A teacher at Kalakaua Middle School in Kalihi has received this year’s Teacher of Promise Award from the National Milken Educators of Hawaii.

Miki Gouveia, 28, teaches in an inclusive classroom for students learning English as a second language.

She said she was surprised and honored to receive the award.

“For me, doing what I do, I just do it because I love it,” she said. “To be recognized for what I do, it was an overwhelming feeling.”

Gouveia holds a master’s degree in education from the University of Phoenix and was nominated by her principal for the honor.

The award recognizes teachers with fewer than three years of experience who demonstrate effective instructional practices and student learning in the classroom. The winner receives $1,000