HTSB Board Member

Carol Seielstad
National Board Certified Teacher

Stakeholders Represented:
Elementary School Teachers; Neighbor Islands

Appointment expires:
2010

School/Title:
Hanalei School, Special Education Teacher

Academic Degrees:

1. AB with Honor, University of California at Berkeley
2. 5th year teaching credential, College of Notre Dame
3. Master's Equivalent (Reading), McGill University
4. Reading specialist requirements, University of Maryland
5. Project RISE

Years of Experience:
40

Philosophy on teacher licensing:
Having personal experience applying for a license in Hawaii helps me to understand the challenges and frustrations other newly hired teachers feel when applying to teach in Hawaii. I have firsthand knowledge and empathy for those who hold out of state licenses. My philosophy on teacher licensing is to make the process easier for all teachers while still maintaining high standards for the teaching profession in Hawaii. The challenges we face in attaining licensure and relicensure on the outer islands is unique. My philosophy is to facilitate the process and provide improved avenues for all teachers but especially those of us from outer islands to obtain and renew our licenses.

Goals as an HTSB Board member:

1. Improve the teacher licensing process to reduce time and stress for new teachers (i.e. implement online license application and renewal of licenses, streamline appeal process if teachers are not granted licenses)
2. Finalize procedures and administrative rules for when it is necessary to suspend, revoke, or deny licenses based on violations of the professional fitness code.
3. Maintain high standards for the teaching profession in Hawaii.