Fiona Craven
Upper Hutt,Wellington
Summary
Dedicated and culturally sensitive educator and leader with a sound understanding of tikanga Māori and pedagogical frameworks rooted in Māori cultural values and perspectives. Proven ability to integrate this approach into curriculum design and teaching practices to create inclusive and empowering learning environments. Experienced in fostering reciprocal relationships with learners, whānau, and communities, while promoting holistic development and embracing the principles of ako (mutual learning). Committed to upholding te reo Māori (Māori language), tikanga Māori (Māori customs), and Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) as integral components of education. Seeking to continue promoting the revitalization and resurgence of Māori identity through innovative and impactful educational strategies.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal
Heretaunga College
07.2019 - Current
- Visionary Leadership: Lead the school community with a strong Kaupapa Māori vision, fostering cultural identity and shared purpose.
- Cultural Integration: Embed te reo Māori, tikanga Māori, and Māori perspectives into curricula, creating a culturally enriched learning experience.
- Community Collaboration: Build partnerships with whānau, iwi, and local Māori groups to ensure a community-connected and culturally responsive education.
- Equitable Education: Champion equity by reducing disparities, ensuring all students have access to quality education, regardless of cultural background.
- Holistic Student Well-being: Prioritize students' holistic development within Māori well-being frameworks, nurturing their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs.
Deputy Principal
William Colenso College
01.2009 - 07.2019
- Acting Principal
- Lead the Senior School (Year 10-13) – strategic plan, targets, curriculum (21st Century Learning), staff, pastoral, pathways, careers, community
- Principal's Nominee - developed staff capacity with NCEA and NZQA
- Collaborative Leadership: Support the Principal in advancing the school's vision, fostering unity and cultural pride throughout the school community.
- Cultural Integration: Assist in integrating Māori language, traditions, and viewpoints into curricula, promoting a culturally immersive and inclusive learning environment.
- Community Engagement: Strengthen relationships with whānau, iwi, and local Māori organizations, helping to bridge the gap between the school and the wider community.
- Student Equity: Contribute to efforts that promote equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of their cultural background, fostering an inclusive and empowering atmosphere.
- Well-being Advocacy: Collaborate on strategies that prioritize students' holistic well-being, aligning with Māori well-being principles and promoting their overall growth and development.
- Instrumental in the school being finalist in three categories in the Prime Ministers Education Excellence awards 2017.
Head of Learning Science
Motueka High School
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Leadership and strategic direction for Science Department
- Member of Curriculum and Pastoral Care Leadership groups
- Developed a collegial Science team from a dysfunctional group when I arrived
Leadership for a Year level as a Dean - Developed Science programme for students from the feeder schools
- Developed a Gifted and Talented Science programme for feeder schools
- Collaborated with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges
Assistant Head of Learning Science
Tamatea High School
04.2002 - 01.2004
- Assist with Science Department leadership
- Acting Head of Science during Head of Science leave
- Teach and develop courses for Level 1 Science and Level 2 and 3 Chemistry
- Leadership of Year 9 level
Science Teacher
Flaxmere College
09.1998 - 04.2002
- Teach and develop courses for Science at Year 9 - 11
- Teach and develop courses for Biology at Year 11 – 13
- Assistant Dean for Year 1
- Pastoral Care of a Form Class
Science Teacher
The Cedars Upper School
09.1997 - 08.1998
- Teach and develop courses for Science at Year 9 - 11
- Teach and develop courses for Chemistry at Year 12 - 13
- Pastoral Care of a Form Class
Education
Master of Science - Educational Administration
University of Waikato
Hamilton, NZPostgraduate Certificate in Education(Secondary) - Education
University of Oxford
Oxford, UK07.1997
Bachelor of Science With Honours - Applied Chemistry
The University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield, UK07.1991
Skills
- Culturally responsive
- Build capacity in others
- Mātauranga Māori
- Strategic alignment
- Whanaungatanga
- Listener
- Responsive to change
- Manaakitanga
- Ako
- Integrity
- Motivated
- Relational leadership
- Restorative practice
- Identifying gaps
- Consistent
- Calm under pressure
Professional Development
- Te kotahitanga/Kia Eke Panuku programme
- Leading with Learning
- Niho Taniwha
- Leading Adult Learning
- Springboard Trust -Strategic Leadership Principals Programme
Timeline
Principal
Heretaunga College
07.2019 - Current
Deputy Principal
William Colenso College
01.2009 - 07.2019
Head of Learning Science
Motueka High School
01.2004 - 01.2009
Assistant Head of Learning Science
Tamatea High School
04.2002 - 01.2004
Science Teacher
Flaxmere College
09.1998 - 04.2002
Science Teacher
The Cedars Upper School
09.1997 - 08.1998
Master of Science - Educational Administration
University of Waikato
Postgraduate Certificate in Education(Secondary) - Education
University of Oxford
Bachelor of Science With Honours - Applied Chemistry
The University of Hertfordshire
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