Barton Nagata, Acting School Superintendent, announced that Mrs. Emiko Kuraoka, teacher at Kauai High and Intermediate School, has been selected as HAWAII’S NOMINEE for the “Teacher of the Year Award.” This contest is conducted annually by Look Magazine. Mrs. Kuraoka
Barton Nagata, Acting School Superintendent, announced that Mrs. Emiko Kuraoka, teacher at Kauai High and Intermediate School, has been selected as HAWAII’S NOMINEE for the “Teacher of the Year Award.” This contest is conducted annually by Look Magazine.
Mrs. Kuraoka is teaching Phase I Nongraded Language Arts at Kauai High and Intermediate School. She started her teaching career in 1944 at Hanamaulu School and the following year became teacher-in charge at Huleia School. In 1946 she transferred to Lihue School (Wilcox) where she remained until her transfer to Kauai High and Intermediate School in 1967.
A quiet and unassuming lady, Mrs. Kuraoka has, according to fellow teachers, exceptional rapport with students and staff.
Her youngsters, no matter how large the class, show obvious interest in their work under teacher Kuraoka.
Mrs. Kuraoka in her many years of experience including the usual trials and problems which beset dedicated teachers, never complains nor says anything derogatory of others. She is the one who will take on the jobs others refuse. Her artistic talents are used generously in community, club and classwork.
According to those who have worked with her, Mrs. Kuraoka is the teacher, that students will remember for years for her dedication and thoughtfulness.
Her teaching experience covers a variety of subject areas with all types of youngsters. At one time she taught a “gifted” class. She is equally facile in the teaching of mathematics and language arts.
Her record shows untiring effort in “extracurricular” areas: club leader, student council advisor, school newspaper advisor, grade level chairman, district workshop coordinator, and chairman of various school committees.
Mrs. Kuraoka resides in Lihue with her husband, Matsuo “Sidelines” Kuraoka, Office Assistant at the Lihue Plantation Company, and their daughter, Amy Jean, 10th grader at
Kauai High and Intermediate School. Their son, David, is in San Jose, California attending school.
Her community activities include work with youth through the Girl Scouts, Y-Teens, and Pilgrim Fellowship group at the Lihue Christian Church
