Ms. Haley Suzuki was a student teacher at Kalani for Ms. Jan Omura back in the 2022-2023 school year. She graduated from Kaiser High School and was working towards graduating from the University of Hawaii. She was in her final year of university and could graduate soon and become a teacher, she just needed to work as a student teacher.

“I am hoping to find an environment where everyone is

n’t afraid of sharing their opinions and discussing what they think.” Ms. Suzuki stated.

Now, she’s back at Kalani as a ELA teacher, and ready to learn and guide the next generation.

“I want to get to know what kind of people are going to be our future leaders and what do they believe in,” Ms. Suzuki said. 

She has believed in going into education and working with kids for a very long time. Before Kalani, she taught in Japan, tutored athletes, and even wants teaching to be a part of her career forever.

“ I really believed in teaching in Hawaii,” she explained, “Helping local students.”

Being a student teacher helped her realize she belonged in this environment. Getting to know some very heartfelt and honest students motivated her to both Kalani and teaching in general.

“I like students who are very open, students who like to speak their minds,” Ms. Suzuki stated. “I like conversations that are genuine and deep, it made me think, as a new teacher, I actually am able to connect to students.”

Ms. Suzuki had an inviting and pleasant upbringing, achieving all the goals she set out for herself, and still challenging herself to more. She attended Kaiser High School and the University of Hawaii. She then was a student teacher and tried to get the feel of what it would be like.

“I like to put myself into challenging situations so I can grow.” Ms. Suzuki said.

Now, she is ready to give students an inspiring place to grow and have genuine conversations.

“I try to be nice to people and kind of genuine and open,” Ms. Suzuki explained. “You know who I am when you talk to me, I try to be someone who’s not very strict.”

Above all, Ms. Suzuki hopes to help students become their own individuals, who are allowed to express themselves in the classroom and be unique, because that’s exactly what they are.

“Children should be able to express themselves and figure out who they are.” she explained. “I see some kids don’t get that opportunity or that option sometimes, and I never want kids to have to feel that way.”