Top Teachers
Saturday, November 28, 1998
Name: Phyllis Chee
Age: 43
Position: Special education teacher, Iliahi Elementary
Education: University of Hawaii
Pastimes: Calligraphy, sewing, long walks
Come December, Phyllis Chee's classroom will be transported back to the good ol' days of swaggering cowboys, the Pony Express and hearty meals from the chuck wagon. Something magical going on
Parents and kids alike will get a chance to experience a rodeo, rope cattle, build a tepee, string beads, make a cattle brand and enjoy an excellent bowl of chili.
All without leaving the building.
Iliahi Principal Jane Serikaku said it's projects like this end-of-the-year program that get students excited about learning. Through exhibits, songs and other activities, special needs pupils in grades K-3 learn about other periods and cultures in a fun, interactive atmosphere.
"It's really wonderful, all the opportunities she provides for them," said Serikaku . "She has just this wonderful way of working with children. When they are first assigned to her they have no self-concept. When you see the kids now they have a light in their eyes and a smile on their face and they work so hard. It's just amazing to see what she can do."
A teaching veteran of 21 years, Serikaku said her teaching methods aren't special. She loves her students and encourages them to reach their potential, period. "To see them succeed where they couldn't before ... makes it all worth it," she said.
But Serikaku said Chee is just modest. "There's something magical about what she's doing in the classroom with the kids."
Kimberly K. Fu, Star-Bulletin
