Kristen Brummel, a fourth grade teacher at Noelani Elementary School in Manoa, is Hawaii’s 2011 Teacher of the Year.

The announcement was made this afternoon at a Board of Education meeting at Castle High School.

Brummel has been teaching for seven years and has been at Noelani since 2006.

She said she works hard to “inspire children and instill confidence in them that will help them realize that they are capable of amazing things.”

Brummel received a $1,500 check, instructional software and equipment and free use of a new hybrid car for a year.