Reid Embraces Change

This year, Chasity Reid has joined McKinley High School as the new photography teacher. Originally from Louisiana, Reid has a background in science education.

Reid did not initially plan to return to teaching after moving to Hawaii, but the opportunity at McKinley led her back to education.

“The position sounded like a fun, creative challenge, and I’m excited to be here,” Reid said. “I’m looking forward to a great year with the students.”

Reid has noted the welcoming environment at McKinley High School.

“The students and staff have made the transition easy,” Reid said. “Everyone here is so polite and respectful.”

“At McKinley, I have more autonomy and get to create the curriculum, which I really enjoy,” Reid said. 

Reid says her teaching approach emphasizes creativity and passion. Previously accustomed to a more structured environment, she now designs lessons that encourage students to explore their artistic potential.

“Switching from science to photography has been an adjustment, but it’s a change I’ve welcomed,” Reid said.

Outside of school, Reid says she has embraced the lifestyle that Hawaii offers.

“I hike and spend time on the beach with my husband almost every weekend,” Reid said.

Rodriguez Surfs Into Science Department

Ismael Rodriguez joins McKinley High School as the new Marine Science and Physics teacher.

Previously, Rodriguez taught Spanish at Kaimuki High School for four years. He has also taught at Kalaheo, Leilehua, and Campbell High Schools.

“I’ve been trying to transfer to McKinley for the past six, seven years,” Rodriguez said. “I live in Makiki, so I’ve always wanted to live and work in my neighborhood.”

Rodriguez’s passion for science, particularly marine science, has been a driving force throughout his career. His interest in meteorology, combined with his love for surfing, led him to pursue a Master’s in Marine Science at the University of Puerto Rico.

“I’ve always been attracted to earth sciences, especially marine science because I was a meteorology nerd when I was younger,” Rodriguez said.

Teaching Marine Science and Physics for the first time this year marks a new chapter in Rodriguez’s career.

“I’m looking forward to teaching these new classes,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a brand-new experience for me, and I’m also looking forward to feeding Sushi the Tiger.”

Outside of school, Rodriguez is a father to an eight-year-old boy and has a keen interest in plants. He enjoys a variety of outdoor activities, including surfing, swimming, and running—often running barefoot.

“I drive up to the North Shore when I can, but I also surf in town at Kaiser’s, Bowls, and sometimes the West Side,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez believes in the excitement of discovering science in everyday life.

“Always make observations and try to find patterns in your surroundings,” Rodriguez said. “Science is all around you, and it can be a lot of fun.”

Mahi Transitions To Teaching High School Students

Keonaona Mahi, McKinley High School’s newest English teacher, has rejoined the school to teach juniors this year. Her journey with McKinley began in 2019 when she completed her student teaching.

Mahi says she maintained connections with the English department until the opportunity arose for her to return as a full-time teacher.

“My initial time at McKinley as a student teacher gave me a strong foundation,” Mahi said. “After staying in touch with the department, I was thrilled when the position became available.”

Mahi’s academic path in education started at Kapiolani Community College.

“I chose community college first because it offered more affordable credits,” Mahi said. “I then got a bachelor’s in English and a master’s in English Education at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa.

Before rejoining McKinley, Mahi taught at Kawananakoa Middle School but found it wasn’t for her. She says she values working with juniors due to their readiness to consider their future independence.

“Seventh graders weren’t the best match for me; my patience and maturity levels align better with older students,” Mahi said.

Outside the classroom, Mahi is passionate about rescuing animals.

“I’ve saved a cat from the streets,” Mahi said. “I also have several guinea pigs that I’ve rescued, and they’re super seniors now.”

Mahi says she believes that her students should not feel pressured to discover their passion early in life.

“You don’t have to find a lifelong passion at a young age,” Mahi said. “It’s okay to go in a new direction as you mature.”

McKinley Alum Abraham Returns To Teach & Coach

McKinley High School’s newest math teacher, Kori Abraham, is a proud alumna of the school. After graduating from McKinley, Abraham earned her degree in Family Resources at UH Manoa and obtained her teaching license from Chaminade University. She has been teaching since 2008, previously working at Dole Middle School.

Abraham’s decision to become a teacher was influenced by her early experiences in elementary school and a passion for working with students.

“My teachers really inspired me,” Abraham shared. “I’ve always liked grading papers and running classes.”

In addition to her teaching role, Abraham is focused on establishing a soccer program at McKinley and coaching the girls’ flag football team.

“My goal is to start a soccer club and ensure it’s successful, with a focus on girls’ teams,” she explained.

She plans to develop the program by laying a strong foundation for the soccer club through skill development and teamwork.

“Starting with the basics and gradually building up is key to long-term success,” Abraham said.

As a teacher and coach, Abraham emphasizes the importance of commitment.

“Come to class,” Abraham said.

Outside of school, Abraham embraces an active lifestyle.

“I play volleyball and soccer, go to the beach, and enjoy arts and crafts,” she said.

Abraham says she is looking forward to her first year teaching high school.

“It’s my first time at this level, and I’m excited to get used to the new environment and see the sports programs grow,” Abraham said.

Baughman Brings Creativity To McKinley

Hailley Baughman worked in the marketing and media field, working at places such as The Wedding Ring Shop and at local businesses like Happy Wahine, doing their digital media and marketing. After doing that for three years, Baughman saw an opening for a digital media teacher here at McKinley High School.

“I have an eye and a desire to teach the foundations of creative and digital media,” said Baughman.

Baughman said that everyone has been super helpful from the staff, students, and custodians as she gets adjusted here.

“If I ever have a question everyone always answers super kind, warm and welcoming,” Baughman said. “I’m happy to be here.”

Outside of McKinley, Baughman likes to go on hikes and walks while sightseeing with her dog, Houdini, a dachshund.

“I love hiking and walking Kaka’ako Waterfront Beach Park. That’s our favorite place,” Baughman said.

Baughman would tell her students to always listen and be open minded to whoever is talking to you.

“Whether it be a friend, a parent, maybe a sibling, a teacher, or somebody you meet out in the world and they tell you a story just listen to them and have an open mind,” Baughman said.

Lin Transitions to Full Time Educator

Huan Xi Lin came from Taiwan after graduating from high school and vocational school with a major in mechanical engineering. Lin then moved to live in the suburbs of New York, before finally moving to Hawaii; he teaches Algebra 2, Computer Science A, and AP Computer Science Principles.

Before becoming a teacher, Lin was a student teacher at McKinley High School. This was part of an internship while at UH Manoa. Lin majored in linguistics, while the internship was part of his master’s program in education. He has interned at different middle and high schools such as Kalakaua and Ke’elikōlani.

“The thing that drew me to this school was my college placement,” Lin said.

After having teaching experiences in middle school, Lin realized that he liked teaching high school more. He said middle schoolers are energetic and trusting of teachers, while high school students are not as open and sometimes don’t trust teachers. They have their thoughts, but Lin prefers them to have it that way.

“A teacher’s role is to help their students become themselves, not somebody we want them to become,” Lin said.