Representative Vailoata Amituanai advised the Acting Director of Education Dr. Ruth Matagi -Tofiga to address the loss of credentialed school teachers who are leaving DOE for greener pastures elsewhere in ASG.
He told the director designee during her confirmation hearing there’s a bran drain in DOE…with teachers in the Co-Hort program obtaining their degrees on DOEs time and resources then migrate to other departments.
He said this is not good for the public school system and urged Dr. Matagi Tofiga to do something to stem this trend.
A suggestion from Rep. Faimealelei Anthony Allen was to pay attention to elementary education because if the foundation is solid, that will continue in high school and institutions of higher learning.
He said from what he’s seen, any impairments or weaknesses in a child’s education are only being addressed at the high school level, but that’s too late.
He said with the availability of E-rate, schools should take advantage of online programs for elementary school children.
Faimealelei talked about an after school program that his granddaughter off island participates in under the Parent Act.
He said for a minimal cost a child can participate in after school learning on line.
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Rep Samuel Meleisea asked that there be off island professional development opportunities for teachers.
Dr. Matagi Tofiga has a doctorate in leadership education administration from Capella University.
She also has a masters in secondary education from the University of Hawaii, and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola Marymount University.
