Top Teachers
Saturday, August 16, 1997
Name: Rae S. Chin
Age: 34
Position: Teacher, Kula Elementary School
Education: University of Hawaii-Manoa
Pastimes: Writing poetry, painting
Rae S. Chin uses art not only to improve the academic skills of students, but also to teach them how to develop social relationships by working together. Taking an artistic approach
"You want them to love life and learning," said Chin, a teacher at Kula Elementary School on Maui.
Principal Jules Ino said Chin has served as a leader of a program to improve literacy.
"She's one of the driving forces," Ino said. "It's additional hours without financial compensation. She's very caring and flexible."
Chin was one of nine Maui teachers recognized for completing 32 hours of training in art education sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Center For Performing Arts.
Chin said she began her college education in psychology but switched to education because she realized she could have more of an impact.
"Building relationships is the key to teaching and learning," Chin said.
Chin works with students to write and illustrate stories. She also uses art to help in figuring mathematical solutions.
To teach students to round off numbers, she illustrates a boy with his sister who becomes injured while walking to school. Students have to decide whether the two should go to school or return home, depending on which is closer.
Chin said her parents, Robert and Hazel Hirayama, both teachers, have been her role models. "We've all been in the business of kids," Chin said.
Gary Kubota, Star-Bulletin
