Teacher Feature #7: Ric Mendoza and the Honoka'a Dragon Den
“If you, as a high school student, would like to lead ahead, then consider joining this program! The program provides and equips students with professional skills education, on-the-job experience with real clients, and monetary incentives.”
Image credit: http://www.honokaa.k12.hi.us/
Ric Elloy Mendoza is in his third year of teaching grades 9-12. Although he never planned to become a teacher, he fell in love with teaching after taking education classes as an undergraduate and pursuing a minor in education. Before moving to Honoka‘a to join his family, Ric taught in the Philippines for three years as a university Assistant Professor of business, and for one year at the Senior High level. After arriving here, Ric considered what he could offer his new community, especially the kids. He was happy to find a pathway for foreign-licensed teachers to get certified.
He started as an English Language Learner/Migrant Education Assistant at Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School while his teaching credentials processed. Ric was first assigned to teach U.S. history, which was an excellent way to learn about the United States and Hawai‘i while bringing his own life experiences into the classroom. Now teaching core business classes, Ric can use his knowledge and background even more. He draws on his business experience to help students envision possibilities as entrepreneurs and business leaders – to be employers rather than employees.
“The way I teach is the way I wish I was taught,” says Ric. He was a fairly average student, and now wants to share things he missed with his students. His teaching philosophy is driven by picturing himself as a student. Growing up, Ric attended a strict Catholic private school. Now as a teacher, he strives to explain concepts so that students can apply them to real-life situations. Some prompts are directly applicable, such as having students consider what they would do if a specific situation happened at work. Other prompts are more imaginative, such as asking students how they might apply business concepts to gain their crush’s interest.
Ric Mendoza taking a Zoom break for a quick photo
Still, Ric finds value in parts of the way he was educated. Coming from a strong family culture where the education system has minimal homework, Ric designs his classes to make the most of class time. This way students can “just be kids at home when they’re done with school.” The idea is also relevant to teaching business: after all, working people value work-life balance and boundaries between work and home life. Helping students get an authentic preparation for real-world success is an integral part of Ric’s work.
Dragon Den Program
The Dragon Den internship program began in Fall Semester 2019. Thanks to strong support from the University of Hawai‘i Kō Education Center, it hardly skipped a beat transitioning to a virtual program last year.
After hearing about Honoka‘a High’s revival of its business career pathway program, Dr. Kei-Lin Cerf and Kalehua Kukahiko from Kō Education Center got in touch with Ric. At their first meeting they realized they shared the same vision and purpose. The idea was to provide a program where students learn career-related skills and get connected to work on projects with local businesses. While the program is still in its inception, it’s been very well-received. Previous student-interns have returned to continue at a more advanced level, and enrollment keeps growing. Kō Education Center manages administration, which frees Ric and the other coaches to focus on what they are best at: training and teaching students.
Ric is also grateful to Principal Rachelle Matsumura, who first allowed him to start teaching business classes at the high school. Everything grew from there.
Future of Business at Honoka‘a High
Ric is launching a chapter of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America) business club at Honoka‘a, thanks to school administrators’ support and funding opportunities.
At this stage, Ric plans to “learn the ropes” first, but aims for the club to become an established part of the school. He envisions club members that are highly involved locally, as well as in state and national competitions. Exposure to DECA members from other schools can help Honoka‘a students broaden their perspectives while building connections and skills.
Making a Difference and Getting Involved
Ric has simple advice for others wanting to innovate or make a difference: challenge yourself, be open to new experiences, and be brave enough to start. For Ric, taking one step snowballed into unforeseen opportunities. However, you should be careful not to over-commit. Ric’s business philosophy is to plan each step correctly and then take them one at a time.
Students, recent graduates, and businesses interested in the Dragon Den program can contact the Kō Education Center by emailing nherc@hawaii.edu or calling 775-8890. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook for recruitment announcements: @koeducationcenter.
