Nearly 250 students from across Oahu got a hands-on look at careers in education during the 3rd Annual Educators Redefined event.

Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii in partnership with Leeward District Career and Technical Education and the Hawaii Department of Education, the event took place on Tuesday, March 31, at the Hawaii Carpenters Training Center in Kapolei.

Students from Ewa Makai Middle School, Highlands Intermediate, Honouliuli Middle, Ilima Intermediate, Kapolei Middle and Waipahu Intermediate participated, along with high school students in education pathway programs from Campbell, Kapolei, Pearl City and Waipahu. These students from across the island took part in a peer-led teaching experience, mentoring younger students and applying classroom skills in real time.

Organizers said the goal is to inspire students to consider careers in education while helping address Hawaii’s ongoing teacher shortage.

The event featured 192 middle school students and 30 high school students and 15 employer presenters with an itinerary of four rotating, interactive sessions.

Students explored a variety of education-related career paths, including:

• K–12 teaching (including special and physical education)
• Early childhood education
• Technology in the classroom
• School counseling
• Career and Technical Education programs like fashion and aviation
• Hawaiian language immersion

“Strengthening Hawaii’s educator workforce is vital to our state’s long-term success,” said Lord Ryan Lizardo, Vice President of Education at the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “As outlined in the 2030 Blueprint for Hawaii, workforce development begins with cultivating local talent. Educators Redefined empowers students to envision themselves as future teachers, helping to address shortages, while also showcasing career pathways that contribute to Hawaii’s education system beyond the classroom.”

Participants also learned about college pathways through Leeward Community College and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Organizers said this kind of work-based learning helps students build confidence while gaining a clearer understanding of what a career in education looks like.

The event is part of the Chamber’s broader workforce development efforts, aimed at growing local talent and strengthening Hawaii’s education system.

Representatives from Hawaii P-20 were also on hand, sharing additional resources and pathways into the field.

Organizers said programs like Educators Redefined play a key role in preparing the next generation of educators, both inside and outside the classroom.

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