Honaunau Elementary: EOEL Preschool Teacher, 603852 (2026-02685)

About the role

Honaunau Elementary School is seeking a passionate, dedicated, and culturally responsive EOEL Preschool Teacher to join our 'ohana. In this role, you will lead a high-quality, public pre-kindergarten classroom funded by the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL). You will play a pivotal role in providing equitable early childhood education, ensuring our youngest learners develop the foundational social-emotional, cognitive, and physical skills they need to thrive.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and assess a high-quality, child-centered, and play-based curriculum aligned with the Hawaii Early Learning and Development Standards (HELDS).
• Create a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and culturally sustaining classroom environment that fosters curiosity, exploration, and a love for learning.
• Conduct ongoing authentic assessments (e.g., teaching portfolios, observations) to monitor child development and differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
• Build strong, respectful partnerships with families. Conduct home visits (as required by EOEL guidelines), host family workshops, and maintain open communication regarding child progress.
• Work closely with the classroom Educational Assistant (EA), special education staff, elementary faculty, and EOEL coaches to ensure a smooth transition into Kindergarten.
• Participate actively in mandatory EOEL professional development sessions, coaching cycles, and professional learning communities (PLCs).

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licensure: Valid Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB) license in Early Childhood Education (PK–3 or PK–K) OR a valid out-of-state license in Early Childhood Education eligible for Hawaii reciprocity.
• Knowledge: Strong understanding of early childhood development theories, play-based learning, and positive behavior interventions.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience teaching in a public school Pre-K.
• Familiarity with the Creative Curriculum and TSGOLD assessment tool.
• Experience or deep familiarity with the South Kona community and culturally relevant instruction (incorporating Hawaiian values and place-based learning).

Pay, Schedule, & Benefits

Payday New employees can expect their first paycheck within the first 3 pay periods of their start date. Payday is on the 5th and 20th (or previous business day) of every month. Certificated 10-Month Teachers enjoy a range of competitive benefits:

• Compensation: 10-month teachers shall be compensated for the applicable Bargaining Unit 05 10-month salary schedule for working a 10-month work year.
• 18 Days of Paid Sick Leave and State/Federal Holidays: 10-month teachers receive 18 days of paid sick leave (of which 6 can be utilized for personal and/or professional development purposes) during the school year provided that all conditions under the respective collective bargaining agreement are met.
• Health Insurance: If eligible, the State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Adult Dental Plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Retirement Plan: The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees.
• Tax Shelter Annuity (TSA): If eligible, Department employees are able to participate in a tax shelter annuity program. The TSA plan allows eligible employees to contribute pre-tax dollars to an employee-selected investment service provider authorized to provide TSA products.
• Deferred Compensation: The State offers employees a tax deferred (sheltered) retirement investment program. This program is an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions.

Application Instructions

Will you have completed a bachelor's degree or higher by the effective start date of the teaching position?

Are you currently employed as a Teacher, Librarian, or Counselor (BU05) in the Hawaii State Department of Education?

Required Question