As a graduate of Hawai'i's public school system and a teacher since 1970, I have learned that education succeeds when there is a positive relationship and interaction based on trust and respect between a teacher and student.

Teachers who understand their students and adapt their lessons to recognize the diversity of cultures, backgrounds and learning styles achieve success in their classrooms.

Quality education begins with highly qualified and caring teachers who build positive relationships and interactions with their students. HSTA supports quality education through professional development for teachers on topics such as building stronger communication skills and classroom management techniques.

These skills and strategies enable teachers to build relationships that are based on trust and respect as well as to establish classrooms where students are comfortable to take risks. Ensuring a safe and welcoming learning environment leads to a more productive and engaging classroom for students.

Students flourish in this type of learning environment, and creating this type of classroom takes time and effort.

However, teachers spend an enormous amount of time and energy on additional educational initiatives that are either mandated or compliance-related. While all these activities are important for education, the time and energy teachers spend to enhance the quality of the instruction and interaction in the classroom is diminishing.

HSTA continues to listen to the concerns of our members and work with our education partners so that the teachers' time is efficiently and productively spent on making the students' experiences successful and meaningful.

Teachers create these meaningful experiences in all subject areas. While a strong foundation in reading and math is important, students also gain an understanding of and an appreciation for life when engaged in other courses of study.

Students who find relevance in what they are learning naturally seek interaction with their teachers. HSTA advocates lower student-teacher ratios and lobbies for resources to improve the learning environment and support the quality interaction between teachers and students in the classrooms. Additionally, we seek better salaries to recruit and retain excellent teachers that students deserve.

HSTA does even more.

Our vision statement reads: "HSTA is a focused, dynamic organization of involved members collaboratively creating quality public education." This vision is strengthened by working with communities in order to help teachers find the support and resources that benefit our students and parents.

Building community partnerships and keeping our partners abreast of teacher and school needs help to make a difference for our students.

Within the community, individuals make a difference as well. Every student needs a caring person to provide a bright spark in his or her life like a parent, a teacher, a coach, or friends. I was very fortunate to have many who did so in my life.

Although he couldn't read, my dad modeled and taught me the values of hard work, honesty, responsibility, humility and gratitude. My high school English teacher helped me to overcome some hurdles by encouraging me to try harder and expect more of myself.

My swimming coach inspired me to dream bigger and further my education and interests in college. Friends supported me throughout school, enabling me to earn my teaching degree and make the best of my educational experience.

All teachers understand this well, that they, too, may be that spark in a student's life where their relationships have a lifelong impact.

It is important that HSTA continue its efforts to provide our students with highly qualified teachers and support the creation of the most optimum learning environment. In doing so, we maximize the interaction between a teacher and student in the classroom.