All the way from Saint Louis, MO, Kalani High School welcomes our new special education teacher, Jacob Studt (pronounced stoo-t)! 

Studt started off as a carpenter, then did video production, and still plays hockey in his free time; what can’t he do?

Inspired by his mother, who was a preschool teacher, Studt decided to follow in her footsteps. At 24 years old, he started teaching because of “the good health insurance and benefits,” but teaching soon became a huge passion. 

“When I was younger, I didn’t always get treated the best from my teachers,” Studt reveals. “Having ADHD myself, I never wanted to make my students feel bad for not learning at the same speed as everyone else. I wanted to be a part of the solution.” 

Studt got his bachelor’s degree at Southwest Missouri State and played hockey for the school’s team. He then moved back to St. Louis to finish his schooling. 

Many people find it challenging to pick a career path and stick to it; Studt knew exactly what area of education he wanted to pursue from the start. 

“Working in special education, you constantly have to adapt and overcome challenges, and I like that,” Studt expresses. “I thrive in chaos; it gives me more things to learn.”

Before moving to Hawaii, Studt taught third graders in Memphis, TN. This year marks his 5th year of teaching!

At Kalani, Studt gets his students ready for life by helping them develop job skills and encourages them to thrive as individuals.

“Everyone needs help sometimes, and that’s okay!” Studt explains.

Within the first month of school, he explains that building a connection with your students is essential. Letting them know that they aren’t alone, especially if they don’t fit society’s norms or standards. 

“I’m not embarrassed of my ADHD,” Studt reveals. “I let my students know that, ‘You can do these things, too. You have to figure out what works for you!'”