Gregory Kent

Kailua, HI | K-6, Mathematics, 2022

What motivates you to contribute to excellence in STEM teaching?

I'm driven by the transformative power of STEM education. I believe every student deserves access to high-quality STEM learning that fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation. Seeing the potential for STEM to equip students with skills for future careers and to tackle global challenges motivates me daily. I strive to create engaging, hands-on experiences that empower students to become confident, lifelong learners and contributors to a better world.

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

Kailua Elementary's FIRST LEGO League team developed a hydroponic, rotating vertical garden prototype to cool classrooms, enhance student well-being, and provide fresh food. Their year-long effort involved field trips and expert consultations, including Dr. Kakazu (MetroGrow Hawai’i) for indoor farming insights and Dr. Kaufman (UH) for green structure systems. They even explored using invasive Albizia for the structure with Dr. Joey Valenti. Presenting to the Hawaii DOE Superintendent led to talks with Assistant Superintendent Randall Tanaka about potential public school integration. This project now inspires school-wide science and engineering, empowering students to create positive environmental change.

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

I will promote design thinking and digital fabrication in education, fostering innovation. I'll advocate for curriculum that encourages taking risks, emphasizing collaboration among students and across disciplines. Building strong community connections will be key, linking classrooms to real-world challenges and experts. My goal is to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers, equipping them with skills to advance our nation through impactful, creative STEM solutions.

Biography

Gregory “Greg” Keoki Kent has been the Technology Coordinator, serving teachers and students, pre-kindergarten through sixth grade, at Kailua Elementary School for over 20 years. He previously taught at Myron B. Thompson Academy, Wailupe Elementary, and Koko Head Elementary each for one year. Colleagues characterize Greg as a master teacher with expertise in Design Thinking, MakerEd, and the NGSS. According to his principal, upon walking into the EleMakery maker space, “student engagement and learning engulfs you. You can’t help but get excited about learning!” Students are having collaborative conversations, designing prototypes, building structures, and authentically engaging in hands-on learning. Greg is a LEGO Education Master Educator, supporting schools across his complex area with LEGO Robotics and LEGO Education. He has been a mentor for new teachers within the college of education and a host for both public and private schools interested in developing their own maker space. Greg also models and co-teaches lessons to differentiate and meet the various comfort levels and needs of teachers. In the words of his principal: “There doesn’t seem to be a limit on the forward thinking and problem solving Greg brings to Kailua elementary. He is a dedicated educator truly making an impact on the lives of our students, staff, and the community.” Greg earned a B.Ed in elementary education and an M.Ed in educational technology from the University of Hawai’i, at Manoa. He is certified in elementary education.

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.