken Educators Teacher of Promise award were Dr. Hippolyte Assi of Hilo High and Annie Henbest of Pahoa High and Intermediate.
The honor is designed to support teachers who promote ingenuity as leaders in their communities during their first three years within the DOE.
“These outstanding teachers have proven to be exceptional at what they do to teach the next generation,” said Mike Sana, president of Milken Educators of Hawaii, in a statement.
Assi started his career in education as a substitute, later earning his teaching credentials at Leeward Community College. He joined the Hilo High staff in 2019.
“When you are a beginning teacher, we have mentors, and all the administrators are willing to help,” said Assi. “You feel the ‘ohana spirit, which helps you do your best.”
Assi now serves as the health services teacher who provides career and technical education training for students.
“This class is mostly about the connection to the real world,” he said. “We do a lot of hands-on activities because it’s all about the foundation of health services, including nursing and clinical care. Students learn the concepts in class, and then apply them.”
Henbest joined the DOE in 2019 as well, serving as a teacher for several years in Idaho before moving to Pahoa.
“I love it here,” she said. “This is such a special place and I’m blessed and honored to be a part of this school and community.”
Henbest started at Pahoa teaching eighth grade English and is now a literacy coach, assisting students and administration through teaching strategies and grants.
“Kids are much more connected here — to themselves, where we’re at, and to the learning experience,” she said.
Their unique approach to teaching combines active learning with student experiences.
“Watching somebody do it and not practicing it yourself is not going to work,” said Assi. “It’s more visual. You see, and then you practice. You put your hands on it, and that’s how you learn.”
Henbest noted a similar approach works for her students.
“I love getting kids involved and activating their learning,” she said. “They should be a part of it, along with trying to find things that are relevant to them and really making the experience about them.”
Early in their careers with the DOE, both teachers were forced to grapple with the pandemic.
“It’s so hard to connect that way online,” said Henbest. “And it’s hard for kids to come back too. But now that we’re in the groove of things and in a better place, I’m looking forward to next year.”
In the future, Assi plans to continue preparing students for careers in the medical field.
“We always go for the best and then we have to reflect on how can we improve,” said Assi, noting group work provided the best results for his students. “Like in a hospital, you have a group of nurses working together, a group of doctors working together. So that teamwork will be the focus for next year.”
Henbest is continuing her education alongside her students, recently completing a master’s degree in curriculum. She’s studying now for a master’s in educational leadership.
“I’d love to be in a space where I can support change and create more positive experiences for our kids,” she said. “Kids are engaged because it’s all about relationships, building those relationships with kids, and making connections with them.”
Both teachers received $500 from HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union in addition to certificates for their nominations. But beyond the money, they agreed it’s about the students.
“Patience is the key,” said Assi. “If you don’t have patience, it’s like you don’t care. I’m a caring person and it takes time to build your relationship with the children. Once you build up your relationship with the students, it’s so good.”
Henbest prioritized the connections and patience as well.
“It’s finding little ways to connect and then referring back to that with kids,” she said. “Consistently having those tiny conversations with kids go a long way.”
Email Grant Phillips at gphillips@hawaiitribune-herald.com.