Michael Ida

Honolulu, HI | 7-12, Mathematics, 2021

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

What motivates me to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching is the desire to pay forward the gifts I received as a student. Teaching reflects the cyclical nature of life. We receive wisdom, and we pass it on. I share my love of mathematics with the next generation and strive to inspire fellow educators to grow in their practice, knowing that each act of teaching shapes the future in ways we may never fully see.

What has been the most transformative moment that affirmed your impact on STEM education?

The most transformative moment that affirmed my impact on STEM education was when former students shared that my class inspired their decision to pursue STEM majors. One student told me that taking my class gave her the confidence not only to major in astrophysics but also to pursue a doctorate. Moments like these remind me that beyond content knowledge, what we give students, belief in themselves, a sense of belonging, and the courage to dream, can shape the course of their lives and the future of STEM itself.

Using your platform as a Presidential Awardee, how do you hope to advance our nation in STEM?

As a PAEMST awardee, I hope to use this platform to elevate public awareness of STEM education and spotlight the vital role of teachers. A strong STEM future depends on a strong educational pipeline. I aim to champion educators and students, through both traditional and social media, and to advocate for policies and practices that inspire the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem solvers.

Biography

Michael Ida, the 2023 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year, has taught mathematics and computer science at Kalani High School in Honolulu for 29 years. As Mathematics Department Chair, he helped establish the school’s computer science program and continues to adapt his practice to meet the needs of 21st-century learners by integrating innovation, equity, and collaboration. A lifelong learner and servant leader, Michael serves on the leadership teams of the Hawaii Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Hawaii chapter of the Computer Science Teachers Association, and the Hawaii National Board Certified Teachers Collective. He mentors candidates pursuing National Board Certification, reads for the AP Calculus exam, and participates in school accreditation visits through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Nationally recognized with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and selected as an EdSurge Voices of Change Fellow, Michael is also an alumnus of the Hawaii State Teacher Fellowship and the Hawaii Teacher Leader Academy. As a writer, Michael contributes to Edutopia, EdSurge, and the National Board Blog, where he reflects on educational equity, student voice, and the evolving role of teachers. A frequent presenter at local and national events, he advocates for uplifting students and supporting teachers as leaders and agents of change, always placing the human heart of education at the center of his work.

High-resolution version of the teacher profile photograph

The views expressed in awardee profiles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NSF or the PAEMST program.