Building a Cultural "Fruit Salad" at Pacific Heritage Academy with Sheena Alaiasa and Kaniela Kamala

Enjoy the delightful Sheena Alaiasa and Kaniela Kamala with Pacific Heritage Academy as we discuss using cultural heritage to help students understand themselves, value others, and as an approach to learning. For ten years, Pacific Heritage Academy has been serving students in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Sheena and Kaniela discuss the demographic changes of their students, challenges of covid to learning, and helping teachers avoid burnout.

We mention Hamish Brewer, guest of the 2023 UAPCS Conference and a study about the benefits of adolescents knowing their family history.  In 2014, Sheena was named the MetLife/National Association of Secondary Principals Middle School Principal of the Year.  We are fortunate to see how she has applied her expertise at Pacific Heritage Academy...and how her "hobby" is reading curriculum materials!

The Utah Association of Public Charter Schools is a non-profit organization that promotes excellence in Utah's public charter schools through advocacy, training, and technical support. Our podcast is produced, hosted, and edited by Gina James. Original music was composed by James Valentine.

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