Top Teachers
Saturday, January 30, 1999
Name: Amy Loo
Age: 46
Position: Special education preschool teacher, Likelike School
Education: UH, San Jose State University
Pastimes: Volleyball, Hawaiian music
At first, Amy Loo didn't want to be a teacher -- and then she majored in speech pathology and audiology at the University of Hawaii. A passion for teaching
Loo started working with hearing-impaired children and discovered her passion for teaching. "I wanted to work with them every day, so that I could have an impact on their lives," she said.
After graduating from the UH, she pursued training in deaf education at San Jose State University. Loo now has been with the Department of Education for 20 years, the last five as a special education preschool teacher at Likelike School.
Loo said she loves teaching children 3 to 4 years old, an important age when they should start picking up good study habits and learning to be respectful toward other people.
Principal Solomon Kaulukukui said Loo's enthusiasm shows in her work. "She's full of energy and not afraid to try new things."
Three years ago, her class was combined with preschoolers in the Headstart program.
Loo said she sees much growth and potential in the inclusion project, which is still in its infancy. "It's a win-win situation because we learn from each other," she said.
Loo effectively integrates art, music and language in all activities, Kaulukukui said.
"She provides a classroom that has a word-rich environment for her preschoolers. She's just a ball of energy."
By Shirley Iida, Star-Bulletin
