Vice Provost for Academic Excellence Laura E. Lyons, Chad Miller, Interim Provost Denise Eby Konan, and Amber Makaiau - Photo credit: UH Mānoa College of Education (COE)
Hanahau'oli School is proud to celebrate Dr. Amber Strong '89 Makaiau, Director of Hanahauʻoli School's Professional Development Center (PDC) and alum/former Hanahauʻoli parent, and her colleague Dr. Chad Miller, a current Hanahauʻoli parent who also serves as Hanahau'oli School's philosopher in residence through his work with the UHM Uehiro Academy for Philosophy and Ethics in Education.
Together, Dr. Makaiau and Dr. Miller were recognized at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa's 2026 Innovation and Impact Showcase. Selected among 13 awardees representing 10 colleges and schools across UH Mānoa, Dr. Makaiau and Dr. Miller were honored for their innovative work, The Philosopher's Pedagogy, and its accompanying Plain Vanilla Inquiry teaching practice.
Rooted in progressive education principles, their approach brings together philosophical inquiry, reflection, dialogue, and experiential learning to foster curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and meaningful engagement with the world. Their work reflects a belief central to Hanahauʻoli's progressive education philosophy: that schools can help shape a better future society by nurturing thoughtful, engaged, and socially-responsible learners.
Through their research and ongoing work with educators, as well as their teaching in Hanahau'oli's classrooms, Dr. Makaiau and Dr. Miller are continuing to advance progressive education in Hawaiʻi and beyond. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate their contributions to our wider learning community!
Watch Dr. Makaiau and Dr. Miller explain the Philosopher's Pedagogy: https://vimeo.com/1242575406?fl=pl&fe=sh
Read the full University of Hawaiʻi College of Education article to learn more about their recognition and the impact of their work.