“The Go-To Teacher for Technology”: Honolulu Magazine Spotlights Maryknoll’s Heidi McGivern
We are proud to share that Mrs. Heidi McGivern, longtime high school English teacher at Maryknoll School, has been featured in the July/August 2025 issue of Honolulu Magazine’s Private School Guide as one of Hawai‘i’s outstanding educators.
The article, titled “The Go-To Teacher for Technology,” honors Mrs. McGivern’s 35 years of service at Maryknoll and her enduring impact on generations of students. Whether she’s leading lively discussions on artificial intelligence or helping students find trusted research sources, Mrs. McGivern brings heart, innovation, and relevance to every lesson.
In the classroom, she’s known for weaving technology, literature, and life skills into a dynamic and student-centered learning environment. Her seniors engage in critical debates, interactive games, and reflective reading that builds both academic and emotional intelligence. A recent class even ended with a “brain break,” where students read from titles like Grit, Mindfulness, and Who Moved My Cheese? to explore soft skills and personal growth.
Beyond the curriculum, it’s Mrs. McGivern’s deep relationships with students that set her apart. Whether checking in on a student’s hula performance or attending senior night, she makes it a priority to support her students as whole individuals. “One of the big reasons why I’m still teaching today is the relationships,” she says. “I can see progress being made through relationships.”
Her colleagues recognize her leadership as well. Maryknoll President and Head of School Shana Tong shares, “She just kind of led the way, and she explores and makes it fun and wants to share her knowledge with her colleagues and her students.”
Mrs. McGivern’s accolades reflect her dedication:
- Hawai‘i State Middle School Teacher of the Year (2002)
- National Teacher of the Future Award (2011)
- Master’s degree from UH Mānoa
Even during summers, she continues to give back by teaching coding and game design to public school students at Punahou School.
We mahalo Mrs. McGivern for her decades of service and continued commitment to Maryknoll’s mission of educating hearts and minds. Her story is a testament to what’s possible when passion and purpose meet in the classroom.
👉 Read the full article in Honolulu Magazine’s Private School Guide 2026:
https://www.honolulumagazine.com/private-school-guide-2026-outstanding-teachers/
https://www.honolulumagazine.com/private-school-guide-2026-outstanding-teachers/
