Columnist

Ethan Porter

Ethan Porter is a teacher with bachelor's degree in Hawaiian Studies and political science and a master's degree in education from Michigan State.
Our Superpower Is Collective Action Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022

Our Superpower Is Collective Action

We need to raise the voices of our communities to challenge what our government could look like. 

Fighting Back Against Authoritarianism In My Civics Class Courtesy Ethan Porter

Fighting Back Against Authoritarianism In My Civics Class

We need to be instructing students to enunciate their political views based upon their personal values and lived experiences.

Hawaii Teacher: The Walkout As A Teachable Moment Ethan Porter/Civil Beat

Hawaii Teacher: The Walkout As A Teachable Moment

Students in my “Participation in Democracy” class have to tackle a project to change their community. This time the choice was simple.

Hawaii Teacher: Union Might Want To Rethink Its Annual Pep Rally Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Hawaii Teacher: Union Might Want To Rethink Its Annual Pep Rally

With a pivotal Supreme Court case pending, firing up the devoted seems less important than convincing non-members to join.

Hawaii Teacher: Reminding My Students South Korea Has It Much Worse North Korean Central News Agency

Hawaii Teacher: Reminding My Students South Korea Has It Much Worse

They came back to school still anxious about the false missile alarm, but they felt a little better after looking at a world map.

Hawaii Teacher: Talking Politics At Campbell High School Jared Rodriguez/Truthout.org

Hawaii Teacher: Talking Politics At Campbell High School

Students talk about rail and Ewa Beach issues with three legislators who provided lessons in contrasting styles.

Hawaii Teacher: Getting Legislators To My Democracy Class Wasn’t Easy Courtesy of Erin Yagi

Hawaii Teacher: Getting Legislators To My Democracy Class Wasn’t Easy

I wanted my Campbell High students to hear firsthand from their legislators, but only Matt LoPresti answered the call.

Hawaii Teacher: Socrates Had It All Wrong On Technology And Education Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Hawaii Teacher: Socrates Had It All Wrong On Technology And Education

Some people think the internet will ruin young minds, but it’s a tool that teachers must learn to use properly.

Hawaii Teacher: Welcome To The Islands — Now Help Us Improve Our Schools Cory Lum/Civil Beat

Hawaii Teacher: Welcome To The Islands — Now Help Us Improve Our Schools

Christina Kishimoto will have her work cut out for her when she becomes the state’s new superintendent of education Aug. 1.