Currently as a proactive and reflective kaiako pitomata, I ams pending the entire year in a kura through the School On-site Training Programme, which strengthens my skills in responsive teaching, assessment, and creating inclusive, culturally sustaining learning environments.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the metaphor of weaving a korowai, where education is a rich tapestry of cultural identity, relationships, and knowledge. I am committed to weaving together the strengths, aspirations, and diverse cultural narratives of ākonga, guided by the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to create inclusive, empowering, and culturally sustaining learning environments. I believe teaching is a reciprocal process where both kaiako and ākonga learn together, fostering belonging, agency, and success for all learners.
I am currently finishing my Graduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning.
Placements:
Rāroa Normal Intermediate School - Year 7/8
Rāroa Intermediate strengthened my behaviour management skills and equipped me with effective strategies to create positive, engaging classroom environments.
Karori Normal School - 4 weeks: Year 1
Karori Normal School provided valuable insight into a play-based learning environment while also helping me develop my early literacy teaching skills.
Numeracy: I have gained experience teaching the structured maths programme Maths No Problem and have undertaken professional development in this approach, working with both Year 7/8 and Year 1 ākonga
Literacy:
I have developed skills in planning and delivering early literacy lessons using phonics-based approaches, supporting ākonga to build strong reading and writing foundations across various year levels
Physical Education:
I have a strong passion for physical education, which I developed further by completing a scholarship in PE during college I have led a range of physical education activities that promote teamwork, hauora (well-being), and inclusion
Massey University
Bachelor of Arts majoring in Education - 2020-2024
Paraparaumu College
Dux approximate - 2020
Level 3 endorsed in Excellence - 2020
I am an active sports person who enjoys taking part and watching a variety of sports including football and cricket. I am also an avid reader and enjoy music and socialising.
Elizabeth Couchman, Deputy Principal
Waikanae Primary School
e.couchman@waikanae.school.nz
Maria Gorrie, Associate Teacher
Karori Normal School
mgorrie@kns.school.nz
Claire Myer, Associate Teacher
Rāroa Normal Intermediate School
Claire.myer@raroa.school.nz
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