Teaching Medal Award Winner

Annette Ku‘uipolani Wong
Manoa

Annette Wong is an assistant professor in the Hawai‘inuiakea School of Hawaiian Knowledge at UH Manoa.

Wong takes inspiration from an entry in ‘Olelo No‘eau by Mary K. Pukui: “All knowledge is not taught in the same school.” Native to Ni‘ihau, Wong recognizes the depth and significance of this proverb and, as such, involves herself, her students and colleagues in learning that extends beyond the classroom.

She founded and coordinates Kaulakahi Aloha, a professional development opportunity for Kawaihuelani faculty and graduate students to participate in a Hawaiian immersion camp on Kaua‘i, including a trip to Ni‘ihau. She created La Manaleo or Native Speaker Day, at which invited native speakers of Hawaiian present to and interact with all Hawaiian language students and faculty.

The Manaleo Office that Wong oversees is open daily for students to spend time and talk story with native speakers.

Inside the classroom, students value the interesting, engaged, deeply relevant quality of her classes, and the comfortable environment and confidence she creates, so favorable and fundamental to second language acquisition.