MS. Dorimalia waiau

ELA

dorimalia.waiau@k12.hi.us

(808)307-0475

A106

Courses:

• English 4 

• Advisory 11

Additional Roles:

• Graduation Program 

• Mentor Teacher

Course Expectations:

• This year, let's learn to take a deep breath together. We’ll call it our Hā—our six promises to ourselves and each other.  

  1. * Belonging: This is our classroom. It’s our school. It’s our home. We belong here, and we'll make sure everyone feels that sense of ʻohana. 

  2. * Responsibility: You are the author of your story. We’ll take ownership of our learning and our choices, understanding that we are responsible for ourselves. 

  3. * Excellence: We’ll strive for excellence in all we do—not perfection, but our very best effort. It’s about being proud of the work we put out into the world. 

  4. * Aloha: We'll lead with aloha, treating each other with compassion and respect. It’s a promise to live with kindness. 

  5. * Total Well-being: We’ll learn to care for our whole selves—our minds, our bodies, and our spirits. Your total well-being is our priority. 

  6. * Hawaiʻi: We'll embrace the history, culture, and language of Hawaiʻi, the place we call home. We'll honor this land and the people who came before us.  With our Hā, we’re not just learning. We’re building a strong, vibrant community together.

How to Check Student Progress:

• Infinite Campus

About Me: 

As an educator with 23 years of experience, my mission is to empower students to become independent thinkers. My teaching philosophy was profoundly shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, inspiring me to create the Be Manaful series, young adult fantasy novels that have reached readers around the world.

My work as an author and publisher is a direct extension of my teaching. The series blends Native Hawaiian culture with timeless themes of hope and finding your inner strength—your 'mana.' I bring this hands-on, real-world experience back to the classroom, showing students the entire process of bringing a creative project to life. Ultimately, all my roles are united by one mission: to help young people find their voice and unlock their own unique power.