Teaching Medal Award Winner

Kavita Rao
Manoa

Kavita Rao is an associate professor in the College of Education’s Department of Special Education at UH Manoa.

She uses a systematic instructional process of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation to determine a range of options based on how students learn and demonstrate new knowledge. This creative process leads to the application of universal design principles throughout all aspects of her instruction, assignments and course materials.

Her teaching conveys an understanding of the depth and complexity of learning challenges facing students, and generates creative thought and practice to overcome those challenges.

This empathetic teacher sets high standards, consistently modeling excellent teaching strategies and conveying a sense of purpose and passion both for the course and student learning.

Colleagues describe how both faculty and students benefit from her knowledge, collaboration and research. They credit her contributions to the field of special education as a significant factor in positioning the university and her department on the cutting edge of online educational program delivery.