Keynote Speakers
Ginny Burton
Ginny is a government consultant, policy advocate, program founder, published author, and host and co creator of Modern America, an internet based docuseries. She pushes for solutions in the areas of addiction, homelessness, law and policy, and incarceration. Her life experience has given her special insight into many areas, but most importantly the ability to change, thrive, and create hope.
Ginny is relentless when it comes to creating and advocating for change that enables improved quality of life for those suffering within the system in the U.S.. She has taken her lived experience and uses it to create a pathway for others to achieve their own personal freedom.
Nainoa Thompson
Explorer, environmentalist, master navigator, cultural revivalist, educator, storyteller: Nainoa Thompson has led the rediscovery and revival of the ancient Polynesian art of navigation. Through his voyaging, teaching and engagement, he has opened a global, multigenerational dialogue on the importance of sustaining ocean resources and maritime heritage. Nainoa has dedicated his life to exploring the ocean, maintaining the health of the planet and ensuring that the ancient marine heritage and culture of Polynesia remain vibrant into the future.
Thompson is the first Native Hawaiian in 600 years to practice the ancient Polynesian art of navigation: long-distance open-ocean voyaging on a traditional double-hulled canoe without the aid of modern instruments. His work has led to a renewed understanding and revival of traditional voyaging arts lost for centuries due to the disappearance of such travel methods and the colonization and Westernization of the Polynesian archipelagoes.
Currently the president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS), a non-profit research and educational organization, Thompson recently completed a four-year voyage around the world on the Hōkūleʻa, a traditional, double-hulled voyaging canoe. Through these travels, Thompson and his crew engaged with thousands of people, including world leaders to highlight the importance of ocean resources, cultural legacies and protection of these critical places in the future. In June 2023, Thompson and PVS will launch the Moananuiākea Voyage, a four-year circumnavigation of the Pacific.
A Native Hawaiian, Thompson’s impact reaches beyond voyaging. The non-instrument navigation system Nainoa developed – blending traditional principles and modern scientific knowledge – is taught in schools throughout Hawai’i and the Pacific. This shared knowledge and his broader work with the next generation of ocean stewards is done with a hope that they will protect and continue the connection between the ocean past and future.
Conference Strands
1
Design & Apply
The Design & Apply track will focus on foundational practices that utilize current tools and resources to apply best practices in the classroom.
Topic examples: Adaptive Learning, Assessment & Feedback, Artificial Intelligence, Design Thinking, Instructional Design, and Project-based Learning
2
Culture & Practice
The Culture & Practice track will focus on culture-based learning that instills within haumāna a desire for lifelong learning, leading, and innovating throughout their lāhui ( community).
Topic examples: Culture-based Education & Learning, Identity, HCBE
3
Inclusion & Engagement
The Inclusion & Engagement track will focus on social-emotional well-being and thoughtful ways to introduce inclusive practices that amplify student voice.
Topic examples: Social-Emotional Learning, Social Justice and Advocacy, and Student Agency
4
Safe & Secure
The Safe & Secure track will focus on strategies and practices to navigate our digital world with a critical lens.
Topic examples: Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Digital Citizenship, Digital Literacy, and Media & Information LIteracy
5
Play & Learn
The Play & Learn track will focus on the importance of incorporating fun in the classroom.
Topic examples: Competitive Learning, Emerging Technologies, Games and Gamification, STEAM
Featured Presenters
Katie Gardner
Apple Distinguished Educator
Design & Apply
Gabriel Yanagihara
ʻIolani School
Design & Apply
Jamie Nunez
Common Sense Media
Safe & Secure
Christina Torres Cawdery
Punahou School
Inclusion & Engagement
Shane Asselstine, Mike Fricano II, and the HSTE Board
Play & Learn
Celeste Endo
Queen Kaʻahumanu School
Play & Learn
Meredith Enos
Kamehameha Schools
Culture & Practice
Makana Garma
Kamehameha Schools
Culture & Practice
Victoria Thompson
Education Technology Specialist
Culture & Practice, Safe & Secure, Play & Learn
Dorothy Hirata
University of Hawai’i
Design & Apply
Katie Taladay
University of Hawai’i
Design & Apply
Alice Swift
University of Hawai’i
Design & Apply
Kamuela Yong
University of Hawai’i, West O’ahu
Culture & Practice
Susie Canda
Nanea TV
Culture & Practice
Eleena Helenihi
Nanea TV
Culture & Practice