Top Teachers
Saturday, November 15, 1997
Name: Cheryl KurashigePosition: 5th-grade teacher, Waialua Elementary School
Age: 31
Education: University of Hawaii
Pastimes: Tennis, shopping
One of her teaching colleagues says Cheryl Kurashige is certainly at the top of her field. Making learning meaningful
Dale Yoshizu, a Waialua Elementary second-grade teacher, gives her rave reviews.
"Her students have discovered that they are very fortunate to be in Mrs. Kurashige's class," he said. "Learning becomes fun and exciting with her. Her children are always involved in hands-on activities, which makes learning more meaningful. Cheryl is very patient and understanding, a quality which helps make her an excellent teacher. Students are frequently in her class after school. And this is their choice!"
Yoshizu goes on to say that Kurashige's energy is shared with the rest of the school. "Waialua Elementary is very lucky indeed to have such an outstanding teacher," he said.
Kurashige herself is very modest.
"In college I decided that teaching would be a profession I would like to be in," she said. "I enjoy working with children." She tries to make learning applicable to life, to help students see that they are valuable and have things to contribute, she said.
"I guess I try to help them see that they need to have goals for their future and that they need to start thinking about what they would like to do."
In past years Kurashige was a grade-level chairperson, which included coordinating field trips and helping with the budget. She also helped facilitate a program which recognized outstanding students of the month from each class.
Harold Morse, Star-Bulletin
