Top Teachers
Saturday, August 2, 1997
Name: Debbie Kula
Age: 46
Position: Sacred Hearts Academy math department chairwoman
Education: University of Hawaii
Pastimes: Reading, pet caretaking
Pop math quiz: If in one room there are egg cartons, absorbed students, Betty Crocker beverage stir sticks, colored plastic eggs and graph paper, what does that equal? Add to the mix the all-important presence of teacher Debbie Kula, and it's a sure equation for a fun math learning experience. Making a tough subject fun
Kula, who uses a unique variety of math learning tools, is a Hawaii recipient of the coveted 1996 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. "I'm still on cloud nine," she said. Along with attending the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., she received a grant of $7,500 for her school. "In my head I've already spent that money five times."
In Washington the teachers met with top people from organizations such as NASA and the National Science Foundation. "They were very interested in our ideas and perceptions," Kula said. "It was nice that they also recognized there are important people in our lives who support us." Kula said spouses like her husband, Steve, also received first-class treatment.
"If she teaches you math, you understand and love math," said Remee Bolante, Sacred Hearts vice principal. "She makes it fun."
"I know math is difficult, so I try to make it enjoyable and maybe a little off the wall," Kula said. "If anyone were to ask, 'Does Mrs. Kula enjoy math?' there shouldn't be any hesitation. I enjoy immensely what I'm doing."
Mary Sano, Special to the Star-Bulletin
