• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Chaminade University of Honolulu

Chaminade University of Honolulu

  • VISIT
  • APPLY
  • GIVE
  • STUDENTS
  • PARENTS
  • ALUMNI
  • FACULTY/STAFF
  • Admissions
    • Admissions Home
    • Freshman Students
    • Transfer Students
    • Graduate Students
    • Flex Online Undergraduate Program
    • Military Students
    • Non-Degree/Visiting Students
    • Experiential Honors Program
    • Early College Program
    • New Student Orientation
  • Tuition & Aid
    • Financial Aid Home
    • Tuition & Expenses
    • NEW FAFSA Changes
    • Scholarships
    • $5,000 Graduate Scholarship
    • Military Benefits
    • Net Price Calculator
  • Academics
    • Academics Home
    • Office of Student Success
    • Academic Advising
    • Academic Programs
    • Career Development
    • Registrar
    • Kokua Ike: Center for Student Learning
    • Undergrad Research & Pre-Professional Programs
    • Sullivan Family Library
  • Student Life
    • About Student Life
    • Student Engagement
    • Student Government Association
    • Residence Life and Housing
    • Health Services
    • Marianist Leadership Center
    • Counseling Center
    • Campus Ministry
    • Campus Security
    • Dining Services
    • Bookstore
  • Athletics
  • About
    • Chaminade University News
    • Our Story
    • Leadership
    • Strategic Plan 2024-2030
    • Mission & Rector
    • Association of Marianist Universities
    • Facts & Rankings
    • CIFAL Honolulu
    • Commencement
    • Accreditation & Memberships
    • Montessori Laboratory School
Search
×

Search this web site

Maryknoll School Teacher Receives Teacher of the Year Award

June 15, 2021

Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Mary Vannatta

From working late to offer one-on-one tutoring to incorporating exciting new digital tools into her classroom to inspiring students to be passionate about learning, Maryknoll School seventh-grade math and religion teacher Mary Jane Vannatta goes above and beyond to make sure her students succeed.

And all that hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed, especially during the pandemic.

For her selfless dedication to students and tireless mentorship to fellow educators, the 40-year veteran of Hawaii Catholic schools was named the 2021 Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year.

After being honored in a virtual ceremony May 27, Vannatta received the award in-person June 2.

Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year awardee Mary Vannatta

In addition to accepting the Golden Pineapple Trophy from Chaminade University, Vannatta was awarded $1,000 from John C. and Marilou Brogan through Chaminade, a one-year car lease from Aloha Kia and $1,000 in gas gift cards from Hele-Par Hawaii. The Augustine Education Foundation also awarded $1,500 to Maryknoll School for faculty appreciation in recognition of Vannatta’s achievement.

Nominators said Vannatta is a caring, loving educator whose world revolves around her students.

One said that she incorporates a host of different tools to ensure students thrive in the subjects she teaches, including math. And during the pandemic, her workload increased exponentially as she learned new devices and programs to teach both distance learning and in-person students at the same time.

What she doesn’t know how to do, the nominator said, she’ll figure out so she can help her students.

Another nominator said Vannatta never hesitates to put in extra time for students—before school, after school and with remote help at all hours. If they need help, she’s there for them. And she’s done the same for her fellow educators, including as a mentor to new teachers and grade level chairperson.

Vannatta is an active member of the broader school community and of her parish.

And she can often be spotted at school events, many of which she has helped to plan.

Vannatta is also a lifelong learner, frequently attending professional development opportunities, looking to improve her religion instruction. She has completed courses to reach the Master Catechist level as she seeks to help guide her students to be thoughtful, ethical citizens of strong moral character.


Mary Jane Vannatta was also featured in MidWeek. Read the article here.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)

Posted by: University Communications & Marketing Filed Under: Campus and Community, Catholic, Education, Featured Story Tagged With: Hawaii Catholic Schools Teacher of the Year

BC28-BestValue-2025
Apply Now
Request Info
Contact Us

Footer

Chaminade University Logo

3140 Waialae Avenue
Honolulu, Hawaii 96816

Contact Us
Phone: (808) 735-4711
Toll-free: (800) 735-3733

facebook twitter instagram youtube linkedin

Visit

  • Plan a Visit
  • Campus Map (PDF)
  • Events

Resources

  • Campus Security
  • Student Consumer Information
  • Institutional Review Board
  • Title IX / Nondiscrimination Policy
  • Compliance
  • Emergency Information
  • Careers
  • Campus Incident Report
  • Institutional Statement

People

  • Students
  • Parents
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff

Policy

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions of Use


© Chaminade University of Honolulu