Kaimuki High School has a new face in the faculty. Mr. Joe Whitford has joined the social studies department this school year and has taken over the position most recently held by Mrs.Eman Almisky.

Mr. Whitford’s teaching line includes Psychology and Sociology to the senior class and Participation in Democracy and Modern History of Hawaii to the junior class.  He is also part of the Bravo House. 

One of Mr. Whitford’s first impressions of the school is that there are many ethnic groups.  He believes it is great to see them not separated but all together. He was also very impressed with the students of Kaimuki High School because they are so well behaved.

When asked why he chose this profession, Mr. Whiford said that he become a teacher because he loves to teach students.

Princess Faafetai, senior, said “Being in Mr. Whitford's Psychology class made me realize that he’s a great teacher, and I’m happy to be a part of his class.” 

Mr.Whitford, formerly of Kahuku High School, has to drive from his home in Laie every morning.  “It takes me about an hour to drive to Kaimuki High School, but I beat the traffic,” he said.

When hearing about his long drive, Canny Aikau, senior, said,“It shows how much pride Mr. Whitford has in this school and how dedicated he is to teaching.”

Several of his students have commented on Mr. Whitford’s personality. 

“I like how Mr. Whitford is so mellow.  He likes to make jokes and make the students laugh,” said Alexandria Neri, senior.

Senior Inah Igarta said, “Mr. Whitford is a cool, kind, and funny teacher.  He gives us a second chance to make up work and he makes a lot of jokes.”

Alexandria’s sister, Cassandra Neri, shares a similar view. “He’s so sarcastic and sassy, but in a mellow kind of way.  It’s funny.”

Mr. Whitford said that he used to coach swimming and water polo for about five years.  He was also a former athletic director.  He said he was willing to do some extra-curricular activities with the students once he gets settled down here at Kaimuki High School.

Mr. Whitford went to Kamehameha and also went to Maui Community College,where he then transferred to BYU Hawaii and then did some graduate work at University of Hawaii.