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2005 Elementary Level Economics Teacher of the Year
Geri Sasaki, Waikoloa Elementary School
The Elementary Economics Teacher of the Year is Geri Sasaki. Two years ago, she retired after 32 years with the DOE, but couldn't give it up completely so she accepted a half time position as a Gifted, Talented and Enrichment Resource Teacher at Waikoloa Elementary School. When she took over the program for students in grades 3 through 5, its focus was on history and science. Geri changed the focus to "Math and Language Arts through Economics and Communication."In her application, Geri said, "I accepted the position with a goal in mind - to create an economics program in our school to produce financially knowledgeable citizens for the 21st century." During the three years Geri has the students, she is able to build, enhance and expand their economics knowledge and practice their communication skills. In the first year, students learn basic economic concepts and Personal Finance and Financial Fitness, in the fourth grade focus is on personal finance and entrepreneurship and the fifth grades learn more about personal finances and the Stock Market simulation.
Using Mini-Society as a foundation, Geri's students create a hypothetical city and county and earn salaries through participation in the production of a school telecast, classroom activities and taking on civic responsibilities. With their salaries, they open and maintain a personal savings account, start a business as an entrepreneur or they can invest in the Stock Market Simulation.
On Valentine's Day this year, Geri's students combined their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of scarce resources by organizing a fundraiser for the Children of Southeast Asia Tsunami Disaster that raised $2,300.
Her principal, Kris Kosa-Correia said, "our administration, staff, parent and students of Waikoloa all share great pride in the strong program that Ms. Sasaki provides our students. We agree. I am honored to present a check for $1,000 from Hawai`i Pacific University to Geri Sasaki whose passion for teaching economics continues even retirement.