Top Teachers
Saturday, May 24, 1997
Name: Katharine Hager
Age: 25
Position: Physical science teacher
Education: University of Wisconsin
Pastimes: Hiking, dancing, exercising
Moving from Waukesha, Wis., to Waipahu is like going directly from cold to hot. Culturally, the two places are drastically different, too, as Katie Hager discovered when she took her first teaching job at Waipahu Intermediate School. Teaching as an adventure
"I think it's neat to see that there are so many cultures in one classroom and they all get along and learn together," Hager said.
Last October, Hager received a Sallie Mae First Class Teacher award, given to the best first-year teacher in every state.
When she graduated from college two years ago, Hager was offered higher-paying teaching jobs in her home state, but she wanted an adventure.
"Teaching is a calling, not an occupation," said Gary Takaki, Waipahu Intermediate principal. "She teaches from the heart."
Hager, who is following in the footsteps of her parents and grandparents by teaching, is working on a master's degree at the University of Hawaii.
But Takaki said she has acted and taught like a master teacher since the day she started. "She's just a natural -- and a professional."
Takaki said the transition from the mainland to Hawaii is difficult for many teachers from other states. But he said Hager was an exception. "She'll try anything once," Takaki said.
Hager said she likes the local food and students and plans to make Hawaii her permanent home. "As long as I can afford to," she said.
Candace Meierdiercks, Star-Bulletin
