Elaine Matsuzaki
Math
Castle High School
Honolulu, Hawaii
Matsuzaki is a veteran of 29 years in the classroom. She has recently been involved in bringing changes to the curriculum and structure of her school. These include interdisciplinary teams, heterogeneous grouping, and cooperative learning.
If you are not happy [with] the way things are going, then you need to do something about it. It’s got to be positive. It has to be changing yourself first. I like to try new things. It’s a big risk....I never think about the risk and failure because I’m a problem solver.....You have to constantly refocus. Look at what you’re doing. Reflect. Are you satisfied?
