We are excited to introduce you to the three Teach for America corps members who have been sponsored by United Airlines to participate in the Movers and Shakas HITOP Program. These teachers are passionate about education and committed to making a difference in the lives of their students.

Meet the Teachers:

Kylee Bauer

Teach For America corps year: 2022

Wai’anae High School/ Plant and Animal Science

How long have you been in Hawaii? What brought you here?

I have been in Hawai’i for 2.5 years. I originally came to Oahu to work for the city and county of Honolulu as a civil engineer.

Before moving here I was living in Los Angeles, CA.

Why are you excited to be a part of HITOP?

Being able to be a more culturally relevant teacher. Within this subject there is so much place- based learning and unlearning that I am still doing, and I think being more connected to the land, and the people, would make me a more effective educator – and better serve my students. I am really excited for the networking and learning opportunities because, again, it will help me grow and be the best I can be for my students.

How do you plan to continue to contribute to the community?

I plan to engage to the fullest, be open to new experiences and ways of thinking, and bring all my own unique experience and passions with me.

Maite Nieblas

Teach For America corps year: 2020

Wahiawa Middle School, Special Education English 

How long have you been in Hawaii? What brought you here?

I have been in Hawaii since June 2020 and Teach for America brought me here. 

Where were you before? 

I am originally from Colorado but went to UCLA and when I graduated I moved to Oahu. 

Why are you excited to be a part of HITOP?

Learning more about Hawaii and how to make an impact.

How do you plan to continue to contribute to the community?

I plan on staying in Hawaii and staying in education while learning about the community with an open mind. 

Michelle Lazzaro

Teach For America corps year: 2021

James Campbell High School 9th grade Algebra I teacher, Algebra I program lead

How long have you been in Hawaii? What brought you here?

I have been living in Hawai’i full time for just under 2 years. I moved here to participate in Teach for America at James Campbell High School.

Where were you before?

I grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, but moved from Middlebury, Vermont straight after college.

Why you are excited to be a part of HITOP?

My father has worked on Big Island since I was 12 years old. As such, I spent many of my formative childhood years frequenting the islands, blissfully unaware of the complex and haunted history that has allowed my family to work in Hawai’i until I moved here for Teach for America. The more time I connect with others on the island and learn about Hawaiian history and current events, the more I feel a duty to learn, serve, and align my value system to be a productive community member. As an educator, I feel deeply connected to the ‘Āina and those in my work community. My love for Hawai’i fuels my desire to make the island better than I found it.

How do you plan to continue to contribute to the community?

As I pivot out of education, I want to find just as much purpose for the local community as I do in my current role. HiTOP’s Movers and Shakas program will help me stay integrated in Hawai’i, both professionally and personally.

Mahalo to United Airlines for their generous support and commitment to developing Hawai’i’s workforce. Their sponsorship of three Hawaiʻi Department of Education teachers to attend HITOP is a testament to their commitment to developing Hawaiʻi’s talent. We are proud to partner with United Airlines and look forward to continuing to work together to build a stronger Hawaiʻi.