Top Teachers
Saturday, July 4, 1998
Name: Sheila Makahanaloa
Age: 56
Position: Teacher, Star of the Sea Early Learning Center
Education: Chaminade University
Pastimes: Gardening, walking
Like the many indigenous plants growing in her garden, Sheila Makahanaloa believes children's minds thrive best in an environment of encouragement. Prizing each child as unique
Her teaching philosophy is that if children grow up knowing they are special, they will be more motivated to achieve their fullest potential. The 18-year veteran educator thus has made it her duty to tell each Star of the Sea preschooler and kindergartner how valued they are.
"I teach them that they are human beings, how very special they are, how unique," she said. "The two things I want them to have when they leave me is confidence in who they are and the joy of learning."
To ensure both, school officials have also provided students with aesthetically pleasing classrooms, developmentally appropriate for their ages, Makahanaloa said. In her words: "If a child lives with beauty, he will learn with beauty." Teachers were given creative rein with classroom decor and transformed their rooms into stimulating learning centers, she said.
Principal Lisa Foster credits Makahanaloa with students' academic success, saying she "has exemplified qualities of a nurturing, caring and master teacher."
Makahanaloa appreciated the compliment but said she has a way to go before reaching that level. She plans to remain at Star of the Sea until she does. "I'll probably keel over in my chair," she said.
Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
