‘Cheerleader’ Nakaoka Gets Biggest Boost
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Del.icio.usTodd Nakaoka brings his passion for life, learning and his students to the classroom every day, just as he’s done for the past 12 years. As an educational assistant to third-graders at Kahaluu Elementary School, it’s his dedication to reading and infinite enthusiasm that earned him the 2009 DOE Employee of the Year earlier this month.
“I’m very honored,but I don’t think I’m deserving of this award,“Nakaoka humbly stated.“We have amazing faculty and staff here at our school, and we work so well together. It’s a collaborative effort from our entire team of teachers that makes us shine. I wish we were honored as a school and not just me as an individual.”
At the time of his nomination, Nakaoka was serving as an assistant to the school’s Reading Enrichment teacher, with whom he helped to transform the school library. According to vice principal Derek Minakami, Nakaoka continuously goes above and beyond the boundaries of his job description to effect positive change in his students.
“Our entire school community is extremely proud of Todd. He is truly deserving and is a source of pride for our school,” Minakami said.
“Todd contributes in multiple ways and is an integral part of the school. He poured his heart into transforming our library into an inviting, conducive place to learn and inspire the love of reading, and he spent his own time and money, scouring garage sales and thrift shops to furnish the library,” he added.
Nakaoka also coordinates May Day each year and plans daily morning pep rallies prior to Hawaii State Assessment testing weeks to encourage students to meet these academic challenges.
“He encouraged students to view testing as a celebration of all they have learned and all they can do,” Minakami said.“He reminds them each morning that they are smart and should always persevere.
“When Todd is in class, it’s like having a second teacher. He helps to foster an inviting, caring and supportive learning environment where children may blossom into lifelong learners.”
Nakaoka was awarded a plaque and two certificates for his achievements, and although the award is a big honor, this dedicated Ahuimanu resident said it’s the smiles on his kids’ faces that he appreciates most.
“Every day these kids inspire me - they appreciate things in a different way,” he said. “My third grade teacher inspired me and told me that I can be successful. I want to do the same thing and make a differences in the lives and education of my kids.”
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