Pre-K - 5 Hawaiian Studies Teacher - Part-Time

Hawaii Preparatory Academy; Hawaii; On-site; USD 53,000 - 98,000; Part time

Job summary

Hawaii Preparatory Academy seeks a Part-time Lower School Hawaiian Studies Teacher to educate Pre‑K–5 students in Hawaiian culture, language, and hula, aligned with HPA’s curriculum and Malama Kaiaulu framework.

The role teaches weekly 30–45 minute Hawaiian Studies lessons, supports May Day preparation, and collaborates with staff to foster place‑based learning and community engagement on Hawaii Island.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Credential or equivalent.
• Experience in teaching elementary school students.
• Skilled in collaborating with colleagues in curriculum development, design, and implementation.
• Proficient written and oral communication skills that inform families and students of progress.
• Ability to differentiate curriculum to match the needs of all students.
• Knowledge of current research and theory in instructional programs.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, colleagues, and families.
• Very comfortable with technology; able to handle daily fast-paced email communications.
• Skilled in teaching joyfully and inclusively at all Pre‑K–5 levels.
• Knowledge and experience in Hawaiian culture, history, chant, and hula.

Responsibilities

• Plan and teach Hawaiian Studies to Pre-K–5 students through weekly 30–45 minute lessons.
• Provide instruction in Hawaiian cultural practices, olelo Hawai'i, history, chant, and hula.
• Dedicate extended instructional time in spring to prepare students for the May Day celebration.
• Plan and lead the May Day Ho‘ike in collaboration with the K–8 Music Teacher.
• Support and co‑lead biweekly Lower School assemblies (every other Monday).
• Collaborate with faculty to create place‑based learning opportunities aligned with Hawaiian culture and sustainability.
• Coordinate and lead makahiki games with Middle School Hawaiian Language & History teacher.
• Support Lower School faculty through co‑planning and accompanying classes on field trips.
• Coordinate cultural performance components of school celebrations and ho'ike.

Skills

Collaboration

Technology in classroom

Differentiated instruction

Communication skills

Curriculum development

Education

Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Credential or equivalent

Job description

HPA: an extraordinary place to work, teach, and live

At Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy, we recognize that our mission, programs, and impact all begin with and depend upon the people of HPA. We seek individuals who believe in our mission and core values ; who share our commitment to the children of Hawai‘i Island as well as the dynamic young people who come to HPA from around the world. For all our positions, we seek individuals who demonstrate high standards of character, impressive work ethic, respect for equity and inclusion, and a welcoming spirit towards students, parents, fellow employees, and all within our community.

We are a school known for its sense of family, or ‘ohana, as we say here in Hawai‘i. We are located in one of the most beautiful places on the planet , where the landscape, ecosystems, history, and culture offer learning opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else.

We accept applications for open positions only. Please contact us with any questions in the human resources office, [e-mail] ; 808-881-4017.

The Village Campus at Hawai?i Preparatory Academy is currently seeking a Part-time Lower School Hawaiian Studies Teacher to educate Pre-K–5 students in accordance with HPA’s curriculum, mission, and core values. The teacher creates a classroom environment that supports learning, personal growth, and cultural understanding while motivating students to develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed for continued learning. Instruction and activities align with HPA’s Malama Kaiaulu sustainability framework and emphasize a strong connection to place and community.

In addition to academic instruction, our teachers play a key role in instilling HPA’s mission by helping students develop into responsible, compassionate, globally minded, and respectful citizens. The ideal candidate is flexible, patient, and nurturing, with a strong ability to collaborate with colleagues, integrate technology into the classroom, and demonstrate a passion for learning and growth.

The part‑time Lower School Hawaiian Studies teacher plans and teaches Pre‑K‑5 students in Hawaiian cultural practices and hula through weekly 30‑45‑minute lessons, with extended time during May Day preparation. This teacher plans and leads the May Day Ho`ike in collaboration with the K‑8 Music Teacher, and supports and co‑leads biweekly assemblies in the Lower School (every other Monday).

Primary Responsibilities

Plan and teach Hawaiian Studies to Pre‑K–5 students through weekly 30–45 minute lessons.

Provide instruction in Hawaiian cultural practices, olelo Hawai'i, history, chant, and hula.

Dedicate extended instructional time in the spring to prepare students for the annual May Day celebration.

Plan and lead the May Day Ho‘ike in collaboration with the K–8 Music Teacher.

Support and co‑lead biweekly Lower School assemblies (every other Monday).

Collaborate with faculty to create and implement place‑based learning opportunities aligned with Hawaiian culture and sustainability.

Coordinate and lead makahiki games at both the school and community levels in collaboration with the Middle School Hawaiian Language & History teacher.

Support Lower School faculty through co‑planning and, when appropriate, accompanying classes on field trips and other activities throughout the year.

Coordinate cultural performance components of school celebrations and ho'ike, including teaching students chants and hula.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree and Teaching Credential or equivalent.

Experience in teaching elementary school students.

Skilled in collaborating with colleagues in curriculum development, design, and implementation.

Proficient written and oral communication skills that can inform families and students to keep them apprised of classroom progress.

Ability to differentiate curriculum to match the needs of all students.

Knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program.

Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and families.

Perform each essential job function proficiently.

Very comfortable with technology; ability to keep up with daily fast‑paced email communications.

Skilled in teaching joyfully and inclusively at all levels of Pre‑K‑5.

Knowledge and experience in Hawaiian culture, history, chant, and hula.

Experience working with elementary‑aged students is preferred.

Ability to collaborate with faculty and contribute to a positive school community.

Strong communication and organizational skills.

Employment Term: 10 Months
Academic Year: 2026‑2027
Faculty Salary Range: $52,500 - $98,454, prorated based on FTE.
Compensation is commensurate with qualifications.

*Hawai'i Preparatory Academy offers a comprehensive total compensation package, including competitive pay and benefits. The pay rate reflects the range of pay for faculty and is dependent upon educational attainment and years of relevant experience.

ABOUT US:

The mission of Hawai'i Preparatory Academy (HPA) is to provide exceptional learning opportunities in a diverse community honoring the traditions of Hawai'i. Our work is grounded in HPA's Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Pursuit of Excellence, and Wonder.

Located on Hawaii Island, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, HPA is a co‑educational, college‑preparatory, day and boarding school that serves kindergarten through 12th grade. Our students live and study within rare landscapes, precious ecosystems, and a mix of world cultures. We embrace these attributes to create unique signature programs, research partnerships, and growth opportunities to empower students with a sense of purpose and the real‑world skills to explore and reinvent that purpose over a lifetime. HPA's goal is to be among the greenest of schools and to undertake a leadership role in sustainability education, where our campus serves as a living laboratory that sends engaged citizens and agents of change into the world.

We seek individuals who believe in our school mission and core values and who share our commitment to the children of Hawai'i Island as well as the dynamic young people who come to HPA from around the world.

HPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by State and Federal law.

An amazing place to learn, live, and work

A few of the things that make HPA unique

Nestled in downtown Waimea, our Village Campus, serves Lower and Middle School students (K‑8).

The Upper Campus, with views of Maunakea and the surrounding puʻu (hills), sits a few minutes outside of town and is home to the Upper School (grades 9 to 12, and postgraduate).

HPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex including gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, marital status, arrest and court record, credit history, status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, among other things, as provided for by state and federal law.