By Kristin Hashimoto

The Flatbread Company in Paia, photo courtesy of the Flatbread Company.

Got GOOT? The Growing Our Own Teachers (GOOT) group is partnering up with Flatbread on July 12, to help local educators obtain financial help and supplies for the classroom. From 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Flatbread will donate a percentage of all food sales to GOOT.

Since 2008, GOOT has helped 16 local teachers in their last semester of study. Educators trying to obtain their teaching certification have to instruct students’ full-time, in-classroom. This creates a financial hardship on the student teachers; as it is difficult to retain work outside of their studies, while working full-time and paying tuition costs. Additionally, GOOT helps new teachers get their classrooms set up, with financial aid for class supplies.

Sustainability is not simply an environmental concept, as attracting and retaining local educators is important for Hawaii’s future. Loss of local culture, ties to root systems, and strength in Hawaii’s family-oriented value system is difficult to cultivate and sustain, if local kids cannot find work within our state, and subsequently leave for job opportunities elsewhere. It is invaluable for local children to attribute relevance to their local teacher and aspire and desire more for themselves, and their futures.

Chicken, bacon and ranch pizza, photo by Kristin Hashimoto

Ultimately, great teachers are patient mentors, friends, and sometimes parent in a socially conscious “it takes a community to raise a child,” kind of way. Whether local or not, everyone can recall that teacher who made an impact on their life. GOOT, aims to fill a void for local educators, ease that new teacher transition into the classroom, and call attention to the need for quality teachers for Hawaii’s kids.

Mark your calendars and enjoy some farm-fresh, organic food from Flatbread, and smile knowing your tummy, and heart is satisfied, for this good cause.

For more information visit www.mauigoot.com, and view the menu for Flatbread at www.flatbreadcompany.com. Also, for a food review on Flatbread Company, go to the food section of MauiNow.com.