2026 How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii – What Degree Do You Need to Be a Teacher?

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a teacher in Hawaii is a practical career goal, but the path is not as simple as earning any education degree and applying to a classroom. Hawaii requires public school teachers to meet state licensure standards, complete an approved preparation pathway, and show subject-area competence. At the same time, the state continues to face staffing pressure: the Hawaiian State Teachers Association (2025) reported that approximately 80,000 children are not taught by Hawaii Qualified Teachers (HQTs).

This guide explains how to become a teacher in Hawaii, what credentials you need, how licensure works, which education programs may fit your goals, and what salary and job market data suggest about the profession. It is written for first-time college students, career changers, substitute teachers, out-of-state educators, and anyone asking, “What can I do with a teaching degree?” in the context of Hawaii’s public, charter, private, and specialized school settings.

You will learn the main requirements, common routes into teaching, cost-saving options, high-demand roles, licensing renewal steps, and questions to ask before choosing a program. The goal is to help you choose a path that is realistic, properly accredited, and aligned with the grade level or subject you want to teach.

How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii Table of Contents

1. Hawaii Teacher Pathway: Quick Answer
2. Overview of the Education Industry in Hawaii
3. How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii: Educational Requirements
4. What is the Easiest Education Degree to Pursue in Hawaii?
5. How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii: Licensure Application and Renewal
6. How Can I Become an English Teacher in Hawaii?
7. List of Top Education Programs in Hawaii for 2026
8. How Can I Obtain Specialized Certification in Hawaii?
9. How Do Different Education Degrees Influence Your Teaching Career in Hawaii?
10. Are school librarian positions a practical option for educators in Hawaii?
11. What are the kindergarten teacher requirements in Hawaii?
12. How do private and public teaching roles differ in Hawaii?
13. How can online and hybrid programs accelerate teacher certification in Hawaii?
14. What are the current teacher certification requirements in Hawaii?
15. Is substitute teaching a viable pathway to full-time certification in Hawaii?
16. Financial Assistance and Cost-Effective Pathways for Aspiring Teachers in Hawaii
17. What are the benefits and challenges of teaching in Hawaii?
18. What specific teaching roles are in high demand in Hawaii?
19. What career advancement opportunities exist for teachers in Hawaii?
20. What are the skills a teacher should have?

Hawaii Teacher Pathway: Quick Answer

To become a public school teacher in Hawaii, you generally need a bachelor’s degree, completion of a Hawaii State Approved Teacher Education Program (SATEP), proof of subject-matter competency such as the appropriate Praxis Subject Assessment, and a license issued through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. Teachers in Hawaii Department of Education and charter schools must hold a valid license before employment.

The fastest route depends on your starting point. First-time college students usually choose an approved bachelor’s program in education. Career changers with a bachelor’s degree may look for a post-baccalaureate or graduate-level teacher preparation option. Licensed out-of-state teachers may qualify through reciprocity if their credentials align with Hawaii’s requirements.

Overview of the Education Industry in Hawaii

Hawaii’s education workforce is shaped by a statewide public school system, island geography, high living costs, and ongoing demand for qualified educators. In 2025, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (DOE) employed approximately 14,250 K-12 teachers, representing 66% of the overall educator workforce from K-12 through postsecondary education. Secondary school teachers accounted for the largest group at 45.39%, with 9,800 employed individuals. Elementary school teachers followed with 3,400 workers at 15.75%, while postsecondary teachers numbered 2,620 at 12.14%.

The shortage is most visible when schools cannot place Hawaii Qualified Teachers in every classroom. Although the state was still 300 short in 2025, this reflected improvement from the prior year. For aspiring educators, that means there may be hiring opportunities, but it also means schools need teachers who are prepared to stay, adapt, and serve communities with diverse student needs.

Hawaii has also changed how some teacher hiring works. Rather than applying only to a broad placement pool and waiting for assignment, prospective educators may be able to apply for specific school openings and subject areas. This can give candidates more control over location, grade level, and teaching assignment, especially if they want to serve a particular island or community.

Job Outlook for Teachers in Hawaii

Hawaii’s teacher labor market is improving but remains competitive and needs-focused. For K-12 teachers and instructors, statewide vacancies dropped to 300 in 2025 from over 1,000 the prior year, according to Honolulu Civil Beat (2025). The state also experiences an average annual turnover of 1,200 per year, which creates recurring hiring needs even when total vacancies decline.

Not all education occupations grow in the same way. Self-enrichment education was identified as the fastest-growing teaching occupation, with a growth rate of 31.8% during the same period. These instructors teach non-academic or personal development subjects such as yoga, cooking, and photography, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023b). Still, several of the most in-demand teaching occupations in Hawaii are concentrated at the postsecondary level.

Salary Expectations

Teacher pay in Hawaii varies by role, education level, subject area, employer, and experience. For educational instruction and library occupations in Hawaii, the average wage was $58,600, below the average for all occupations combined at $61,420, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023a). This gap is important because Hawaii’s cost of living can affect whether a teaching salary supports your financial goals.

Among the five teaching occupations with the highest employment levels in Hawaii, all other types of post-secondary teachers had the highest employment count at 2,500 and the highest average mean wage at $96,010, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025) data. Elementary school teachers, except special education, earned $68,260 per year. Secondary school teachers, except special and career educators, earned $67,730 annually. The highest-paying teaching occupations listed were postsecondary biological science teachers at $110,750 and postsecondary business teachers at $105,790.

How AI and Technology Are Changing Teacher Preparation

Technology is now part of teacher readiness, not an optional add-on. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 projections noted that generative AI is expected to disrupt approximately 85 million jobs by the end of this year while creating 97 million new roles shaped around work shared by people, machines, and algorithms. For educators, the takeaway is not that teaching becomes automated. It is that teachers increasingly need digital judgment, AI literacy, data awareness, and the ability to help students use technology responsibly.

When comparing Hawaii education programs, look for coursework or field experiences that address online learning tools, classroom technology, digital assessment, accessibility, and ethical AI use. Strong programs should still emphasize human skills: lesson design, student relationships, classroom management, cultural responsiveness, and subject expertise.

How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii: Educational Requirements

Hawaii’s teacher preparation rules are designed to verify that teachers can manage classrooms, teach required content, support diverse learners, and meet state expectations. The exact route can vary, but most public school candidates should plan around the following requirements.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program. A bachelor’s degree is the baseline academic credential for most Hawaii teaching routes. The degree may be in education or another field, depending on your pathway and teaching goal. Accreditation matters because it affects whether your coursework will be accepted for licensure, transfer, graduate study, and employment. This applies across degree levels, including an associates degree in education, bachelor’s program, master’s program, or doctoral study.
2. Complete a Hawaii State Approved Teacher Education Program. For K-12 public teaching, completing a SATEP is a central requirement. A SATEP may be built into an undergraduate education degree or completed separately after you already hold a bachelor’s degree. This preparation usually combines pedagogy, supervised fieldwork, assessment methods, classroom management, and teaching practice.
3. Show competence in the subject or grade level you want to teach. Candidates commonly demonstrate subject knowledge through the appropriate Praxis exam. The test should match your intended teaching area and grade band, and candidates should confirm expectations with the Hawaii Board of Education and the licensing authority before registering.
4. Continue professional learning after entering the classroom. Hawaii’s tiered license structure rewards experience, effective teaching, and advanced preparation. Teachers should expect ongoing professional development, especially as curriculum standards, student needs, technology tools, and instructional methods evolve.

Which Teaching Path Makes the Most Sense?

What is the Easiest Education Degree to Pursue in Hawaii?

The “easiest” education degree is not always the shortest or least demanding one. In Hawaii, the better question is: Which degree is most direct for the grade level, subject, and license you want? A bachelor’s degree in elementary education may feel more straightforward for students who want broad K-6 preparation, while secondary teaching candidates often need deeper coursework in a specific subject. Specialized fields such as math, science, or special education may involve additional content requirements, but they can also align with areas where schools have strong needs.

Flexibility can also make a program easier to complete. Online and hybrid formats may help students who work, care for family, or live far from campus. Programs connected to early childhood education or elementary education may offer clearer undergraduate pathways for some students, while graduate or post-baccalaureate routes may be better for career changers. If you are comparing options, review this resource on the easiest education degree and then verify that any Hawaii program you consider supports your intended license.

A program that is easy to enter but does not meet licensure expectations can become expensive later. Before enrolling, ask whether the program is state-approved, how student teaching is arranged in Hawaii, what exams graduates take, and whether the school has experience supporting candidates in your target endorsement area.

How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii: Licensure and Application Renewal

After completing the required education and preparation, candidates apply for licensure through the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board. The process is handled online, but applicants should gather documents early. Common items include a social security card, a valid government-issued photo ID, and proof of completion of the HTSB Professional Fitness Check, along with evidence of degree and preparation program completion.

Requirements can vary depending on school type, teaching level, and endorsement area, so candidates should verify details with the HTSB and any school system where they plan to work. Hawaii also has reciprocity agreements for all 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Teachers with equivalent qualifications from those jurisdictions may be eligible for a comparable Hawaii license.

Application Process: How to Become a Teacher in Hawaii

1. Create your HTSB account. Go to the HTSB website and set up your candidate profile.
2. Open a new application. Use the Applications tab in your account to begin the correct license request.
3. Complete each section carefully. Enter the required information, upload documentation, and save your work after each part.
4. Submit for review. Once the application is complete, send it to HTSB licensing staff for evaluation.

After submission, licensing staff review the file and notify you whether the application is approved or whether more information is needed. Hawaii Department of Education and charter school teachers must hold a valid license before employment. Processing times for applications and renewals may extend up to six weeks during peak application periods, so candidates should not wait until the last minute.

Renewal Process: How to Maintain Your License

Renewal is also completed through the HTSB online portal. Only standard and advanced licenses are renewable. Standard licenses expire every 5 years, and advanced licenses expire every 10 years.

1. Sign in to your HTSB profile. Use the same account connected to your license.
2. Start the renewal request. Choose the “Renew License” button under the Licenses/Permits tab.
3. Complete the renewal application. Fill out the online form and upload a copy of your most recent Education Effectiveness Syste (EES) Final Rating, the Hawaii Department of Education standard used to document effective teaching.
4. Submit the renewal. Send the completed request and monitor your account for updates or additional requirements.

Because applications are manually reviewed, timelines can vary. Build renewal reminders into your calendar and keep professional development, evaluation, and employment records organized throughout your license term.

Common Licensing Mistakes to Avoid

How Can I Become an English Teacher in Hawaii?

To become an English teacher in Hawaii, plan for both content depth and teacher preparation. A strong pathway usually includes a bachelor’s degree with substantial English coursework, completion of an approved teacher education program, supervised classroom experience, and the subject assessment required for the grade level you want to teach. English teachers should be prepared to teach reading, writing, literature, communication, media literacy, and language skills to students from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

If you already hold a degree in English or a related field, you may not need to start over with a second bachelor’s degree. Instead, compare post-baccalaureate, graduate, or alternative preparation routes that lead to Hawaii licensure. For a focused pathway, review Research.com’s guide to how to become an english teacher in Hawaii.

List of Top Education Programs in Hawaii for 2026

Choosing a teacher preparation program is one of the most important decisions you will make because it affects licensure eligibility, field placement access, tuition cost, and the grade or subject areas you can pursue. The programs below were selected by the Research.com team using factors such as student outcomes, faculty expertise, student services, networking opportunities, and certification preparation.

Use this list as a starting point, not a final decision. Before enrolling, confirm current tuition, accreditation, SATEP status, field placement arrangements, transfer credit policies, and whether the program prepares you for the specific Hawaii license or endorsement you want.

1. University of Hawaii at Manoa BEd in Elementary Education

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education for students preparing to teach young learners. The program emphasizes classroom practice, elementary curriculum, and the instructional knowledge needed to support students across core subject areas.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~120
• Cost per Credit: $471 (in-state); $1,389 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Program (AAQEP)

2. Hawaii Pacific University BA in Elementary Education

Hawaii Pacific University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education designed for future elementary school teachers. Its student-centered approach and classroom-based learning opportunities can help candidates build practical teaching skills before entering full-time roles.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~135
• Tuition Cost: $32,520
• Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Program (AAQEP)

3. Chaminade University of Honolulu BS in Elementary Education

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education that prepares students for work in elementary classrooms. The program focuses on instructional planning, student development, and classroom engagement. Chaminade is also recognized for its distance learning K-6 Elementary Education option, making it a school to compare when researching the best online elementary education programs to consider.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~136
• Tuition Cost: $29,970
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

4. Brigham Young University-Hawaii BS in Biology Education

Brigham Young University-Hawaii offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology Education for students who want to teach science with a focus on biology. The curriculum combines biological science coursework with pedagogy, helping candidates build both content knowledge and teaching skill.

• Program Length: 4 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: ~120 (54-78 major credits)
• Cost per Credit: $268
• Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Program (AAQEP)

5. University of Hawaii at Hilo MA in Teaching

The University of Hawaii at Hilo offers a Master of Arts in Teaching for candidates seeking graduate-level preparation. This route may be especially relevant for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree and want advanced instruction in teaching methods, classroom leadership, and professional practice.

• Program Length: 2 years
• Required Credits to Graduate: 72
• Cost per Credit: $489 (in-state); $1,107 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Hawaii Teacher Standards Board (HTSB)

Students who need flexibility should also review online and hybrid options through the University of Hawaii System. Some offerings include hybrid pathways in areas such as middle-level English and special education concentrations.

The University of Hawaii West Oahu is another option to compare for early childhood education with a social sciences specialization. For students prioritizing affordability and distance learning, it may be useful to review Research.com’s guide to one of the most affordable online elementary education programs available.

How to Compare Hawaii Education Programs

How Can I Obtain Specialized Certification in Hawaii?

Specialized certification can help teachers qualify for roles that require deeper preparation, such as special education, English language instruction, early childhood education, or subject-specific secondary teaching. These credentials often involve targeted coursework, supervised practice, and assessments tied to the learners or content area you plan to serve.

Special education is one important example because it prepares educators to support students with disabilities, collaborate with families and service providers, and design instruction that meets individual learning needs. If that route fits your goals, review the requirements for special education teacher certification in Hawaii before choosing a program.

How Do Different Education Degrees Influence Your Teaching Career in Hawaii?

Your degree level affects more than admissions requirements. It can shape your teaching level, licensure route, long-term advancement, and salary potential. A bachelor’s degree is the usual entry point for K-12 teaching preparation. A master’s degree may help career changers enter the profession or help current teachers move into advanced instructional, leadership, or specialized roles. Doctoral study is usually more relevant for research, higher education, senior administration, or policy-focused work.

When comparing types of degree in education, focus on outcomes rather than title alone. Ask whether the program leads to licensure, what age group it prepares you to teach, how much classroom practice is included, and whether it supports high-need subject areas in Hawaii.

Are school librarian positions a practical option for educators in Hawaii?

School librarian roles can be a strong alternative for educators who want to support learning beyond a single classroom. These professionals help students access books, databases, digital tools, research instruction, and media literacy resources. They may also collaborate with teachers on curriculum, inquiry projects, and reading initiatives.

This pathway is best suited for educators who enjoy information organization, technology, student research support, and schoolwide collaboration. It may not be the right fit for candidates who want daily responsibility for one grade-level classroom. To understand the credential pathway, review Research.com’s guide on how to be a school librarian in Hawaii.

What are the kindergarten teacher requirements in Hawaii?

Kindergarten teachers in Hawaii need preparation in early childhood development, beginning literacy and numeracy, classroom routines, family communication, and age-appropriate instruction. Because kindergarten is a transition point between early learning and elementary school, teachers must know how to support young children socially, emotionally, and academically.

Candidates should look for programs with early childhood or elementary field placements, culturally responsive teaching practice, and coursework focused on young learners. For a more specific roadmap, see Research.com’s guide to kindergarten teacher requirements in Hawaii.

How do private and public teaching roles differ in Hawaii?

Public and private school teaching can look similar in the classroom, but hiring rules and credential expectations may differ. Public school teachers in Hawaii Department of Education and charter schools must meet state licensure requirements. Public roles may also follow standardized salary schedules, formal evaluation systems, and state-defined renewal requirements.

Private schools may use separate hiring standards, and some may have more flexibility in qualifications, curriculum, or instructional approach. However, private employers can still prefer or require licensed teachers, subject expertise, prior classroom experience, or faith-based alignment depending on the institution. Candidates comparing school settings should review private school teacher requirements in Hawaii and ask each employer directly about credentials, benefits, workload, and advancement.

How can online and hybrid programs accelerate teacher certification in Hawaii?

Online and hybrid teacher preparation programs can make certification more accessible for candidates who cannot relocate, attend campus full time, or pause work. They may allow students to complete coursework remotely while arranging fieldwork in approved local classrooms. This can be especially useful in an island state where travel time and location affect access to programs.

Flexibility does not remove licensure requirements. Candidates still need approved preparation, supervised practice, and any required assessments. Before enrolling, confirm that the program can support Hawaii-based placements and leads to the credential you need. For more information, see Research.com’s article on how to become a teacher online in Hawaii.

What are the current teacher certification requirements in Hawaii?

Hawaii’s certification process combines academic preparation, approved teacher training, subject competence, professional fitness review, and license application through the state. The main purpose is to ensure that teachers can deliver instruction, manage classrooms, support student learning, and meet professional standards.

Because requirements can differ by endorsement area, candidates should avoid relying only on general advice. Check the licensing board, your preparation program, and your intended employer before making financial or enrollment decisions. Research.com provides a focused overview of teacher certification requirements in Hawaii.

Is substitute teaching a viable pathway to full-time certification in Hawaii?

Substitute teaching can be a useful way to gain classroom exposure, understand school routines, and decide whether teaching is the right long-term career. It may also help candidates build local school connections while they complete degree, preparation, or licensure requirements.

However, substitute teaching should not be confused with full teacher certification. It can support your transition, but it does not automatically replace the education, SATEP, assessment, and licensure requirements for full-time public school teaching. If you are considering this route, review the Hawaii substitute teacher requirements before applying.

Financial Assistance and Cost-Effective Pathways for Aspiring Teachers in Hawaii

Teacher preparation can be expensive, especially when tuition, fees, testing, books, travel, and unpaid or low-paid fieldwork are considered together. Aspiring teachers in Hawaii should build a cost plan before enrolling, not after receiving the first bill.

Scholarships and grants, including opportunities associated with the Hawaii Education Association or the Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, may help reduce education-related costs. Some funding options may prioritize high-need fields such as special education or STEM subjects. Candidates should ask financial aid offices whether awards are tied to enrollment status, service commitments, residency, subject area, or minimum academic progress.

Cost-effective pathways may include community college transfer routes, in-state public tuition, hybrid coursework, post-baccalaureate preparation for students who already hold a degree, or alternative licensure routes where appropriate. Review the types of teaching certificates in Hawaii to compare options, but confirm all details with HTSB or your chosen program.

Hawaii has also pursued legislative efforts that may support student loan forgiveness for educators who work in underserved areas or high-need subjects. Because eligibility rules can change, candidates should consult local education boards, employer HR offices, and financial aid counselors before assuming a program will reduce debt.

Ways to Reduce the Cost of Becoming a Teacher in Hawaii

• Start with accreditation and approval. A cheaper program is not a bargain if it does not lead to the license you need.
• Compare total program cost. Include tuition, fees, transportation, testing, background checks, textbooks, and student teaching expenses.
• Ask about transfer credit. Prior coursework may reduce completion time if accepted by the program.
• Look for in-state and public options. Public universities may offer lower rates for residents.
• Investigate service-based aid. Some aid may be connected to teaching in high-need schools or subjects.
• Plan for unpaid clinical time. Student teaching can reduce work hours, so budgeting ahead matters.

What are the benefits and challenges of teaching in Hawaii?

Teaching in Hawaii can be rewarding, but it requires clear expectations. The same factors that make the state unique—culture, geography, community, and environment—also create practical challenges for educators.

Benefits:

• Deep cultural diversity: Hawaii’s classrooms reflect many cultural traditions, languages, and community identities. Teachers who value culturally responsive instruction may find meaningful opportunities to connect learning with students’ lived experiences.
• Community connection: Many schools serve close-knit communities where educators can build strong relationships with students, families, and local organizations.
• Outdoor and place-based learning: Hawaii’s geography, ecosystems, history, and environment can support hands-on lessons in science, social studies, language arts, and sustainability.
• Continued need for qualified teachers: Staffing shortages create opportunities for committed educators, especially those prepared for hard-to-fill roles and communities.

Challenges:

• High cost of living: Housing and everyday expenses can make financial planning essential, particularly for early-career teachers.
• Island geography: Travel, access to professional development, and resource availability may differ depending on location.
• Retention pressure: Cost, isolation, workload, and staffing gaps can contribute to burnout if schools and teachers do not have strong support systems.
• Licensure complexity: Candidates must make sure their preparation program, exams, and endorsement area align with Hawaii’s rules.

What specific teaching roles are in high demand in Hawaii?

Hawaii needs qualified educators across multiple levels, but candidates should pay close attention to the grade bands and subjects where vacancies are most persistent. Elementary education remains a major staffing area, while secondary subjects, special education, and some specialized roles can also offer strong opportunities depending on location and school need.

If you want to work with younger students and teach multiple subjects, elementary education may be a practical route. For a role-specific guide, visit How to become an elementary school teacher in Hawaii.

What career advancement opportunities exist for teachers in Hawaii?

Teachers in Hawaii can grow beyond the entry-level classroom through advanced licenses, specialized endorsements, graduate study, mentoring, curriculum work, instructional coaching, department leadership, school administration, or postsecondary teaching. Advancement usually requires a mix of successful classroom experience, professional development, leadership skills, and sometimes an advanced degree.

A master’s degree can be useful for educators who want to deepen expertise, move into specialized roles, or strengthen their qualifications for leadership. If cost, time, or admissions flexibility is a concern, review options such as the easiest master's degree for teachers, then confirm whether the degree aligns with your career goals and Hawaii’s license structure.

What are the skills a teacher should have?

Effective teachers need strong communication, patience, adaptability, organization, empathy, and classroom management. They must explain ideas clearly, listen to students and families, adjust instruction when students struggle, and maintain a learning environment where expectations are consistent and respectful.

Teachers also need problem-solving skills, cultural responsiveness, digital competence, and a commitment to professional learning. In Hawaii, the ability to connect instruction to local communities and student backgrounds can be especially valuable. Technology skills are increasingly important as classrooms use learning platforms, digital assessments, accessibility tools, and AI-supported resources.

If you are still choosing a degree route, look for programs that build these skills through supervised fieldwork, feedback from mentor teachers, lesson planning practice, and assessment training. A bachelor of education online program can be convenient, but it should still include meaningful classroom practice and licensure support.

Key Insights

• Hawaii needs qualified teachers, but preparation still matters. The state reported that approximately 80,000 children are not taught by Hawaii Qualified Teachers, yet public school candidates must still meet degree, SATEP, assessment, and licensure requirements.
• The standard K-12 route starts with a bachelor’s degree and approved teacher preparation. A bachelor’s degree alone is not enough if it does not connect to Hawaii’s licensure expectations.
• Licensure is tiered. Hawaii uses provisional, standard, and advanced licenses, with terms of 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years, respectively.
• Salary varies widely by role. Educational instruction and library occupations in Hawaii averaged $58,600, while selected postsecondary teaching roles listed wages above $96,010.
• Online and hybrid programs can help, but only if they support Hawaii requirements. Always verify state approval, field placement, Praxis preparation, and licensure outcomes before enrolling.
• Cost planning is essential. Compare total program expenses, financial aid, transfer credits, and service-based support before committing to a pathway.
• The best pathway depends on your starting point. First-time students, career changers, out-of-state teachers, substitute teachers, and private school candidates may each need a different route.

References:

• AFRO Education. (2025). Teacher and staff shortages persist. https://feaweb.org/release/teacher-and-staff-shortages-persist/
• Devlin Peck. (2025). The ultimate list of teacher shortages by state in 2025. https://www.devlinpeck.com/content/teacher-shortage-by-state
• Hawaiian State Teachers Association. (2025). Hawaii educator workforce report. https://hsteacherstoday.org/hawaii-educator-workforce-report2025
• Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association. (2025, June 26). HSTA identifies key solutions to Hawaiʻi teacher retention. https://www.hsta.org/news/recent-stories/hsta-identifies-key-solutions-to-hawaii-teacher-retention/
• Learn.org. (2025). How to become a teacher in Hawaii. https://learn.org/careers/how-to-become-a-teacher-hawaii
• Organisation for Economic Co‑operation and Development. (2025). Education at a glance 2025: How much are teachers and school heads paid? https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/09/education-at-a-glance-2025_c58fc9ae/full-report/how-much-are-teachers-and-school-heads-paid_5daf5678.html
• TeachingDegree.org. (n.d.). Online teaching programs in Hawaii and requirements. https://www.teachingdegree.org/states/hawaii/
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Career and technical education teachers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/career-and-technical-education-teachers.htm
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Kindergarten and elementary school teachers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Postsecondary teachers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Education-Training-and-Library/Postsecondary-teachers.htm
• World Economic Forum. (2025). The Future of Jobs Report 2025. https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025