Kupu Hou Academy
For Educators, By Educators
Kupu Hou Academy was founded over ten years ago by its current director Dr. Mark Hines, and fellow Mid-Pacific teachers. In Hawaiian, kupu hou means, “to sprout anew.” This program encapsulates our vision to give teachers and school leaders the tools and support to bring Deeper Learning to life in classrooms everywhere.
Deeper Learning, Together
For over ten years, Kupu Hou Academy has been Hawaiʻi’s leading Deeper Learning professional development for teachers. We are committed to addressing the needs of each teacher, school, or complex through our workshops. We tailor our solutions to you. We offer year-round workshops, custom school-wide support, in-person and virtual training. Educators feel seen, invigorated, and confident through our impactful professional development. These are the qualities that inspire our students to dive deeper into learning.
Workshops
Our workshops are focused on Project-Based Learning (PBL), Inquiry, and Deeper Learning Practices (DLP) to further equip your teachers with valuable tools and strategies to take their teaching to the next level.
Current Workshops
EARLY-LEARNING EDUCATORS SERIES
We invite early-learning educators new to the Reggio Emilia approach or who are familiar with the concepts and wish to deepen their understanding to participate in the workshops. Attend all four sessions or the ones that interest you the most. All workshops will be held on Saturdays, with a continental breakfast provided.
8:00 am Check-in, continental breakfast, talk-story
8:30 - 11:00 am workshop
11:00 - Noon (optional) Bring your own lunch and chat with presenters & colleagues
Workshop Fees waived & Travel Stipends available - see registration form for more details Register
April 6 - Discovering the Extraordinary in the Ordinary - In a follow-up to the workshop on documentation, we acknowledge that caught up in the day-to-day management of the class, we sometimes miss in the ordinary the truly extraordinary learning. Perhaps what we assume about what we observe needs to be re-seen or reconsidered through a different lens. We sit beside Dr. George Forman, who joins us in this session to do what he does best: provoke new thinking! He is a specialist on the Reggio Emilia approach and constructivism, as well as a researcher and author on cognitive development.
Summer 2024 Workshops
- Designing for Project Based Learning - June 3-5
- Empowering Educators: Harnessing AI in the Classroom - June 3-6
- Aloha 'Aina Academy Summer Workshop: Human Rights, Equity, and Social Justice in the Food System - June 11-13 & 18-20
- Pedagogies in Authentic Design for Deeper Learning Experiences (PADDLE): AI-Powered Deeper Learning - July 15-18
Designing for Project Based Learning - June 3-5
JUNE 3-5 - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
AT NANAIKAPONO ELEMENTARY JUNE 3,4 & MID-PACIFIC ON JUNE 5
Kupu Hou Academy at Mid-Pacific Institute (MPI) is pleased to offer its 13th annual summer teacher professional development program focused on Project-Based Learning (PBL), Inquiry and Deeper Learning Practices (DLP). We will implement a cohort model for the 2024 cohort that will support teachers at the workshop and throughout the year.
The workshop will emphasize the linkage between good instructional design in projects and specific learning outcomes and aligning with Elements of Quality Professional Development. Participants will develop the skills and knowledge to design lessons emphasizing deeper learning,
including designing and receiving feedback on their work to implement in their classroom.
The end product will be a powerful, engaging project they will implement in the first semester of Fall 2024.
Cost: $950 (includes breakfast & lunch)
Registration is limited to 60 participants.
Click Here to Register - DOE TEACHERS: If you are planning on registering for PDE3 credit, please go to the PDE3 website and register for course #IS188125 Section #313079
Download PBL Flyer
Empowering Educators: Harnessing AI in the Classroom - June 3-6
JUNE 3-6, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
AT MID-PACIFIC CAMPUS
This four-day intensive workshop is designed to empower educators with the knowledge, tools, and ongoing support needed to effectively integrate AI into their teaching practices to create engaging, ethical, and impactful learning experiences for students. This immersive experience offers hands-on practice with open-source AI tools, dissecting small-scale versus Large Language Models (LLMs). Discover tailored strategies to integrate AI across subjects, empowering you to revolutionize your classroom through AI.
By the end of our time together participants will:
- Be equipped to integrate AI effectively across grade levels and subjects for engaging learning experiences.
- Have an enhanced understanding of ethical considerations in AI, enabling fair and unbiased AI use within classrooms.
- Develop practical skills with open-source AI tools, enabling the creation of AI-enhanced lesson plans and activities for improved student learning.
- Be exposed to tailored AI integration strategies for diverse grade levels and subjects, accommodating unique student needs.
- Have an established supportive network for ongoing collaboration, fostering the sharing of best practices beyond the workshop.
Limited to 60 participants.
Cost: $1200 (Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided)
Click Here to register.
Aloha 'Aina Academy Summer Workshop: Human Rights, Equity, and Social Justice in the Food System - June 11-13 & 18-20
SIX DAYS - JUNE 11-13 & JUNE 18-20, 1:00-4:00 PM
ONLINE
Immerse yourself in the transformative Aloha 'Aina Academy Summer Workshop: Human Rights, Equity, and Social Justice in the Food System, where educators from across Hawai'i come together to explore sustainable food systems and foster 'Aina and Project- Based Learning in their classrooms.
This engaging, online six-day professional development course dives deep into food justice and equity, offering practical, hands-on strategies for creating standards-based learning experiences rooted in Na Hopena A'o, Aloha 'Aina, and Kupu Hou's ASPIRE Framework. Discover how to design impactful student investigations, projects, and assessments, while connecting with experts and resources in the field of Human Rights, Equity, and Social Justice in the Food System.
Perfect for educators seeking to amplify student voice, immerse learners in 'Aina-based learning, and address food (in)security and food equity in their classrooms, this workshop promises to enrich your teaching practice and inspire meaningful change in the next school year.
Cost: $600
Registration is limited to 50 participants.
Click Here to Register - DOE TEACHERS: If you are planning on registering for PDE3 credit, please go to the PDE3 website and register for course #PD187392 Section #313078
Download AAA Flyer
Pedagogies in Authentic Design for Deeper Learning Experiences (PADDLE): AI-Powered Deeper Learning - July 15-18
JULY 15 - 18, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM ONLINE
Kupu Hou Academy at Mid-Pacific is pleased to offer a virtual version of our annual summer teacher professional development program. This course will encourage pedagogical innovation, equipping teachers with the skills needed to integrate the use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their courses through a student-centered approach. This course will provide an emphasis on Project Based Learning (PBL),
Deeper Learning Practices (DLP) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). A cohort model will be used to better meet the identified level and individual needs of each participant.
The course will emphasize connections between effective instructional design and specific learning outcomes, while also demonstrating the Elements of Quality Professional Development. Participants will design lessons and student projects that empower students to use leading-edge AI, while applying the guiding principles of DLP and UDL. Our work together will include students designing and receiving feedback on their own work so that it will be ready to implement in their classrooms.
The end product will be an engaging AI-charged project or inquiry-based process ready to be implemented in the coming school year. Participants must receive prior approval from their principal or supervising administrator to use this course for reclassification.
Cost: $600
Registration is limited to 50 participants.
Click Here to Register - DOE TEACHERS: If you are planning on registering for PDE3 credit, please go to the PDE3 website and register for course #PD188121 Section #313077
Download PADDLE Flyer
Professional Learning
Our Professional Development experiences are designed with a wealth of data as their foundation. This research has shown that learning is more engaging and lasting with a Deeper Learning approach. In schools with Deeper Learning cultures, teachers experience higher job satisfaction and create powerful school communities. These principles strengthen both how teachers teach (pedagogy), and how they gauge learning (assessment).
Our expertise comes from our own work in Hawaiʻi classrooms and translating this experience to support hundreds of teachers, across the state of Hawaiʻi and beyond. Kupu Hou Academy brings charter, private and public schools, to the same table. We work to ensure equitable outcomes for learners everywhere.
How can we support your organization?
We support learning organizations through a variety of solutions including but not limited to:
Workshops - Multi-day Deeper Learning events for targeted topics like “Designing for Project-Based Learning,” “Assessment Practices in the Deeper Learning Classroom,” and “Place-based learning and Community Partnerships.”
Personalized School Learning Pathways - We can design our professional learning programs based on a school’s organizational needs, creating learning experiences that are intentional and guide educators to expand their professional knowledge and skills. We encourage sustained learning through multiple touch points throughout the year to acquire, understand, and put into practice Deeper Learning and leadership strategies to build on successes.
Coaching - We provide small group intervention and support as educators identify areas of need and support. This “just-in-time” coaching allows a strong feedback mechanism to expand educators‘ skill sets and efficacy. For example, coaches will observe classroom instruction and provide feedback as well as offer resources and strategies to support teacher growth.
We can design “just right“ professional learning for PreK-12 for groups of any size!
We can‘t wait to join you on your Deeper Learning journey. Whether you are interested in customized options for your organization or need help to determine which solution is best for you, email us at kupuhou@midpac.edu.
Our Philosophy
Kupu Hou Academy’s decade of applied Deeper Learning; innovative programs in inquiry, project-based learning, design thinking, Reggio Emilia-inspired teaching; and state-of-the-art technology integration strategies have made Mid-Pacific Hawai‘i’s leader in Deeper Learning professional development.
We believe every teacher can design powerful learning experiences. A thriving ecosystem of educators begins with hands-on, interactive, and collaborative design work. In every subject, this type of design encourages students to be flexible, creative, and purposeful thinkers. This is Deeper Learning.
Working closely with High Tech High, Envision Learning Partners, The Hewlett Foundation, and other leading members of the Deeper Learning Hub, we are fortunate to have developed a robust network that teachers from any school can tap into through our workshops.
Kupu Hou utilizes the Assessment, Standards, Product, Integration, Relevance, Experiential (ASPIRE™) Framework to help teachers and leaders develop powerful deeper learning experiences. The ASPIRE™ Framework is used as a guiding lens that allows teachers to design and strengthen their project development to assure quality classroom implementation.
Testimonials
Our client-based programs are designed to meet each school’s needs. Custom career-advancing and cutting-edge Deeper Learning workshops grow your organization through hands-on, interactive, and collaborative design work. We can work with your school on-campus, online, or develop hybrid models that fit your needs.
We offer hands-on Deeper Learning in-person and online workshops to grow your professional practice. By taking our workshops, you join a community of educators dedicated to their work and vision.
Kupu Hou Academy allowed CK teachers to develop meaningful lessons by connecting Campbell-Kapolei teachers to community agencies/resources, getting feedback from students in the planning phase, and collaborating with colleagues statewide on common, local community and social issues - Sean Tajima/Christina Shioi Campbell Kapolei
Being able to send the majority of our homeroom teachers to Kupu Hou has been one of the best professional development opportunities for our small school ever! Students loved the hands-on, relevant and meaningful lessons. Overall, teachers and students seemed to enjoy school so much more. Above all, our Smarter Balanced test scores finally increased after 3 years of being stagnant in ELA and 1 year of dropping in math. Kupu Hou has really helped to change the way teaching and learning is happening at Hale`iwa Elementary School. - Malaea Wetzel, Principal, Haleiwa Elementary
Facilitators
We work with a deep bench of educational professionals to bring you the best Professional Learning experience:
Leigh Fitzgerald - Head of School American International School Chennai, KHA facilitator
Edna Hussey - Mid-Pacific Preschool & Elementary Principal, KHA facilitator
Gregg Kaneko - Mid-Pacific Exploratory Chair, KHA facilitator
Chris Falk - Mid-Pacific Exploratory faculty, KHA facilitator
Carly Ibara - Mid-Pacific Middle School faculty, KHA facilitator
Liane Angaran - Mid-Pacific Elementary faculty, KHA facilitator
Coral Balubar - Mid-Pacific Elementary faculty, KHA facilitator
Leslie Gleim - Mid-Pacific Reggio Pedagogista, KHA facilitator
Jordan Hasley - Mid-Pacific Reggio Atelierista/studio teacher, KHA facilitator
Sumoha Min - Instructional Designer, KHA facilitator
Billie Napoleon - Mālama Honua faculty, KHA facilitator
Susannah Johnson - Individualized Realized, KHA facilitator