Keaau High’s Judith Hannigan Honored as Hawaii Teacher of the Year

Judith “Elise” Hannigan, an esteemed educator from Keaau High School, has been named the 2026 Hawaii Teacher of the Year. The announcement took place during a ceremony at Washington Place on Friday, recognizing her exceptional contributions to education over the past 13 years.

Hannigan has served as an English teacher, mentor, and Freshman Academy coordinator at Keaau High, where she has taught a diverse array of classes, ranging from ninth-grade inclusion English to Advanced Placement literature for seniors. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes making every student feel valued, supported, and connected not only to their school but also to the broader community.

In her role as the Freshman Academy coordinator, Hannigan has successfully initiated programs that have notably improved student promotion rates from ninth to tenth grade. Her leadership has also helped the school gain recognition as a certified model academy through the National Career Academy Coalition. Among her many initiatives, she launched Keaau’s first early college program for seniors, organizes an annual career exploration fair, and oversees the Summer Bridge Program designed to assist incoming freshmen in transitioning to high school.

Reflecting on her journey, Hannigan recalled the encouraging words she once shared with a nervous student preparing for the Advanced Placement English exam: “You’ll do on the test exactly as well as you put in the effort to do.” Years later, that same student conveyed to her how those words had a lasting impact on his academic and professional life, ultimately inspiring him to become a teacher at Keaau High. “That’s what I call ripples — those daily little things you do that could impact a student’s life,” Hannigan stated. “It’s gratifying to know that I might have made a difference.”

The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Hawaii Governor Josh Green and First Lady Jaime Kanani Green, who both praised the dedication and importance of teachers within society. Governor Green emphasized the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the future of students, stating, “Thank you from our hearts for being teachers. It is the most important thing that we can do.”

During the event, Keith Hayashi, Superintendent of the Department of Education, noted that the Teacher of the Year award recognizes not just one individual but reflects the collective efforts of educators across Hawaii. “Today is more than just about selecting one Teacher of the Year. It’s about uplifting all of the incredible teachers across our state,” he remarked.

The celebration also recognized other educators, with Bryan Silver, the 2025 State Teacher of the Year, serving as the emcee. He encouraged attendees to remember that the recognition belongs to all educators, not just the award recipients. In total, fifteen nominees from various complex areas and charter schools were honored during the event.

As Hannigan continues her journey in education, she expressed a desire to represent her school, district, and the teaching profession with pride. “I hope I can continue to represent our school, our complex area, our state, and our profession,” she said.

Through her commitment to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, Judith Hannigan exemplifies the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on their students and communities.