2001 Hawaii Teacher of the Year
Mr. Minakami teaches Concept Physics to the students in grade nine and Physics and AP Physics to the students in grades eleven and twelve as well as Leadership at Kailua High School in Hawaii. He has been teaching for eight years.

What are your beliefs about teaching?
"During the first fifth of each person's life, education comes largely from school. A teacher's main purpose is to deliver education at its best. First and foremost, they must believe not only that each student can learn, but that each wants to learn. Teachers must be able to manage a classroom, educational resources and time. They should be a part of a learning community, work collaboratively with other teachers and perform research within their classrooms. Teachers should keep abreast of current trends and practices. They should exemplify life-long learning. Teachers should regularly reflect upon their practice and adjust their teaching. As these qualities define outstanding teaching, I strive to exhibit them."

How are your beliefs incorporated in your teaching style?
"I believe that each student wants to learn and be successful. However, not every student possesses the skills to further her learning. I aim to provide those skills while providing an impetus to work hard. I motivate students by providing a context for each concept. I pique curiosity by using demonstrations from everyday life. I ask questions that stimulate thought and challenge their assumptions. I continue to read, research and take classes on how people learn. I strive to incorporate new approaches and align what I learn with what I've experienced with my students. As a result, I vary my activities and assessments. I strive to make every minute productive and devoted towards learning."

What is your greatest teaching accomplishment?
"Many of the accomplishments that come to mind revolve about my students. They serve as my primary motivating factor. They are the stars by which I steer my class. When they shine, I feel proud that I played some small part in their success."

What's the most critical issue facing educators today and what do you think can be done to resolve this issue?
"Pay structure, working conditions and shortage areas do not entice well qualified individuals into the profession. Simply out of economic needs, people choose other more lucrative careers. Additionally, for those teachers concerned with the academic achievement of their students, the hours are long and they often spend their own money on classroom supplies. Moreover, recruiting efforts wrongly appeal to people's aforementioned misconception of the profession while normal hiring standards are lowered just to fill positions.

Teachers' pay should be based on demonstrable achievement, such as submitting a portfolio of student work, lessons plans and reflective writing. There should also be a means for teachers to advance in position based on their proficiency, perhaps to a mentor post. This would also rectify the lack of support beginning teachers experience. Fair compensation will attract more people into the profession."

Inspirational thought:
"I always place what I do as a teacher in perspective to the outcome. I teach to help my students reach their dreams."