Located in Fukui Prefecture, “The Happiest Prefecture in Japan” (Japan Research Institute, 2024) and noted as providing high quality of education (MEXT, 2021, Sony Life, 2022), the University of Fukui is one of four flagship teacher training universities designated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT, 2022). We believe part of that result is from a strong focus on community and education throughout Fukui.

We have taken on a new venture at the Hanahau‘oli School Professional Development Center–printing apparel with hallmark progressive education quotes meant to inspire and spread the message of the ongoing progressive education movement. Characterized by a distinct philosophy and practice that emphasizes experiential, child-centered, and hands-on learning, progressive education at its core is also dedicated to ensuring the future of our democracy. It is for this reason that we selected this quote from John Dewey (1916) to print on our inaugural line of t-shirts: Democracy has to be born anew every generation, and education is its midwife” (p. 138 - 139).

I write this blog to you from my current home in Shanghai, China. In 2022, I made the leap from the safety of my tenured teaching position at a public charter school in Honolulu to the unpredictable world of international education. One two-year contract at a time–in order to see more of the world and grow as a person and educator–I am still teaching abroad. Over the past three years, I’ve taught in international schools in South Korea and China, and I hope to continue this journey in Europe someday.