Ann Mahi, a veteran educator and the executive director of the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association (HSTA), has announced her retirement from the union at the end of this month. Mahi has been in this role for three years after coming out of retirement to lead HSTA.
“I’ll be retired from working in a job, but I won’t be retired from working to make life better for kids in Hawaiʻi in some capacity,” said Mahi. She has dedicated 12 years to teaching within the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and served as an administrator there for 30 years before taking on her current role with HSTA in 2022.
Reflecting on her tenure at HSTA, Mahi expressed satisfaction with the organization’s progress. “I feel really good about leaving HSTA being able to say that this is a solid organization with strong relationships where we are collaborating, collegial and dedicated to our membership,” she said.
HSTA Deputy Executive Director Andrea Eshelman will step into the interim executive director position starting August 1 through October 31.
During her leadership, Mahi focused on enhancing professional development opportunities for teachers. She highlighted efforts such as securing Class VIII during negotiations and partnering with organizations like 2Revolutions and Spalding University to offer affordable master’s degree programs for members.
“It has been a fabulous professional development opportunity where HSTA members pay $11,500 for a master’s degree, which is unheard of in Hawaiʻi master of education programs,” Mahi noted.
HSTA President Osa Tui, Jr. praised Mahi’s contributions: “We were fortunate to have Ann join us. She was the right person at the right time.”
Mahi previously retired from her role as complex area superintendent for Nanakuli-Waianae Complex Area after 42 years in public education. She noted differences between her roles at HIDOE and HSTA but enjoyed supporting school leaders and improving programs.
As she retires, Mahi plans personal pursuits like traveling and engaging in hobbies while continuing involvement with nonprofit boards advocating for Hawaii’s children. In November, she received Adult Friends for Youth’s lifetime achievement award.
Her legacy continues through her family; both her daughter Elizabeth Shoopman and granddaughter Tiana Mahi are educators following in her footsteps.
“No matter what, if you look at me, know that the core of who I am has always been and will always be a teacher,” Mahi said about her enduring commitment to education.
