Top Teachers
Saturday, October 31, 1998
Name: Joanne Yoshida
Age: 48
Position: Teacher at Ernest B. De Silva Elementary School
Education: University of Hawaii
Pastimes: Reading, traveling
First-graders in Joanne Yoshida's class are taught not to say "I can't." Can't say 'I can't' in her class
Yoshida, who's been teaching first grade at Ernest B. De Silva Elementary School in Hilo for 17 years, is helping students reach their potential. "To me, you have to believe in each child," she said.
Yoshida comes from a family of educators. Her mom was a Japanese schoolteacher, and her four older sisters were all teachers and are retired now. But she said it's her two sons who have taught her about what it takes to be an effective educator.
Her oldest son, Ryan, a 15-year-old high school sophomore, always had an easy time in school. But her other son, Wade, had "a rocky beginning" with his schoolwork. Now, 11-year-old Wade is a proficient reader and creative poetry writer.
"They taught me how important it is for a parent to really believe in her child," she said. "They taught me to appreciate their differences. And as a teacher, we always have to accept differences in children. Each one is special."
Yoshida's first priority is her students, always helping them develop their thinking and decision-making skills, Principal Karen Mitsuyoshi said. She teaches children how to be responsible, respect each other and tolerate their differences.
"She's devoted to children, and that's one of her biggest strengths," Mitsuyoshi said. "She's totally committed to kids."
Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
