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Hey, welcome to Hawaii, ok? You know, not doubt that Hawaii need GOOD teacher, ok? Problem is that we need to get rid of BAD teacher, and that nearly impossible with alla collusion tween state ed department and teacher union, ok? Don't get me wrong, I think unions ok and they do lot for worker worldwide, BUT hea Hawaii, the HSTA collective bargaining protected by Hawaii state constitution, ok? So, people have very little to say bout who work inna school system, ok? We got lotta really bad teachers here Hawaii, long with some really good one too, and I talk bout public school system, ok? Sad thing, but true, yeah? Private school nother story. Anyway, lot depend on what grade you gonna teach, K thru 4 probably ok, but older kid lotta them got really bad attitude, and come from really sad family situation, so be prepared, ok? Hawaii not have worst public school system in the US for no reason, it just that poorly managed, ok? Ultra liberal administration people, who have job for life, won't allow problem kid to be expel, and good teacher get NO support for discipline, ok? For sure if you decide to come live hea, be prepare for bad school, poor pay, and mean kid and parent, ok? But, please do consider come to teach, cause kid hea need good teacher, and maybe you the one to make big difference in a kid life, yeah? Peace and aloha to you!

There are jobs available but you're going up against a heck of a culture and a massive funds shortage in the most expensive place in the U.S.

Last year they had furlough Fridays every other week, which were not-pay Friday vacations for all schools. The schools also have half-day Wednesdays more often then not to reduce pay. The budget crisis is crushing money spent on teachers and almost all schools are economically-diverse and the kids (especially grade 8-12) are going to be suspicious or outright hateful if you're a white female from the mainland.

If you can land a private school job, you'll be fine but there's a strong Hire-Local movement and you'll only get in if you know someone's auntie's favorite nephew who worked at Iolani for two summers and coached Rainbow baseball with Mike Trapasso.... you're probably out.

I say don't.

In a way there's a need for teachers, but simultaneously it's a competitive field and the pay and conditions are such that many leave... especially many of the places that are going to have openings for fresh-off-the-boat mainlanders. And when you say you'll do fine with the high cost of living, that better be because you're sitting on a fat bank account already for some reason. Anyway, you might look into it, but I wouldn't move to Hawaii and expect you'll then find a teaching job -- try and arrange one before you arrive or else it's not worth the risk.

I imagine that HI is in need of teachers since we have the worst schools in the nation. HI consistently ranks among the bottom states (around 45-50) in all measurable categories. The majority of HI public schools are horrible, but there are exceptions here and there.

I played softball w/a 22 year old fresh out of U of Oregon who came here to teach, like you. She was assigned to a Waianae middle school. After about two months she handed in her resignation, but the superintendent worked with her on relocating to a Mililani school. This will be no surprise to anyone familiar with Oahu - she said the kids in Waianae were disrespectful to the point where absolutely no disciplinary action worked. They constantly would throw things at her, cuss at her, not sit down, not pay attention, etc. Their parents were enablers too! She broke out in tears on a couple occasions only to be laughed at and mocked by the students! She has blonde hair and blue eyes, so they'd make racial remarks towards her. She said she had MANY homeless kids (which isn't a problem but is pretty darn sad). IF YOU MOVE HERE DO NOT TAKE A TEACHING JOB ANYWHERE, AND I REPEAT ANYWHERE WEST OF KO'OLINA.