If you’re a teacher, you know that sometimes your job can feel like a vacation. But if you’d like to actually spend your days in paradise, you might be considering moving to Hawaii to work.
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to the pros and cons of teaching in Hawaii.
Hawaii is a unique place that is not only a state, but also a group of islands. It has a culture all its own, and the cost of living can be quite high.
If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, you know that the people are friendly and the weather is beautiful.
If you’re considering moving to Hawaii to teach, you need to look at the big picture. It’s important to think about Hawaii’s unique culture and the impact it could have on your life.
You also need to think about the cost of living and how it could affect your lifestyle.
Pros of teaching in Hawaii
1. A high demand for teachers
Hawaii has a high demand for teachers, and that’s good news if you’re looking for a job.
The Department of Education is always looking for new teachers, especially in areas like special education and English as a Second Language (ESL) where there is a shortage of teachers.
2. A diverse student population
Hawaii is one of the most diverse states in the country, and that diversity is reflected in the student population. If you’re passionate about teaching in a multicultural environment, Hawaii is a great place to do it.
You’ll have the opportunity to work with students from a wide range of backgrounds and learn about different cultures.
3. A unique culture
Hawaii has a unique culture that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. From the food to the music to the language, there’s so much to learn about Hawaiian culture.
If you’re interested in immersing yourself in a new culture, teaching in Hawaii is a great way to do it.
4. Beautiful weather
Let’s be honest: one of the biggest perks of teaching in Hawaii is the beautiful weather. With an average temperature of 82 degrees in the summer and 78 degrees in the winter, Hawaii has some of the best weather in the country.
If you’re tired of dealing with snow and cold temperatures, Hawaii is the place to be.
5. A strong teachers’ union
Hawaii has a strong teachers’ union, which means that teachers have a lot of protections and benefits.
The Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) is one of the largest teachers’ unions in the country, and it has been successful in securing higher pay and better working conditions for teachers.
6. Beautiful natural surroundings
Hawaii is a tropical paradise. The weather is warm year-round, and the islands offer a wide range of activities, from hiking to surfing to simply relaxing on the beach.
If you love spending time outdoors, Hawaii is the place for you. The islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, and stunning mountain peaks.
No matter what you like to do, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of Hawaii.
7. Diverse cultural experiences
Hawaii is a melting pot of cultures. You’ll find that the student body and communities you work with are diverse and that the culture of the island is a unique blend of traditions and customs.
This can make for a very rewarding experience for teachers, as you’ll get to learn about and celebrate a variety of cultural holidays and traditions.
This can also be a great opportunity for students to share their own experiences and family traditions with the class.
8. Warm climate
You will never have to worry about snow days in Hawaii! The warm climate allows for year-round outdoor activities and adventures. The weather is usually sunny and warm, with the occasional rain shower.
If you love the beach, Hawaii is the place for you!
There are two main seasons in Hawaii. The dry season is from April to October, and the wet season is from November to March.
During the wet season, the island can experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even hurricanes. It is important to be prepared for severe weather and stay informed about weather alerts.
9.Opportunities for outdoor activities
The weather in Hawaii is generally warm and sunny, which makes it perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you like to hike, swim, snorkel, surf, or go for a run, you can do it all in Hawaii.
There are also plenty of state and national parks in Hawaii, so you can explore the natural beauty of the islands.
In addition, Hawaii is home to a number of cultural and historical sites, so you can take advantage of the many opportunities to learn about the state’s rich history and culture.
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Cons of teaching in Hawaii
1.High cost of living
The cost of living in Hawaii is the highest in the nation. This is especially true for housing. The median home price in Hawaii is over $600,000, and the median rent is over $2,000.
Many teachers find it difficult to find affordable housing. Some teachers live with roommates, while others have long commutes.
2. Low pay
Hawaii teachers are paid less than teachers in other states. The average teacher salary in Hawaii is about $50,000, which is lower than the national average.
The starting salary for a teacher with a bachelor’s degree is about $37,000.
3. Teacher shortage
There is a shortage of teachers in Hawaii, especially in special education, math, and science. This can lead to larger class sizes and more work for teachers. Some teachers may have to take on extra duties, such as coaching or leading clubs.
4. Limited job opportunities
Because of the high demand for teachers in Hawaii, the state has a program called the Alternative Certification Program (Hawaii Teacher Standards Board).
This allows individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a subject other than education to become a teacher.
The program has a few requirements, including passing a subject area test, completing a teacher education program, and passing a criminal background check.
If you’re interested in teaching in Hawaii but there are no open positions in your area of expertise, you may want to consider this program.
5. Teacher shortage in certain areas
There are certain areas and schools in Hawaii that are considered “hard to staff.” This means that these schools have a harder time recruiting and retaining teachers.
The state has created incentives to help fill these positions. One such program is the Hawaii Teacher Shortage Incentive Program. This program gives teachers a $10,000 bonus to teach in a “hard to staff” area.
Another program is the Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, which is available to teachers who work in low-income schools and educational service agencies.
This program allows teachers to have a portion of their federal student loans forgiven.
6. Remote location
If you are used to being close to family, Hawaii is not the place for you. This is a huge remote location, and it can be difficult to get to and from.
If you are looking to travel a lot, you will need to plan to spend a lot of money on flights to get off the island.
While the remote location can be a good thing, it can also be a bad thing. If you are not happy with your teaching job, you can’t just hop in the car and drive home. You are stuck on an island, and you will need to plan your escape.
Conclusion
If you’re a teacher in Hawaii, we’d love to hear what you think! What do you love about teaching in Hawaii? What challenges have you faced? Share your thought.