Mark and Tia Kauanui are two teachers from O’ahu, Hawai’i. They graduated from the University of Hawai’i at West O’ahu and now work in the Hawai’i Department of Education as public school teachers. Both Mark and Tia are avid karaoke goers, musical lovers, and enjoy
experiencing the wonders of the world through travel.
Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a specialization in English. He is the esports coach at President Theodore Roosevelt High School and passionately pushes to seek legitimization for esports on a state level.
Tia has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Curriculum Studies with a focus on Aloha Aina Education and Leadership at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa. She is passionate about teaching and learning in various contexts in order to understand, articulate, and respond to her responsibility to her homeland and the Hawaiian people.
Mark and Tia have traveled to Egypt and Greece with Bookbag Tours and led the first Bookbag tour to Hawai’i in 2023. Their favorite things about traveling with Bookbag Tours are building relationships with fellow teacher travelers and doing things outside of their comfort zones.