Patricia Halagao

Dr. Patricia Espiritu Halagao is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Curriculum Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (UHM), and Co-Director of the Center for Philippine Studies. She also holds roles such as Co-Editor of the FANHS Journal and Trustee of the Manoa Heritage Center. Her expertise spans multicultural education, Filipino curriculum development, and multilingual policy advocacy.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (2001), University of Washington
• M.Ed. in Multicultural Education (1996), University of Washington
• B.A. in Anthropology (1992), Occidental College

Research Interests: Dr. Halagao focuses on decolonizing pedagogy, cultural & linguistic policy, and social justice in education. Her work emphasizes Filipino American educational experiences and multilingualism advocacy. She has served on the Hawaiʻi State Board of Education (2013–2016), driving policies on biliteracy and equity.

Awards:

• 2012 Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching
• 2014 100 Most Influential Filipina Women in the World
• 2021 Nominee, Excellence in Teaching (UH System)

Grants & Service: She leads initiatives like the Social Justice in Education Project and Climate Smart Futures. Her service includes roles in the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Teach for America, and the Hawaiʻi Presidential Center Initiative.

Labs/Teams: Co-directs the Center for Philippine Studies and advises the Tinalak Filipino Education Advisory Council. Engaged with the Institute for Sustainable Economic, Educational, and Environmental Design (ISEEED).