Online Education Degrees: Hawaii

The State of Hawaii is ranked #1 in healthcare and environment by the US News & World Report, but it lags in education (#32). Fortunately, the Aloha State is determined to transform its state of education into one of the best in the United States.

The Hawaiian public education system consists of one school district with 294 schools. The Hawaii Department of Education (HIDOE) oversees the entire system, with more than 12,200 teachers and 181,000 students. Of the teachers, nearly 95% have a teaching license, while 86% have at least three years of teaching experience.

The emphasis of public education is on producing lifelong learners imbued with care, compassion, and ethics. K-12 students are provided with a comprehensive education in readiness for success in college and their careers. Special needs and gifted students have effective access to tailored programs for their unique needs.

Furthermore, aspiring teachers will be happy to know that Hawaii’s projected job growth rate for K-12 teachers and instructors is at a robust 17.9% (2020-2030). Teachers in Hawaii are also well-paid with average annual salaries ranging between $50,325 with a bachelor’s degree to $70,816 with a PhD or EdD.

Public school teachers also enjoy many job-related benefits, such as 18 days of paid leave, paid holidays, and health and pension plans. There are also relocation bonuses for out-of-state teachers. Shortage differentials for classroom teachers in Hawaiian Language Immersion Programs, Hard-to-Staff Locations, and Special Education programs are available.

Indeed, it’s a great time to consider establishing a successful teaching career in the Aloha State. Here’s what you need to know to get started on the right path.

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Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Hawaii

The Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB), a state agency, is in charge of the teacher licensing process including setting licensing standards and issuing and renewing teacher licenses. The approval of teacher preparation programs is also part of its mandate.

Note that the HTSB and the HIDOE operate as independent state-operated agencies. While both are involved in education, HTSB isn’t under the HIDOE. Instead, HIDOE is in charge of the state’s public education system, while HTSB oversees teacher preparation and licensure.

With that said, HTSB has a multi-tiered teaching license system. There are three main types of teaching licenses issued.

Provisional License

The non-renewable Provisional License, a NASDTEC Stage 2 License, has a 3-year validity period with a June 30 expiration. Individuals who meet these two requirements can apply:

Completed a state-approved teacher education program (SATEP) in the United States (i.e., in Hawaii or another state)
With less than three years of full-time teaching experience

The application requirements are:

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college
Pass the appropriate basic skills and content knowledge exams (i.e., Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics; Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching for recommended grade levels; and Praxis content tests
Copy of a signed US Social Security Card
Copy of a valid government-issued photo identification
Pass the HTSB Professional Fitness check

Teachers with a Provisional License can either apply for a new provisional license or a standard license after their initial Provisional License has expired.

Standard License

The renewable Standard License, a NASDTEC Stage 3 License, has a five-year validity period and a June 30 expiration. Individuals who meet these two requirements can apply:

Completed a SATEP in Hawaii or another US state
With three or more years of full-time teaching experience within the last five years as a P-12 contracted teacher in a Hawaiian school or another state

The general application requirements are:

A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university
Completed HTSB Form EX1000 for verification of teaching experience
Copy of a signed US Social Security Card
Copy of a valid government-issued photo identification
Pass the HTSB Professional Fitness check

Depending on the option, an applicant may be required to submit additional requirements. Option B, for example, is for teachers with other US-approved SATEP requires passing Praxis licensure tests.

Standard License holders can apply for renewal as early as January 1st of its expiration year.

Advanced License

The renewable Advanced License, a NASDTEC Stage 4 License, has a 10-year validity period and a June 30 expiration. Teachers with at least five years of full-time teaching experience in the last eight years. The teaching experience must be in a P-12 contracted position within the United States.

The general application requirements are:

With a valid Hawaii-issued Standard License or its equivalent from another US state
Completed HTSB Form EX1000 for verification of teaching experience
Copy of a signed US Social Security Card
Copy of a valid government-issued photo identification
Pass the HTSB Professional Fitness check

HTSB has three options under Advanced License with different additional requirements:

With an advanced degree or 30 hours of graduate coursework
With a valid, unrevoked National Board Certification
For the Hawaiʻi Teacher Leader position

HTSB also issues other types of licenses and permits, including:

Student Teacher Permit
Standard Limited License
Emergency Hire Permit
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Permit
Hawaiian Permit

Check with the HTSB for specifics.

Online Education Program Admission Requirements

Hawaii’s colleges and universities offer online programs for aspiring and practicing teachers. The general admission requirements for online bachelor’s degree programs include:

Completed online application and fee
High school diploma or GED equivalent with satisfactory cumulative GPA
Official transcripts
Completion of prerequisites, if applicable

Applicants to master’s and doctoral online degree programs should be aware of these application requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree from a regionally accredited university
Official transcripts with satisfactory cumulative GPA
Valid teaching certificate
Professional resume with information on full-time teaching or teaching leadership experience
Statement of purpose or essays with prompts
Letters of recommendation or references
Teaching or leadership portfolio, if required
Interview

Average Annual Salaries For Common Educator Roles in Hawaii

Elementary School Teachers $68,229
Middle School Teachers $69,090
High School Teachers $68,900
Special Education Teachers $65,725
School Administrators $124,892
Principals $123,738
Assistant Principals $101,700
Curriculum Developers $69,880
Instructional Coordinators $78,354
Librarians/Media Specialists $56,484

Scholarships for Future Educators in Hawaii

The Hawaii Education Association Scholarship Fund offers many scholarships for HEA members, Hawaii educators and their dependents. The HEA/HSTA-Retired In-Service Public School Educators and In-Service Public School Educators.
The James & Abigail Campbell Family Foundation Scholarship program welcomes students planning to teach in the Wai‘anae Coast communities.
The TEACH Grants award up to $4,000 every year to education majors. Scholars fulfill a teaching service obligation.

The 5 Best Online Education Degree Providers in Hawaii

These Hawaii universities have the following characteristics that make their online education degree programs the best in the state and country.

With valid regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Provide students with exceptional education and training in teaching and teaching leadership.
With satisfactory student support and career development services
Provide effective, efficient, and user-friendly online learning platforms
Offers financial aid options

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Founded by the Society of Mary, the Chaminade University of Honolulu maintains strong Marianist traditions. As such, students receive whole-of-person education where reason and faith have equal importance. The academic programs also emphasize education for service, justice, peace, and adaptability to change.

BS in Early Childhood Education
- The 120-credit program prepares students for the challenges and rewards that come with teaching children from infancy to early childhood (up to 8 years).
BS in Early Childhood Education with Montessori Credential (PK-K)
- Students gain the specific knowledge and skills vital in teaching the Montessori way among children in their early childhood years. Courses include Montessori Philosophy, Development of the Senses and the Montessori Methods, and Math & Montessori Methods.
BS in Elementary Education (K-6)
- The 120-credit program enables students to gain the fundamental knowledge and skills to teach elementary-grade students. Courses include Educational Psychology, Educational Technology, and Elementary Language Arts Methods.
BS in Secondary Education (6-12)
- The courses in this program are specific to teaching competencies for aspiring teachers in the Grades 6-12 level. These include Curriculum & Instruction: Secondary and Teaching in Area of Specialization.
BS in Special Education (3+1 Leeward CC)
- This is a degree completion program for students with an associate degree from Leeward Community College. Graduates are eligible to apply for a teaching license to teach special education at all levels.
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- Students in the fully online MAT program can complete it in as few as 18 months. There are two tracks – the 39-credit MAT PK-3, Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education and the 36-credit MAT PK-K. Available concentrations are in:
  - Early Childhood (PK-3)
  - Early Childhood Montessori (PK-K
  - Elementary Education (K-6)
  - Secondary Education (6-12)
  - Special Education
Master of Education (MEd)
- The 30-credit fully online program can be completed in as few as 18 months. Concentrations are offered in:
  - Child Development
  - Educational Leadership
  - Instructional Leadership
  - Montessori Emphasis
Special Cohorts in:
- Educational Leadership – Hawai’i Association of Independent Schools
- Instructional Leadership – Teach for America
Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology (EdD)
- This is a practitioner doctoral program with a concentration in Mental Health Counseling. Students finish the 60-credit program, which features online classes and two residences, in three years. A dissertation is a culminating requirement.

In-state Tuition:
- $585/credit hour (Undergraduate; Discounts apply)
- $895/credit hour (Master’s degrees)
- $1,050/credit hour (Doctoral degree)
Online Education Degrees: 8
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University of Hawaii at Manoa

The University of Hawaii System’s flagship campus, UH Mānoa, is a respected public land-grant research university. Founded as the Honolulu Training School, the university has a 129-year track record for excellent teacher education and preparation programs. Today, UH Mānoa’ College of Education offers many online degree programs in education.

BEd in Early Childhood/Early Childhood SPED
The hybrid program offers stipends to qualified students and has a cohort model. This is a 3-for-1 program that can be completed in two years, on average. Candidates are on track toward earning two teaching licenses in early childhood and early childhood SPED.
BEd in Elementary Education
- This is also a hybrid program with online courses and in-person fieldwork experiences. Candidates will be recommended for initial teacher licensure upon passing licensing exams. The license applies to teaching in a general education classroom at the K-6 levels.
BEd in Elementary/Hawaiian Language Immersion
The hybrid program prepares candidates for dual licensure in Elementary Education and Hawaiian Language Immersion. Students complete online courses and in-person field experiences and student teaching. The Hawaiian Language Immersion component includes a 31-credit coursework in the Hawaiian language.
BEd in Special Education
- Stipends are available in the hybrid program with a two-year time-to-degree. This is a licensure program that offers two concentrations, namely:
  - The Secondary Special Education, Mild/Moderate (6-12) concentration is best for candidates who want to teach middle and high schools.
  - The Severe Disabilities and Autism (PK-12) concentration is an excellent choice for candidates who want to teach students with low-incidence disabilities.
MEd in Teaching
- Professionals with non-education bachelor’s degrees who want to pursue teaching careers are welcome to apply to the MEd in Teaching program. Candidates can earn a teaching license in secondary education and special education upon meeting degree and licensure requirements.
MEd in Curriculum Studies – Place-Based Curriculum (PACMED)
- The online program features a 30-credit curriculum that can be completed in two years. Students progress through the program as a group. The focus is on STEAM subjects and PACMED. Students also complete a standards-based portfolio.
MEd in Early Childhood Education
- Students can choose between two formats:
  - A summer intensive format consisting of three summer in-person, one-month intensive sessions, and monthly online meetings
  - An evening/weekend format that features online/hybrid classes and monthly online seminars
- There are also three track options:
  - Non-licensure
  - Initial licensure
  - Add-a-Field license
Other online degree programs are:
- MEd in Learning Design & Technology
- MEd in Teaching- Elementary or Secondary Education
- MEd in Educational Foundations- Global Perspectives on Educational Policy and Practice
- MEd on Curriculum Studies- STEMS² Master’s Track
- MEd in Special Education

In-state Tuition:
- $471/credit (Bachelor’s degrees)
- $650/credit (Master’s degrees)
Online Education Degrees: 12
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Hawaii Pacific University

The private university has multiple campuses, including military installations on Oʻahu. Hawaii Pacific University offers an online graduate degree program in education through its CAEP-accredited School of Education. Aspiring teachers can also check out its on-campus bachelor’s degree in education program.

The university emphasizes the Hawaiian values of pono (goodness), kuleana (responsibility), and aloha (love). Students benefit from the experiential learning opportunities designed with positive community impact in mind.

MEd in Educational Leadership

The online MEd in Educational Leadership program has a cohort format. Students learn as a group, follow a set schedule and course sequence, and earn the degree together. The 18-credit core courses are:

Research in Education
Contemporary Issues in Education
Ethics in Education
Self-Management Education
Diversity and Social Change
Technology in Education

Students choose between the generalist MEd in Educational Leadership degree and the specialist Instructional Design concentration. Both require completion of additional courses (12 credits). These include:

Educational Assessment
Teacher Leadership
Instructional Design
Theory & Practice of E-Learning
Instructional Media

The School of Education also offers the following on-campus degree programs:

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (BAEED)
Master of Education in Elementary Education (MEDEE)
Master of Education in Secondary Education (MEDSE)

In-state Tuition: $31,940
Online Education Degrees: 1
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University of Hawaii at Hilo

UH Hilo, a public university, is known for its excellence and expertise in the fields of Hawaiian studies, volcanology, and marine science.

Master of Education

The 30-credit hour program has a cohort learning format where part-time students learn together and earn the degree in two years. Licensed teachers and practicing educators who want to renew their licenses and engage in professional development are welcome to apply. Once accepted into the program, candidates are encouraged to participate in renewal and reform initiatives in their schools as aspiring teacher leaders.

Application requirements include:

A bachelor’s degree with at least 3.0 GPA
Evidence of eligibility for an initial teaching license
Three letters of recommendation

In-state Tuition: $7,838
Online Education Degrees: 1
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University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu

Part of the University of Hawaii System, the University of Hawaii – West Oʻahu (UHWO) is a respected public college.

BEd in Education

Students in the BEd in Education program choose from two concentrations.

Middle-Level Education

The Middle-Level Education program prepares students for success in teaching Grades 6-8. The specializations are in English language arts, math, social studies, and general science. While the courses are delivered online, the 630-hour field-based teaching experience at local schools must be done in person. Students complete a 15-week student teaching semester.

Secondary Education

The Secondary Education program is for candidates seeking to teach grades 6-12. Most of the degree requirements, such as the field-based coursework and teaching semester, are the same as with the Middle-Level Education program.

In both concentrations, successful graduates will be recommended for teaching licensure to the HTSB.

In-state Tuition: $7,584
Online Education Degrees: 1
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