About Us

Dr. Laurie James is an Associate Professor of Math Education at the University of Hawai‘i – West Oʻahu. Laurie teaches math methods courses to the elementary and secondary teacher candidates. Through collaborative experiences, emphasis is placed on innovative problem-solving activities to enhance mathematical practices. Laurie co-facilitates the Math Teachers’ Circle of Hawaiʻi (MaTCH) professional development program, which meets regularly to solve mathematical problems and anticipate where students might struggle with math concepts. Laurie is also the PI for an NSF-funded project, Building Confidence through Inquiry, Research, Community Leadership, and Engagement (B-CIRCLE). 

Michael Ida, the 2023 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year, has taught Mathematics and Computer Science at Kalani High School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi for the past 28 years where he has served as Mathematics Department Chairperson, Academic Review Team member, and Club Advisor.

Serving on the leadership teams of the Hawaiʻi Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Hawaiʻi Computer Science Teachers Association, and the Hawaiʻi National Board Certified Teachers Collective, as well as an Advanced Placement Calculus exam reader and Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation visiting team member, Michael embraces servant leadership as a core professional value. As an EdSurge Voices of Change Fellow, and a Hawaiʻi State Teacher Fellow and Hawaiʻi Teacher Leader Academy alumnus, Michael seeks to uplift all teachers and support them as leaders and agents of change.

Michael has a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Applied Mathematics from the California Institute of Technology, a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University, and a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Boston College. He is certified in Secondary Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, and has been a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent/Young Adulthood Mathematics since 2004.

This position is currently vacant.

This position is currently vacant.

This position is currently vacant.

Kathryn “Katie” Nakahara is an experienced educator with a diverse background. She has taught elementary and secondary classes in both public and private schools. Holding a Master of Education in Teaching from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, she has honed her skills in the classroom over the years. Before obtaining her teaching licensure, Katie worked her way up in education as an administrative assistant, substitute teacher, and part-time teacher.

Katie is an elementary inclusion teacher who started teaching at the university level in 2022. Her current role involves teaching, mentoring, coaching, and evaluating pres-ervice and tenured teachers. Katie is passionate about fostering the growth of future and current educators and is dedicated to supporting their success. She is an Ed.D. candidate at Chaminade University pursuing Educational Leadership.

This position is currently vacant. 

Michael Ida, the 2023 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year, has taught Mathematics and Computer Science at Kalani High School in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi for the past 28 years where he has served as Mathematics Department Chairperson, Academic Review Team member, and Club Advisor.

Serving on the leadership teams of the Hawaiʻi Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Hawaiʻi Computer Science Teachers Association, and the Hawaiʻi National Board Certified Teachers Collective, as well as an Advanced Placement Calculus exam reader and Western Association of Schools and Colleges accreditation visiting team member, Michael embraces servant leadership as a core professional value. As an EdSurge Voices of Change Fellow, and a Hawaiʻi State Teacher Fellow and Hawaiʻi Teacher Leader Academy alumnus, Michael seeks to uplift all teachers and support them as leaders and agents of change.

Michael has a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Applied Mathematics from the California Institute of Technology, a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics from Northwestern University, and a Master of Education in Secondary Education from Boston College. He is certified in Secondary Mathematics, Computer Science, and Physics, and has been a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent/Young Adulthood Mathematics since 2004.

This position is currently vacant. 

Keith has been a Grade 6-12 Secondary Level Mathematics teacher for almost 30 years. He has also taught Media (video and computer) and Yearbook classes for Middle School. He was the former Middle School Director for Hawaiʻi Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

This position is currently vacant.

This position is currently vacant.