HONOLULU – Kalihi Uka Elementary School Kindergarten teacher Kristy Inamasu became the latest recipient of the prestigious Milken Educator Award on Tuesday at a surprise assembly with the entire school. Regarded as the "Oscar Award of Teaching," the award recognizes exceptional teachers and comes with an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize.
Inamasu was presented the award by Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice-president of the Milken Family Foundation, Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, Superintendent Keith Hayashi and other officials in a surprise school-wide assembly with cheering students, teachers and staff members. Inamasu is the sole Milken Educator Award winner from Hawai‘i this year.
“Kristy is an exceptional educator who cultivates critical thinking skills, communication, self-awareness and empathy in her kindergarteners, giving them the foundational learning qualities needed for future success,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “Her collaborative work with her fellow teachers has also guided institutional decision-making to the benefit of the entire school, helping all of Kalihi Uka’s students to rise together. Her classroom serves as a model for new teachers entering the profession and we are very lucky to have an outstanding teacher like her leading the way.”
Inamasu was recognized for encouraging courageous learning in the classroom where all students share their thoughts and ideas, participate in group work, and take ownership of their academic responsibilities. Her efforts to promote critical thinking, accountability, and respect and understanding for others within Kalihi Uka students and staff have contributed to the schoolʻs significant growth in reading and math scores — up 8 points and 12 points, respectively from the previous school year.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in elementary education from Chaminade University while starting her teaching career in 2012 as a part-time teacher at Kalihi Waena Elementary. At the start of School Year 2013, she made the move to Kalihi Uka Elementary, serving as a Primary School Adjustment Program (PSAP) Coordinator, first grade teacher, English language and intervention teacher, and became a kindergarten teacher in School Year 2015, where she has seen great success ever since.

“I’ve been here at Kalihi Uka ever since I started my career. This is my home. All of the students here, the faculty, staff, everyone — this community means everything to me so this award is not just for me but it’s for our whole community here in Kalihi,” Inamasu said after receiving the award. “When I heard my name, I couldn’t believe it, instant tears. This is something that I didn’t expect, but I’m so thankful for it.”
“We are here to celebrate Ms. Inamasu but I know what makes her special — she makes school fun and makes students want to learn everyday,” Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke said. “All the test scores that the Superintendent talked about, it's because of people like Ms. Inamasu, making school fun for each and every student.”
Inamasu is the 83rd Hawai‘i teacher to receive the award since Hawai‘i joined the program in 1990. Hawai‘i recipients have received awards along with a total of over $2 million in prize monies.
For more information about today’s Milken Educator Awards ceremony, visit:###