Top Teachers
Saturday, May 23, 1998
Name: Jed Tesoro
Age: 35
Position: Fifth-grade teacher at He'eia Elementary School
Education: University of Hawaii
Pastimes: Spending time with family
In high school, Jed Tesoro didn't care much about getting good grades. Lessons with love and humor
Friends used to tease and call him "Joe Aloha," a carefree, happy-go-lucky kind of guy.
"That's why a lot of people say I can relate to a lot of kids who are having a hard time, especially the boys," said Tesoro, a He'eia Elementary School fifth-grade teacher and father to three children.
Tesoro went through a lot of hardships, yet managed to turn his life around. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Hawaii's College Opportunities Program in 1980, coached football for six years at Palama Settlement and returned to UH to get a degree in elementary education.
But his life took a dramatic turn when he lost his stillborn son seven years ago and received Christ into his life.
"It's changed my perspective so much," he said. "The bottom line is that I made better choices."
Tesoro said his goal is to create a positive, healthy school environment. This year, he helped the school implement an innovative schoolwide intramurals program and a new discipline plan, the Principles of Positive Character and Self-Control.
"The kids just love him," Principal Susan Young said. "He's a clown. He's a comic, and at the same time, he earns respect. When he says it's time for business, they comply. There's no doubt who's in charge, but he does it with a lot of love and humor."
Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
