Pinky Grace C. Francisco is the 2024 Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Teacher of the Year, an NBCT candidate, a 2024 UH Manoa Hawaii Writing Project Fellow, a 2022-2024 Hawaii State Teacher Fellow, a 2022 NEA/HSTA Early Leadership Fellow, member of the HSTA CARES(Culture, Advocacy, Respect, Equity and Support) pilot cadre, HSTA EL Contract Committee member, a mentor, a PDE3 instructor, EL Coordinator and EL Teacher at Keaau Middle School on the Big Island of Hawaii. She is an advocate for equity, inclusivity, empowerment and social justice and is fascinated by the power of diversity, unique individual capacity and with celebrating small victories.
From Reluctant Teacher to Passionate Advocate: A Journey of Self-Discovery
April 4, 2025
Written By: Pinky Grace Francisco – Big Island, Hawaii Fourteen years… each year is a tapestry of nostalgic memories…a kaleidoscope of mixed emotions—bittersweet experiences, silent screams, flashes of cold fire, moments of shattered peace…a journey of joy and sorrow, failure and triumph, stepping forward and stepping back, procrastination and growth, and endless discovery of myself through being lost. Yes, fourteen years of a roller coaster ride in teaching. When conversations lead to questions about why I pursued teaching, my typical response is a smile. Initially, it felt more like a coerced path. Due to financial constraints, my father offered me…
Read MoreOf Catastrophe, Survival and Triumph: How Leadership Opportunities Activate Teacher Potential
February 28, 2024
By: Pinky Grace Francisco October 3, 2023, is a pivotal milestone in my teaching journey. I was recognized as one of the 2024 Hawaii State Teacher of the Year Finalists, representing the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa Complex Area (KKPCA). This accolade underscores the dedication and passion I bring to education and is a triumph for all those who played a vital role in honing me into who I am today. This honor also serves as a testament to the notion that seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome: an immigrant can flourish in new environments, economic adversity does not have to be a barrier…
Read MoreLife. Teaching. Mauna Loa.
July 17, 2023
BREAKING NEWS FLASH-At approximately 11:30 p.m. HST November 27, lava broke to the surface within Moku‘āweoweo, the summit caldera on Mauna Loa, for the first time in 38 years. (Mauna Loa USGS) The eruption became a viral topic, caused trepidation to many, and brought a notion that the end was near. Who would not be frightened when the Mauna Loa volcano is the largest active volcano in the world, and it is right next door? I, too, trembled in fear. However, what is marvelous about nature is its way of waking up humanity. And if we pause and reflect, we…
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