Valli Kanuha is an associate professor in the School of Social Work at UH Manoa. Influenced by Kumu Kawena Pukui, who said to "Build yourself a firm foundation before teaching others," Kanuha is guided by four foundations to teaching. She shares the knowledge, joys and sorrows of her experience as a practitioner, scholar and teacher to help students learn and grow. She establishes and enforces high standards for students, stressing honor and humility. She engages students in critical dialogue and reflection, challenging them to critique other’s views. Finally, she emphasizes values and practices regarding diversity and analyzes anti-oppression. She believes social work’s responsibility to diversity necessitates a complex view of differences among and between groups.

Kanuha’s passion and cultural sensitivity benefits her students. Her emphasis on practice with diverse populations opens their eyes to issues they didn’t know existed—issues affecting Asian and Pacific Islanders with a focus on Native Hawaiians; gay men, lesbians and trans-gendered persons; women; the elderly; and other oppressed populations.

Colleagues are struck by the deeply held, passionate commitment she brings to her teaching. Her courses reflects theories from classic theorists, social workers and other disciplines, establishing the link between theory and practice. They are interactive, incorporating guest speakers, film, video and Powerpoint presentations and role playing.