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Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year Program

Overview of the Program

The Hawaiʻi Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance’s (HAHPERD) Teacher of the Year (TOY) program recognizes outstanding teachers in the following categories:

  • Adapted Physical Education (K-12)
  • Elementary Physical Education (K-5)
  • Middle School Physical Education (6-8)
  • High School Physical Education (9-12)
  • School Health Education (K-12)
  • Dance Education (K-12)

    HAHPERD’s State TOY Program is offered through a partnership with SHAPE America. Individuals who are named Hawaiʻi State TOY by HAHPERD are eligible for SHAPE America's District TOY award and have a three-year window from the year of the state award to apply at the district level. District winners are eligible for the national award and the same eligibility rules are applied at the national level as the district level. Learn more about SHAPE America’s District and National TOY Program.

    Eligibility Requirements for Teacher of the Year Awards

    Teachers who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for one of the HAHPERD State TOY awards. The four eligibility requirements also apply for the SHAPE America District and National TOY awards.

      1. Minimum five years of teaching experience in the content area applying for
      2. Degree and certification in teaching
      3. Full time teaching at time of application submission & selection (Retired teachers are not eligible)
      4. Minimum of 50% of total job responsibilities is teaching in the award category you're applying for at the time of application and selection

          The following are not eligible for the state TOY award at this time:

          • Current members of the HAHPERD TOY Committee
          • SHAPE America District and National Teachers of the Year Alumni from the same award category

          Award Criteria and Scoring

          All applications are scored based on the award criteria and scoring rubrics.

          • All applicants are scored anonymously in a blind review.
          • To be considered to move on to the next phase of the competition, a minimum score of 80% is needed. The number of reviewers determines the 80% minimum score. For example, when there are three reviewers in a category or content area, an applicant needs to score at least 55 points to meet the minimum score (max points= 23, 23 x 3= 69, 69 x .80= 55). Please reference the rubric for additional details on how the full 23 points are tallied and to see the minimum and maximum scores for each criteria area.
          • Teaching in a Title I school is often more challenging in many ways. Therefore, teachers that instruct in a Title I school are awarded an additional four points, one time, to their total score.

                  Apply Now!

                  1. Review and use the Hawaiʻi State TOY Application Workbook to prepare your application. This workbook provides additional information about the Hawaiʻi State TOY Program, including the scoring process. This workbook will support applicants with preparing all of the required application materials.

                  2. Submit all of your application materials through the online application.

                  State Teacher of the Year Timeline

                  • October 31, 2024: Nominations due date (Note: Nominations are not required as part of the application process.)

                  • January 6, 2025: Applications due date

                  • January 27, 2025: Hawaii State Health and Physical Education Conference: State Teachers of the Year are honored


                  Check out our TOY Question and Answer Session

                  The slides for the HAHPERD TOY Question and Answer (Q&A) Session on 11/28/23 reflect the previous year's TOY Program. Refer to the Hawaiʻi State TOY Application Workbook for the current information.

                  The next HAHPERD TOY Q&A Session is scheduled on 11/04/24, 4pm-5pm via Google Meet.

                  Hawaii Teacher of the Year Past Award Winners

                  Dara Tawarahara, 2020 HAHPERD TOY for Elementary Physical Education


                  Dara Tawarahara, who is affectionately known as "Ms. T" by her students, serves Helemano Elementary School as an inspiration and positive role model for physical literacy. As a Physical Education teacher and coach, she encourages all students to develop a strong foundation of movement and positive self-esteem that supports healthy and active lifestyles. Dara's student-centered approach is inclusive of all students and connects with their diverse needs and interests. She regularly motivates students through the use of guiding questions, music, technology, and opportunities for self-assessment. Dara advocates for healthy students and healthy schools, which led to increased brain breaks in class and improved recess opportunities. By improving students' access to recess activities and equipment, students are more ready to learn in class. Her efforts boosted school faculty morale and healthy living through an after school wellness club and staff wellness challenges. Dara contributes to the broader community by volunteering and participating in state and district opportunities, such as Children and Youth Day and fitness events. She also shares her engaging lessons with educators beyond her school by opening her classroom for observations. Mahalo, Dara, for your outstanding contributions to Physical Education!

                  Jessica Adkins, 2020 HAHPERD TOY for High School Physical Education


                  Jessica Adkins serves Maui High School through her leadership as a Physical Education teacher, department head, and coach. Jessica intentionally designs her lessons to help students from all backgrounds and ability levels to succeed by developing social and emotional learning, positive student interactions, and discussions where all perspectives are valued and respected. Jessica empowers students to develop their voice through her courses, which includes a Unified Leadership Physical Education class. With her guidance, the Unified Leadership students organized youth sports days for neighboring elementary students. Jessica integrates the use of technology, such as Google Classroom and heart rate monitors, to enhance her students' learning experiences in Physical Education. She contributes to her community as an active, positive role model by volunteering for youth clinics and fitness days. Jessica also actively participates in the Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program as a Youth Ambassador Mentor and Head of Delegation and consults with educators within and beyond the state of Hawai'i who are interested in bringing this program to their schools. Mahalo, Jessica, for all you do to support your students' physical literacy!

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