Nā Kumu Noʻeau
TEACHERS WHO CULTIVATE CREATIVITY
The Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Nā Kumu Noʻeau Program celebrates educators who bring creativity, curiosity, and artistic expression into their classrooms.
Through participation in MACC professional development opportunities, teachers build skills, explore arts integration, and deepen connections between the arts and learning. Each hour of professional development earns points that accumulate over time, allowing teachers to advance through recognition levels.
This program honors the dedication of teachers who help students experience the arts not just as a subject, but as a way of thinking, creating, and understanding the world.
Beginning Spring 2027, MACC will also bring back the Teacher Awards Celebration, now known as Nā Kumu Noʻeau Celebration, a gathering to recognize and celebrate the educators who bring the arts to life in classrooms across Maui County.
Recognition Levels
Each hour of MACC Professional Development equals 1 point.
Every 30 points advances a teacher to the next level.
Points begin accumulating this year, and previously earned levels from 2019 will be reinstated so participating teachers can continue their progress.
All teachers participating in the Nā Kumu Noʻeau Program will be recognized at the annual Nā Kumu Noʻeau Celebration beginning Spring 2027. Recognition levels highlight each educator’s continued commitment to bringing the arts to life in their classrooms.
Participation Recognition
All participating teachers
Teachers who attend MACC professional development will:
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Be recognized at the Nā Kumu Noʻeau Celebration
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Receive acknowledgment for the level they have achieved
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Be included in the MACC educator recognition program
Nā Kumu Noʻeau Levels (1–10)
Recognition of continued professional learning
Teachers who advance through levels will receive:
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Level certificates recognizing their milestone
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Recognition at the Nā Kumu Noʻeau Celebration
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Educator spotlights in MACC communications or events
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Early notification of MACC professional development
opportunities
Kumu Noʻeau Master Levels (M1-M10)
Recognition of long term dedication to arts education
Teachers reaching Master levels may also receive:
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Special recognition during the Nā Kumu Noʻeau Celebration
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Opportunities to share classroom practices or experiences
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Invitation to participate in educator advisory conversations
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Recognition as long term contributors to arts learning in
Maui schools
Nā Kumu Noʻeau Celebration
Beginning in Spring 2027, MACC will host the Nā Kumu Noʻeau Teacher Celebration.
This gathering will recognize classroom teachers who have participated in MACC professional development and celebrate the ways they bring the arts into their teaching.
During the celebration, teachers will receive certificates for the levels they have achieved and be recognized for their commitment to creative learning, collaboration with teaching artists, and the impact they have on students throughout Maui County.
The evening will serve as a joyful opportunity to gather, share stories, and honor the educators who help keep creativity alive in our schools.