Samara Suafo’a

Samara Suafo’a is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Director of the Department of Teacher Education at Claremont Graduate University. A Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander scholar, she focuses on K-16 educational practices that prioritize social justice, allyship, and culturally responsive pedagogy, particularly in urban settings serving diverse student populations.

• Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Linfield College
• Master’s in Special Education (Moderate/Severe Disabilities), California State University, Dominguez Hills
• PhD in Urban Leadership, Claremont Graduate University

Her research spans classroom ecology, intersectionality in education, and the integration of pedagogical practices to improve athletic and academic outcomes for marginalized students. She advocates for Indigenous and communities of color through policy and practice.

The single article listed in her portfolio, "Including Samir. The challenges of creating an integrated school culture" (2018), reflects her commitment to inclusive education frameworks and collaborative leadership strategies in diverse schools.

Her career includes 15 years of K-12 teaching and leadership roles in Hawaii and California, with a focus on special education, teacher mentorship, and athletic coaching. She applies her lived experience as a biracial Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander to inform ethical educational leadership.