Teacher pointing to native species as a group of attentive students sits near a stream.

A‘o ‘Āina Professional Development Program

Teacher instructs as a student holds invasive algae for examination.

"Increasing my own knowledge makes me a better resource for my students. Learning how many diverse careers there are was a big [takeaway of the program]. I feel like a better teacher because of completing the program.” — Sarah, Kapolei High School Teacher

A program of Kupu and Mālama Learning Center, the Aʻo ʻĀina Professional Development Program uses a work-based learning approach to enhance educators’ knowledge of different natural resource careers and topics, with each educator’s journey individually curated to expand on their interests and help fill their knowledge gaps.

2024-2025 applications are now OPEN!

Deadline to apply: December 20, 2024

APPLY HERE!

Contact education@kupuhawaii.org for more information.

Kupu participants actively removing invasive species from a shallow ocean coastline using a net and a bucket.

Program Information:
- For educators based only on Oʻahu
- Approximately 40 hours of programming (mixed in-person and virtual)
- Externships at community partner sites will take place on Saturdays through January, February, and March as well as weekdays during DOE Spring Break.
Benefits:
- Gain access to hundreds of curated webinars
- Engage in one-on-one informational interviews with natural resource professionals from a diverse array of careers
- Participate in mini-externships with community partners and agencies
- Join post-secondary and professional panels with leading experts in a wide-range of natural resource fields
- Develop a lesson plan that increases student knowledge of natural resource careers and topics
- Provide educators with an opportunity to receive an ʻĀina-Based Education Certification
Qualifications:
O’ahu-based teachers, counselors, administrators and support staff involved with education
- 4 Cohorts, 46 participants
- 22 Schools
- 21 Partner Organizations