The Maui News

WAILUKU–The Hawai’i State Department of Education (HIDOE) on Tuesday named two Maui educators as finalists among the 15 total state complex area teachers of the year candidates.

There is also one charter school teacher of the year as finalists for the 2025 Hawai’i State Teacher of the Year recognition.

“Each of these educators utilize innovative approaches to cultivate high-quality environments of teaching and learning where students can thrive,” Hawaii State Superintendent Keith Hayashi said of the finalists. “Their passion for teaching and unwavering dedication to student success inspire and elevate our students, staff, schools and communities.”

Jessie O’Neill-Prest has been nominated for the teacher of the year award and she is the Curriculum Coordinator at Kīhei Elementary School.

The other Maui educator to be nominated for the prestigious teacher of the year award is Jaime “Kumu Eva” Palakiko. Palakiko teaches Hawaiian Language, Hula, and Hawaiian History at Lahainaluna High School.

In October, one teacher will be announced as the 2025 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year and will go on to represent Hawai’i in the National Teacher of the Year program. The honor is presented annually to a teacher selected from more than 13,000 HIDOE educators.