Ka Hale Hoaka

Hoʻokumu means; To make a beginning, originate, create, commence, establish, inaugurate, initiate, institute, found, or to begin. In the Hoʻokumu workshop, we will create an opportunity for educators to reflect on the ʻōlelo noʻeau or proverb; “He lālā nō wau no kuʻu kumu,” I am a branch of my tree/my teacher. In Hawaiian culture hula dancers, carvers, kahuna, and all other practices recognized the genealogy or intergenerational line of teachers and knowledge from which they stem. Each teacher will be guided through a process that allows them to dive deeper into their moʻokūʻauhau genealogy of learning and the kūkulu or pillars of learning that were instilled in them. As we progress we will begin to reflect on the thriving educational systems that were put in place during the time of our reigning monarchs. We will also reflect on over a century of Hawaiʻiʻs miseducation to discuss the physical, mental, and emotional impact on Hawaiʻiʻs students.

Building on this knowledge may determine personal actions and decision-making in regard to kuleana responsibilities and roles as an educator in Hawaiʻi. Kumu will be given all the tools to draft their own teaching philosophy statement using their moʻokuʻauhau genealogy of learning and the foundational concepts gained during their journey in the Hoʻokumu workshop. We will commence our final workshop with a draft of a unique teaching philosophy statement that will serve as a foundational guide for their practices. All kumu will leave with a clear idea of their beginnings, their journey, and their vision and mission heading into the future as educators that are grounded in a strong sense of kuleana.