LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Crystal Doi was nominated by her principal, James Toyooka.

Ms. Doi's sincere interest and care for others becomes even more apparent when you see her relate and interact with students, teachers, staff and other adults during class and non-instructional time.  She has stepped up and headed the Yearbook Committee, and she is part of the technology and science committees, as well.

While taking over the Yearbook Committee, Ms. Doi created a Yearbook Committee group.  She had students taking pictures of classroom activities and events, which she and other members collected and put together in a very impressive, hardcover yearbook named “Diary of a Nu`uanu Elementary School Student.”

As a teacher, she is extremely flexible, and she does what is best for the school.  An example of her dedication to her school, as well as her willingness to undertake tasks, manifested itself about four years ago.  At that time, STEM was merely a buzzword, but Ms. Doi understood it would become an important component in the school curriculum in the near future. 

"Having no STEM or science teacher, I asked my staff if anybody was willing to teach it. Crystal, who was teaching third grade at that time, stepped up and volunteered," said Toyooka.

Showing her work ethic, intelligence and dedication to the students, Ms. Doi went online to find best practices and what is expected in STEM.  Without any help from the district or state, she created her own curriculum, lessons, and rubrics during the summer before then new school year started. When school started, she also shared what she going to do with the teaching staff to get their input.  She listened to suggestions that some of the teachers had and tweaked her ideas as well. 

Ms. Doi is also the leader of the Aina Project. In the development of the Aina Project, she followed the general content that the DOE had outlined and incorporated it into her curriculum that covers sustainability, nutrition, cooperation, science and agriculture (traditional and modern).  She had to coordinate with outside agencies and nonprofit groups on a myriad of activities.  She needed materials and manpower to construct planter boxes, have soil delivered to school to fill the boxes, have the students plant various produce, and have the students maintain and watch these plants and vegetables grow. The students also harvest the plants and vegetables, cook them, and consume what was grown.  These are all ongoing activities.

Ms. Doi does not have to be told how to help a student or other teachers and is constantly refining her lessons and what she teaches.  She has the intelligence, initiative, and confidence to do what is right for the students and teacher as the need arises. This can be seen and felt when observing her classes.  Her lessons are often based on what is currently happening in Hawaii or the world.  If there's a hurricane, she will discuss weather and hazardous conditions.  She would ask students to discuss the hazards and brainstorm how they could protect themselves and their family from these perils.  Students would create structures or illustrate their plans and ideas using the engineering matrix.

Academics is only one portion in the developmental process of a student.  Emotional and social factors play a large part for any student to succeed, and Ms. Doi has helped students in these areas, too.  She will talk to all students in a respectful manner and is firm when talking to a disruptive student.  She does not avoid confrontation, is not afraid to express her opinions to correct that student, but is still very respectful. Ms. Doi is always aware of boundaries and protocol.  Her outgoing personality, friendly mannerism, willingness to work, and cognitive abilities makes her irreplaceable. 

Ms. Doi supports her school in other ways that help the students, parents, and teachers. She is a willing volunteer who will help in any school activity or classroom when her regular working schedule permits.

"Crystal is the consummate teacher. She is willing to try new ideas and plans for the benefits of her class and school, and she is not afraid to admit mistakes and make the appropriate corrections if necessary," said Toyooka. "She is also not overly proud and will seek help and assistance when necessary."