Ewa principal
in national raceThe tireless educator
will represent Hawaii
in the U.S. finals
Even on weekends, neighbors often see Principal Eileen Hirota's car in the parking lot of Ewa Beach Elementary School.
"She's just awesome -- she works nonstop," said Cathy Leggett, who has two children at the school and a son who graduated there. "She does it purely from the heart."
Eileen Hirota: She began efforts at improving Ewa Beach Elementary School in 1992
Hirota's dedication to her students and inspiring leadership just landed her the title of National Distinguished Principal for Hawaii for 2004. She will represent the state this fall in Washington, D.C., at the national competition, which is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
At the helm of Ewa Beach Elementary since 1992, Hirota has helped transform the campus from a tradition-bound, low-performer into a reinvigorated school that relies on the latest data-driven techniques to spur student achievement. Test scores have taken off and the school was selected as a Hawaii Distinguished School last year.
"I feel so great for the school," Hirota said. "We've come such a long way. The teachers work so hard. It's really a team effort."
Ewa Beach adopted the America's Choice model of school reform six years ago, and Hirota has restructured the school to ensure that its curriculum builds from year to year. Teachers are given time to learn new strategies and talk with each other about what is working and not working in their classrooms. They can also focus on children with specific needs.
"My teachers are gems," said Hirota. "Six years ago, these gems were diamonds in the rough. Student scores were low, but that was 'expected' in a depressed area such as ours. Everyone was 'doing their own thing' regardless of whether they were on the same grade level."
Classrooms and staff are now grouped into teams to make the 600-student campus more personal and make the most of teachers' strengths. Hirota and her leadership team regularly visit classrooms to highlight successes and offer suggestions.
The shift from old patterns of teaching hasn't come easily. Hirota said she has had to urge teachers who couldn't make the necessary changes to leave the school "for their sake and the sake of the children."
A successful grant writer, Hirota has channeled funds into literature and problem-solving math texts. The school offers extended-day tutoring and summer ramp-up programs for students. Parents are invited into classrooms to witness what their children are learning.
"Once Eileen sets a course, there is no stopping her," Mamo Carreira, complex area superintendent, wrote in a letter of recommendation. "For her, student success is the only option."
