Dr. Cyrus Pōkiʻi Seto Ed.D
Hilo,HI
Summary
Dedicated indigenous educator focused on revitalizing ʻōiwi epistemology, ontology, cosmology, and pedagogy. Committed to challenging indoctrination and empowering students.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher: Hawaiian Language
Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School
Mountain View, HI
08.2024 - Current
- Provide instruction to seventh-grade students, facilitating the development of fundamental communication abilities in the Hawaiian language through an ʻōiwi perspective.
- Deliver Hawaiian language professional development sessions to enhance the educational skills of faculty and staff.
- Revolutionized language instruction by adopting a culturally immersive strategy that prioritized indigenous knowledge and de-emphasized western linguistic epistemology.
- Facilitate the transition of the campus from monolingual to bilingual.
Instructor: 300 Level Hawaiian Language
University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu
Kapolei, Hawaiʻi
08.2021 - 08.2024
- Instructed students in the study of the Hawaiian language at a higher academic stage.
- Taught discipline-specific courses, including lectures and lab sessions.
- Evaluated and assessed student performance in distance education assignments.
- Conducted evaluations to assess the teaching effectiveness of students.
- Engaged in the analysis and measurement of course learning outcomes.
Instructor: EDUC210 Hawaiian Perspectives in Ed.
University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu
Kapolei, Hawaiʻi
08.2021 - 08.2024
- Delivers comprehensive instruction in both lecture and laboratory settings.
- Carried out diverse instructional assignments for distance education.
- Evaluating students to gauge the effectiveness of instructional methods.
- Engaged in evaluating course learning outcomes.
- Maintained a record of meeting all deadlines, including the online submission of grades.
Program Coordinator: Hoʻopūliko Kumu Hou Title III
University Of Hawaiʻi - West Oahu
Kapolei, HI
04.2020 - 08.2024
- Crafted, implemented, evaluated, and refined programs, approaches, strategies and initiatives to achieve educational goals for Native Hawaiian students pursuing a bachelor's degree in middle or high school education.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop, implement, evaluate, and refine innovative methods of advising and consulting students pursuing a bachelor's degree in secondary education.
- Adeptly monitored and appraised all program/project elements for optimal student achievement and timely graduation.
- Evaluated and refined the integration of technology and culture-based curriculum to optimize student teachers' preparedness for West Oahu regional schools.
- Managed the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on students seeking a bachelor's degree in middle or high school education to assess the impact of project initiatives on student-teacher success and learning outcomes.
- Executed recruitment, selection, supervision, and evaluation of personnel and staff for the Ho'opūliko Kumu Hou Title III Project.
- Achieves successful implementation of grant deliverables by ensuring compliance with grant regulations including writing evaluation reports, obtaining institutional support, managing fiscal spending of grants funds, and maintaining clear communication.
- Utilizes research findings to inform policy and program practice, continuously identifying areas for improvement based on grant indicators of success. Ensures compliance with reporting requirements by preparing statistical, narrative, fiscal, and other reports.
Hawaiian Language Content Developer: Duo Lingo
Kamehameha Schools Kūamahi-Kealaiwikuamoʻo
Honolulu, Hawaii
01.2018 - 12.2022
- Contributed to the development of interactive Hawaiian language lessons on the Duolingo app.
Hawaiian Language Resource Teacher
Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Took charge of leading and supporting the Hawaiian Language curriculum by driving activities like curriculum development, professional growth initiatives, identifying best practices, and conducting assessments.
- Established a comprehensive system to encourage the frequent adoption, proficiency, and dynamism of ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi throughout different campus environments as well as homes and communities.
- Planned and executed instructional methods to achieve standard objectives in subject areas. Efficiently organized time, space, and materials for instruction. Created a positive learning environment and maintained effective communication with students and adults responsible for them.
- Collaborated with Poʻokumu, Instructional Coach, Family Engagement Coordinator, PKM8 resource teacher, and other staff to promote the consistent use of Hawaiian language across the organization.
Teacher: Hawaiian Language
Kamehameha Schools, Middle School, Kapālama
Honolulu, HI
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Developed curriculum according to the Danielson Framework for Teaching.
- Planned and executed instruction, utilizing appropriate methods to achieve standard objectives of the subject area. Organized time, space, and materials for instruction while maintaining a positive learning environment. Maintained open and effective communication with students and adults responsible for students, demonstrating professionalism in manner and relationships.
- Effectively prioritized tasks and adhered to strict deadlines; successfully supervised diverse student groups in the classroom; adeptly communicated with students, parents, counselors, and school administrators on sensitive subjects; cultivated strong professional relationships with colleagues and school administrators.
- Delivered lessons on fundamental Hawaiian language concepts to middle school students.
- Introduced mannerisms that are associated with Hawaiian cultural practices; oli (chant), hula (dance), haʻiʻōlelo (oratory).
Teacher: Hawaiian Language and Culture (K-2)
Kamehameha Schools, Elementary School Kapālama
Honolulu, HI
08.2014 - 05.2015
- Built curriculum in alignment with the Danielson Framework for Teaching.
- Planned and achieved standard objectives of subject area by utilizing appropriate instructional methods, organizing time, space, and materials for effective instruction.
- Managed tasks and met diverse deadlines while leading both small and large student groups in a classroom setting; effectively communicated with students, parents, counselors, and school administrators on sensitive matters; cultivated strong professional relationships with colleagues and school administrators.
- Taught foundational Hawaiian language to a diverse group of 240 students, spanning from kindergarten to second grade.
- Worked collaboratively with educators from diverse subject areas to plan engaging cross-curricular activities that combined multiple academic perspectives, like integrating Hawaiian culture into science lessons about the water cycle and incorporating traditional games into physical education classes.
Coordinator: Mana Mele Academy
Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School
Honolulu, HI
03.2014 - 07.2014
- Oversaw all required reporting, data collection, program coordination, mentor training, and program implementation for the grant at the school level. Trained and supervised mentors under the direct supervision of the Project Director.
- Created program model and accompanying curriculum that adhered to academic and cultural content standards (HCPS III, Common Core, and HKM/Kanuikapono specific benchmarks).
- Coordinated use of mobile studio and music industry professionals as resources, in both curriculum documentation and field-testing.
- Facilitated training sessions on effective implementation of curriculum plan, modules, and knowledge resources.
Teacher: Social Studies
Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School
Honolulu, HI
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Taught grade 8 Social Studies class, focusing on US History.
- Successfully executed planned instruction to attain standard objectives according to the guidelines set by the Hawaii State Department of Education, as well as the Hawaii Content and Performance Standards.
- Implemented the use of Moenahā culture-based curriculum design and instructional methodology to integrate natural learning strategies from Bernice McCarthy's 4MAT method with Native Hawaiian pedagogy.
Teacher: Hawaiian Language
Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School
Honolulu, HI
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Taught Hawaiian language classes to middle school and high school students in grades 8, 9, and 10.
- Effectively supported the management of diverse student groups while fostering a positive learning atmosphere in line with Hawaiian customs and etiquette.
- Assisted in managing students of various group sizes, ensuring a positive learning atmosphere in line with Hawaiian behavior and etiquette. Maintained strong professional rapport with colleagues and school leadership.
Teacher: Hawaiian Music
Nā Pua Noʻeau
Hilo, HI
06.2013 - 06.2013
- Instructed students in grades 6 through 8 about the history and evolution of Hawaiian music, spanning from pre-contact times to the present.
- Applied basic music theory principles such as music scales, vamp triads, and key transposition during ʻukulele performances to showcase skills.
- Implemented an experiential-based teaching method to foster student engagement and connection with renowned locations on Hawaiʻi Island. Communicated historical anecdotes and cultural tales, cultivating a deep appreciation for the region's landmarks and inhabitants. Encouraged curiosity about unique geographical features like mountain ranges, valleys, shorelines, as well as local weather patterns.
Educational Assistant
Ke Kula Nāwahīokalaniʻopuʻu
Kea‘au, HI
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Performed all functions primarily in the Hawaiian language, only utilizing English when necessary.
- Supported academic success of students from diverse backgrounds and ability levels in 3rd, 6th, 8th, 10th, and 11th grades.
- Collaborated with an elementary school teacher to instruct students in 3rd grade Hawaiian language and 6th grade social studies.
- Supported the high school teacher by providing guidance in 8th grade fine arts (lauhala weaving), 10th grade music, and 11th grade technology instruction.
- Served as a substitute teacher and provided tutoring to students requiring extra guidance.
Educational Assistant
Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School
Hilo, HI
08.2011 - 05.2012
- Performed all tasks using the Hawaiian language, except when English was required.
- Supported academic progress of 4th-grade students from different backgrounds and with different abilities.
- Fulfilled administrative responsibilities, served on an accreditation committee with a focus on community involvement.
- Delivered tutoring services to help 4th grade students excel in math, language arts, science, and music.
- Supported the successful acclimation of 2 students unfamiliar with the Hawaiian language to an immersion-based education system by teaching them elementary-level spoken and written Hawaiian.
- Served as a substitute teacher when needed.
Instructor: Hawaiian Music in Action
University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo
Hilo, HI
01.2009 - 05.2010
- Performed job duties exclusively in the Hawaiian language.
- Introduced Hawaiian songs with a focus on place-based and people-based categories.
- Enhanced students' understanding of Hawaiian composers and their composition styles, while exploring hidden meanings and distinct characteristics in Hawaiian songs.
Farmer
Ke Kula Nāwahīokalaniʻopuʻu
Kea‘au, HI
08.2007 - 07.2009
- Executed all tasks exclusively in the Hawaiian language.
- Collaborated with students across different grade levels, diverse backgrounds, and varying abilities to foster academic achievements.
- Effectively managed the garden using ancient agricultural techniques in alignment with the Hawaiian moon phases.
- Practiced proper farming customs and mannerisms according to Hawaiian traditions.
- Cultivated a diverse range of crops (taro, sweet potato, banana, and sugar cane) for the school's food supply.
- Collected and grew over 15 different types of Hawaiian taro varieties in the taro nursery.
- Managed the breeding and raising of pigs to be utilized in diverse events like graduations, fundraisers, etc.
- Instructed and guided students on maintaining and sustaining their individual garden plots using authentic Hawaiian agricultural techniques.
Education
Ed.D - Education - Professional Practice
University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa
Honolulu, HI12-2022
M.Ed. - Education: Curriculum Studies - Hawaiian Immersion
University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa
Honolulu, HI12-2015
Teacher Certification - Education: Hawaiian Immersion Education
University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo
Hilo, HI05-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Hawaiian Language
University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo
Hilo, HI07-2011
Skills
- Classroom Instruction
- Curriculum Development and Implementation
- Group Instruction
- Student Engagement
- Small Group Instruction
- Interactive teaching and learning
- Bilingual Education
- Positive Role Model and Mentor
- Indigenous Education Methods and Practices
Languages
Hawaiian
Full Professional
Presentations
- SILS - Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposium (presenter): July 2024
- AIITEC - American Indian Indigenous Teacher Education Conference (presenter): July 2024
- NIEA (presenter): Education Sovereignty: October 2023
- NIEA (presenter): Education Sovereignty: October 2022
- WIPCE (presenter): Indigenous Education Sovereignty: September 2022
- NIEA (presenter): Native Control of Native Education: October 2021
Affiliations
- Kauluwao - Hoʻoikaika ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi: July 2018 - January 2019
- Hawaiʻi Charter School Commission Pre-K Program Assessment Training (Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) and Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS): Jan.-May 2018
- Papakū Makawalu Workshop: January, 2015, February, 2016, January 2017, February 2018
- I Mōhāhā Ka ʻIke: Charting the Ways We Use Hawaiian Language Repository: February 2018
- Keaomālamalama: Native Hawaiian Education Summit: September, 2017
- Kūʻula Leo: Hawaiian Language Excellence Committee: July, 2016
- Mokuola Honua: Global Center For Indigenous Language Excellence: 2016; 2019
- EdTech Teacher IPad Summit. Boston, Massachusetts: Ocrober, 2014
Publications
- stemD, Toyofuku, J., Thornton, M., & Young, R. (2017a). E Hana Kakou, Na Hana Haumana. http://books.google.ie/books?id=vybntAEACAAJ&dq=Ne%E2%80%98epapa+Ka+Hana+Eighth-Grade+Mathematics+Resources&hl=&cd=1&source=gbs_api
- Seto, P., Watson, B.K. (2022). Rapture : Hei Au i ke Aho. Snaring New Suns : Speculative Works From Hawaiʻi and Beyond. Bamboo Ridge Press. Honolulu.
- [HAW] Executive Summary - 2023 Hawaiʻi Voluntary Local Review. (n.d.). https://alohachallenge.hawaii.gov/documents/86a154b0361346c4a1d99cc0201a2afa/explore
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teacher: Hawaiian Language
Nā Wai Ola Public Charter School
08.2024 - Current
Instructor: 300 Level Hawaiian Language
University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu
08.2021 - 08.2024
Instructor: EDUC210 Hawaiian Perspectives in Ed.
University of Hawaiʻi - West Oʻahu
08.2021 - 08.2024
Program Coordinator: Hoʻopūliko Kumu Hou Title III
University Of Hawaiʻi - West Oahu
04.2020 - 08.2024
Hawaiian Language Content Developer: Duo Lingo
Kamehameha Schools Kūamahi-Kealaiwikuamoʻo
01.2018 - 12.2022
Hawaiian Language Resource Teacher
Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School
09.2017 - 08.2019
Teacher: Hawaiian Language
Kamehameha Schools, Middle School, Kapālama
08.2015 - 08.2017
Teacher: Hawaiian Language and Culture (K-2)
Kamehameha Schools, Elementary School Kapālama
08.2014 - 05.2015
Coordinator: Mana Mele Academy
Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School
03.2014 - 07.2014
Teacher: Social Studies
Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School
08.2013 - 05.2014
Teacher: Hawaiian Language
Hālau Kū Māna Public Charter School
08.2013 - 05.2014
Teacher: Hawaiian Music
Nā Pua Noʻeau
06.2013 - 06.2013
Educational Assistant
Ke Kula Nāwahīokalaniʻopuʻu
08.2012 - 05.2013
Educational Assistant
Ka ʻUmeke Kāʻeo Public Charter School
08.2011 - 05.2012
Instructor: Hawaiian Music in Action
University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo
01.2009 - 05.2010
Farmer
Ke Kula Nāwahīokalaniʻopuʻu
08.2007 - 07.2009
Ed.D - Education - Professional Practice
University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa
M.Ed. - Education: Curriculum Studies - Hawaiian Immersion
University of Hawaiʻi - Mānoa
Teacher Certification - Education: Hawaiian Immersion Education
University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo
Bachelor of Arts - Hawaiian Language
University of Hawaiʻi - Hilo
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