The Hawaii Department of Education has named Judith “Elise” Hannigan, an English teacher from Keaau High School on Hawaii Island, as the 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a ceremony on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Washington Place in Honolulu, recognizing her significant contributions to student success and school culture.
Key Takeaways
- Judith “Elise” Hannigan, a 13-year veteran English teacher at Keaau High School, is Hawaii's 2026 Teacher of the Year.
- Her initiatives, including the Freshman Academy, helped reduce ninth-grade retention rates at her school from over 15% to just 5%.
- Hannigan was selected from a field of 15 finalists, who were chosen from approximately 13,000 educators statewide.
- She will now represent Hawaii in the National Teacher of the Year program.
A Surprising and Emotional Recognition
For Hannigan, the announcement came as a complete shock. She was one of 15 educators honored at the ceremony, each representing a complex area or public charter school. These finalists were selected from the state's 13,000 public school teachers.
Reflecting on the moment her name was called, Hannigan expressed disbelief, highlighting the caliber of the other educators in the room.
"In my mind, there was really no way that me from little old Keaau High School was going to be the Teacher of the Year," she said. "So when they announced my name, I was like, there’s no possible way that that happened with everybody who was around me."
Hannigan has been an educator for 13 years, dedicating her career to creating supportive learning environments and developing programs that directly address student needs.
Transformative Impact at Keaau High School
School officials praised Hannigan for her leadership and her tangible impact on the student body. HIDOE Superintendent Keith Hayashi commended her work, particularly with the school's Freshman Academy, a program she helped establish.
"[Hannigan’s] holistic approach to student success, particularly with Keaau High School’s nationally recognized Freshman Academy, has created a supportive school culture where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally," Hayashi stated.
Measurable Success
Under Hannigan's guidance, Keaau High School’s ninth-grade retention rate saw a dramatic decrease, dropping from over 15% to 5%. This statistic points to a significant improvement in helping freshmen successfully transition to high school.
Leadership in Student Transition and Advancement
In addition to her role as an English teacher, Hannigan serves as the freshman academy coordinator. This program is designed to help incoming students adjust to the challenges of high school. Her efforts led the academy to earn certification as a Model Academy through the National Career Academy Coalition, a prestigious national recognition.
Anthony Rypka, the vice principal at Keaau High School, described Hannigan as a cornerstone of the school's success. He noted her unwavering commitment to students.
"Mrs. Hannigan is an exceptional educator and leader whose dedication and impact on Keaau High School are truly remarkable," Rypka said. "(She) has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and an unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for our students."
Hannigan was also instrumental in establishing early college programs, creating pathways for outgoing seniors to earn college credits before graduating high school.
Statewide Honor and National Competition
The Teacher of the Year award comes with several prizes aimed at honoring the recipient's dedication. The Polynesian Cultural Center, a corporate sponsor for over three decades, provided monetary awards to each of the finalists. The Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and Tony Group presented Hannigan with a one-year lease of a 2024 Nissan Sentra SV.
What Happens Next
As the state winner, Judith Hannigan will advance to the national level. She will represent Hawaii in the National Teacher of the Year program, with the national winner scheduled to be announced in the spring in Washington, D.C.
The ceremony recognized a distinguished group of educators from across the Hawaiian Islands. Each finalist was celebrated for their unique contributions to their respective school communities.
Full List of 2026 Honorees
The following teachers were also honored as finalists for the 2026 Teacher of the Year award:
- David Adler, Nānākuli Elementary (Nānākuli-Waiʻanae complex area)
- Josette (Kaleo) Akim Hanohano, Kahuku High & Intermediate (Castle-Kahuku complex area)
- Jessica Canyon, Fern Elementary (Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani complex area)
- Susan Chew, Lānaʻi High and Elementary (Hana-Lahainaluna-Lānaʻi-Molokai complex area)
- Claire Ann (Kalaunuola) Domingo, Ke Kula oʻ Samuel M. Kamakau Laboratory Public Charter School (Public Charter Schools)
- Steve Hanks, Honoka‘a High & Intermediate (Honoka‘a-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena complex area)
- Christopher Justo, Mililani Middle (Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua complex area)
- Jodi Kadoyama, Mānana Elementary (Pearl City-Waipahu complex area)
- Emily Mendoza, ‘Aiea High (‘Aiea-Moanalua-Radford complex area)
- Kristel Pigao, Waiheʻe Elementary (Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kūlanihākoʻi-Maui complex area)
- Dawn Spurrell-Robinson, Hilo-Waiākea Complex Area (Hilo-Waiākea complex area)
- Courtney Suma, Kapolei High (Campbell-Kapolei complex area)
- Kris Tajima, Kauluwela Elementary (Kaimukī-McKinley-Roosevelt complex area)
- Kathleen Trifonovitch, Maunawili Elementary (Kailua-Kalāheo complex area)
- Natsumi Yamasato, Wilcox Elementary (Kapaʻa-Kauaʻi-Waimea complex area)
