Congresswoman Hirono meets with Island Teachers to Discuss Improving Teacher Effectiveness

Press Release

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawaii) tonight conducted the first of several planned listening sessions with Hawaii education groups to gather input on how to best improve teacher effectiveness. Congresswoman Hirono held the focus group discussion with 31 Teach for America teachers from Hawaii as part of the three-day national Teach for America 20th Anniversary Summit in Washington, D.C.

Congresswoman Hirono recognizes that high quality teaching is one of the significant in-school factors for boosting student achievement. The 31 teachers represent various schools across the state, including the following from Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District: Kealakehe High School, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, Solomon Elementary School, Waianae Intermediate School, Waianae High School, and Wheeler Middle School.

Earlier today, Congresswoman Hirono spoke at a National Education Association event opposing a House Republican budget proposal to cut education spending by 30 percent, which threatens teaching jobs across the country. During a press conference on Capitol Hill, the Congresswoman stressed the importance of job training programs which are also being targeted by Republicans.

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