Top Teachers
Saturday, December 20, 1997
Name: Frank Briguglio
Position English teacher, Iolani School
Age: 48
Education: University of Hawaii, University of San Francisco
Pastimes: Guitar, photography, travel
Frank Briguglio is the other half of the teaching Briguglio brothers. He's a 'guide on the side'
Alec Briguglio of Sacred Hearts Academy was featured in a Top Teachers column last year. But it was older brother Frank who convinced him to teach here.
"I've never seen brothers as teachers like these," said Iolani Head Librarian Tenny Kohatsu. "They are equally outstanding and dedicated to the success of their students."
Frank went to the UH partly because of his father's fond memories of Hawaii after serving here during World War II. Frank taught on the mainland before arriving at Iolani, where he teaches Advanced Placement English, science fiction and American literature. Alec followed when the brothers decided at their father's funeral a few years ago that they lived too far apart. Both musical, they perform together when not working.
Frank, who also has coordinated the school's annual variety show for the past seven years, sees teaching as learning from both sides of the desk. All his classes sit in a circle to encourage discussion; he prefers to be a "guide on the side" rather than taking center stage.
"I love hearing their voices," he said. "They teach me with their insights and observations."
He feels that with the right tools and guidance, students can pursue their own interests. "I like to teach that students can be their own best teachers," he said.
Lori Tighe, Star-Bulletin
