HTA Waipahu history teacher Shiloh Francis is now in the running for the national American history teacher of the year.
History with Mrs. Francis is within touching distance.
Her high school students meet and work with people who experienced Pearl Harbor. They act out United Nations meetings. And they always enjoy her hands-on projects.
“Her diverse teaching methods, like videos, poetry, and role-playing, really bring history to life,” says junior Shayna McElhannon. “One of my favorite projects was creating a board game about women’s history — it was so engaging and creative! She always makes us feel valued and incorporates our feedback into future assignments, adjusting them based on our input.”
Mrs. Francis’ award comes as no surprise to her colleagues, either.
“Shiloh inspires both students and colleagues to be better humans on our shared journey,” says teacher Florence Scott, who nominated her for the award.
HTA Executive Director Matt Zitello says her dedication and passion is an inspiration to everyone at the school.
“Shiloh is recognized on campus for her collegiality, her tireless work, her dedication to students, and her focus on student voice,” he says.
Zitello particularly notes her work with Pearl Harbor survivor, Dorinda Nicholson.
“This initiative led to a memorable event where students co-presented with Mrs. Nicholson at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, showcasing projects that not only reflected deep historical knowledge but also creative thinking and empathy.”
Mrs. Francis says she cares so deeply about history because of the effect it has on our present and future.
Historically, we have made progress in reaching a more equitable society. But we face unprecedented times in protecting those rights along with our new global sustainability challenges. I want students to feel a connection to the past — to see themselves in those stories — and feel empowered to reach for a better future.
Shiloh Francis, HTA Waipahu
And Mrs. Francis is not finished when the bell rings at the end of the day. Most notably, she introduced the Pacific & Asian Affairs Council club to HTA’s Waipahu campus in 2017. Over the last seven years it has grown into a strong community that empowers students to take action on the global stage.
Last year, her PAAC students organized a global action project, “Wish for Peace,” where they led school and community members in folding thousands of paper cranes. In Japanese culture, cranes symbolize good fortune and a long life. It is believed that anyone with the commitment to fold 1,000 cranes will be granted a wish. For the PAAC club, that wish is for peace.
Those cranes now hang at the Pearl Harbor memorial and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Mrs. Francis and PAAC students from across Hawai‘i delivered them personally to Hiroshima during their trip to Japan this summer.
Mrs. Francis is now in the running for the National History Teacher of the Year Award from the The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. HTA knows she is a deserving winner.
We are so proud.
