Hana Teacher, Hasegawa Recognized by Maui Senators

Senators Shan Tsutsui, Roz Baker, J. Kalani English congratulate Mitzi Hasegawa and her family. Photo courtesy Alan Texeira, Office of Senator J. Kalani English.

By Wendy Osher

Hana High and Elementary School mathematics teacher, Mitzi Hasegawa was recognized by the Maui Senate Delegation for being named 2012 Maui School District Teach of the Year.

“This is a well-deserved accolade for Mrs. Hasegawa,” said Senate President Shan Tsutsui,who joined in congratulating Hasegawa during Education Week, held last week at the State Capitol.

Sen. Tsutsui, who represents Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului, Pa‘ia, Lower Pa‘ia said, “She has worked hard in re-energizing Hana School’s Math Matter’s team and has influenced her students to continue their learning during the after school hours.”

Fellow Senator J. Kalani English who represents that East Maui area where Hasegawa resides called the recognition a “tremendous accomplishment.”

Sen. English described Hasegawa as a “truly dedicated teacher” to her students and the community. “Mrs. Hasegawa creates her lessons so it is relevant to her students and teaches them that learning math can be fun.”

Senator Roz Baker, also of Maui said that through Hasegawa’s tenacity, teachers are sharing ideas on improving student curriculum.  “Mrs. Hasegawa has demonstrated that learning collaboratively only strengthens everyone through her advocacy of creating a K-12 Match Professional Learning Community.”

Hasegawa is originally from Monroe, Michigan and graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1990. She made Hana her home shortly after college when she landed a job as a teacher.  Mitzi Hasegawa is married to Neil Hasegawa, a member of the famous Hasegawa General Store family.