HONOLULU (HI Now) - Wheeler Middle School’s principal and vice principal say a long-standing partnership with Teach For America Hawaiʻi has helped the school build community and close learning gaps for a student population that sees frequent turnover.
Esther Kwon, vice principal and a TFA alumna, said the organization shaped her approach to mentorship and leadership. “Community is something TFA does so well,” Kwon said. New teachers at Wheeler need mentors, she said, and community-building among both students and teachers is critical, particularly given the school’s transient population.
Principal Kristin Walje said Wheeler was an early TFA partner and that the school’s focus on community-building was a direct response to the challenges of student and teacher turnover. “There is no time to waste for students, have to love hard and fast at Wheeler,” Walje said. She added that the same urgency applies to supporting incoming teachers.
Both Walje and Kwon said Wheeler’s connection to military-impacted families gives the school a responsibility to share Hawaiʻi with students and families who may not be on the island long-term. They said the ongoing influx of new educators brings fresh perspectives that continue to benefit the school.
The April 29 deadline to apply for a Teach For America Ignite Fellow position for fall 2026 is approaching. More information is available at teachforamerica.org/hawaii.
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