J. Elise Hannigan is a dedicated Freshman Academy coordinator and senior mentor teacher at Keaʻau High School in Keaʻau, Hawaiʻi, where she has served for 13 years. After teaching English at all different levels for 11 years, she decided to dedicate her time to the freshmen students, filling the school's need to help them transition to high school more effectively. In part through her dedication to the freshman students, Keaʻau High has seen a significant decrease in the school’s ninth grade student retention rate. Additionally, the Freshman Academy obtained certification as a Model Academy through the National Career Academy Coalition.

Outside of her job, Hannigan has also served as a mentor teacher for new teachers, has served on various committees through the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, the Hawaiʻi State Teachers Association and College Board Advanced Placement.

She earned an Associate of Arts in early childhood education from Olympic College, a Bachelor of Arts in humanities from Washington State University and a Master of Education from the University of Hawaiʻi Hilo.

Hannigan is deeply committed to fostering a sense of belonging for all students. Her teaching philosophy centers on ensuring every student feels seen, supported and empowered to achieve their individual goals, connecting them not only to their school but also to the vibrant island community they call home.