Matthew Boucher
Wellington,New Zealand
Summary
A strategic, future-focused educational leader with a proven record of leading schoolwide improvement, strengthening culture, and building coherent systems that lift student wellbeing, engagement, and learning. Operates confidently at principal level through extensive experience as Acting Principal, Kāhui Ako leadership, and stewardship of major portfolios including wellbeing, learning support, property, health and safety, and Te Ao Māori. Recognised for relational, values-driven leadership grounded in Te Tiriti-honouring practice, high expectations, and inclusive, strengths-based approaches. Skilled at designing and embedding sustainable systems, coaching leaders, and guiding staff through change. Brings deep curriculum expertise, strong organisational capability, and a consistent focus on creating the conditions where kaiako and ākonga can thrive.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Principal (Acting Principal as required)
Rāroa Normal Intermediate School
Wellington
05.2022 - Current
- Strategic Leadership & Acting Principal Responsibilities Regularly lead the school as Acting Principal, overseeing operations, staffing, wellbeing, and community engagement. Contribute to schoolwide strategic planning, annual planning, and Board reporting. Provide leadership coaching for team leaders and emerging leaders. Represent Rāroa in Kāhui Ako leadership, including stand-in principal responsibilities (2022–2025).
- Wellbeing, Pastoral & Learning Support Leadership Designed and implemented a coherent wellbeing system that significantly strengthened student engagement and attendance. Finalist for the 2026 Education Excellence Awards – Student Attendance & Engagement. Developed the Mana Ora Framework, embedding restorative, relational, and strengths-based practice across the school. Lead the wellbeing team, systems, and staffing, including child protection and agency coordination. Established a Rotary partnership securing ongoing funding for wellbeing initiatives.
- Mātauranga Māori Leadership (2022–2024) Implemented the Kura Ahurea Programme with Te Ati Awa, strengthening cultural capability and local curriculum. Led Te Ao Māori and Te Reo Māori curriculum development. Implemented Te Ara Whakamana, supporting students’ social, emotional, and behavioural development through a cultural lens.
- Health & Safety and Property Leadership Chair of the Board’s Health & Safety Committee; lead emergency planning and response. Oversight of property, grounds, and redevelopment projects, including MoE and contractor liaison for major capital works.
- Additional Leadership Contributions Student Leadership Coordinator
- Board of Trustees collaborator
- Leadership Development Coach for team leaders
Deputy Principal & SENCO
Thorndon School
Wellington
10.2018 - 05.2022
- Strategic & Governance Leadership Co-led the school through significant reorganisation following a major rebuild. Attended all Board of Trustees meetings as a regular contributor at the governance level, supporting strategic planning, policy development, and reporting. Oversaw curriculum Years 1–8, ensuring coherence, progression, and alignment with school values.
- Curriculum & Learning Design Leadership Led a schoolwide curriculum redevelopment grounded in the school’s values and capabilities for learning, creating a cohesive, future-focused framework that strengthened teaching practice and learner outcomes.
- Community, Whānau & Cultural Leadership Led whānau outreach and parent engagement, including consultation processes, information evenings, and community events. Organised cultural celebrations reflecting the school’s multicultural community, including a calendar of events such as the Chinese Autumn Festival, Diwali, and Matariki.
- Property, Grounds & Environment Development Responsible for the development of school grounds, consulting with students and whānau, applying for grants, and designing and overseeing the construction of new playground and play-based facilities.
- Learning Support & Inclusive Practice Leadership Led learning support systems, Teacher Aide development, and agency coordination. Strengthened pastoral systems and inclusive practice across the school.
Senior Teacher & Head of Science
South Wellington Intermediate
02.2015 - 10.2018
- Curriculum & Pedagogical Leadership Led the Science curriculum across the school, strengthening inquiry learning and alignment with the NZC.
- Team Leadership & Staff Development Mentored four PCTs, building capability and confidence in early-career teachers.
- Schoolwide Leadership & Community Partnerships Oversaw property and outreach portfolios, including collaboration with contributing primary schools and networking around science curriculum development. Formed partnerships with House of Science, the Royal Society, and Wellington science organisations to support curriculum design and provide rich learning experiences.
- Student Engagement & Enrichment Led science-based enrichment and extension opportunities that supported high engagement and achievement.
Science Teacher (Years 9–13)
Kuranui College
Greytown
06.2011 - 02.2015
- Curriculum & Subject Leadership Assistant Head of Science with responsibility for leading Earth & Space Science and Talented & Gifted Science programmes. Contributed to curriculum development across the Science faculty.
- Programme & Specialist Leadership TIC Earth & Space Science and TIC Talented & Gifted in Science, designing pathways and extension opportunities for senior students.
- Schoolwide Systems & Operational Leadership Contributed to timetable design and supported schoolwide curriculum planning and operational systems.
Teacher (Years 0–1, 7–8)
Eketahuna School
06.2008 - 06.2011
- Leadership & Responsibilities TIC ICT and Staff Representative on the Board of Trustees, contributing to governance, staff capability development, and schoolwide systems.
Year 1 Teacher
John Ward Elementary
USA
09.2005 - 06.2008
Upper Primary Teacher
Montessori Educare
USA
09.2004 - 06.2005
Teacher Aide (Years 0–1)
Montessori Educare
USA
06.2002 - 08.2004
Student Teacher (Year 1 and Year 5 Advanced Work Class)
Student Teaching Placements
USA
01.2004 - 04.2004
Education
Master of Education (M.Ed.), Summa Cum Laude - Science Education
University of Massachusetts Lowell
01-2010
Bachelor of Science (History), Magna Cum Laude - undefined
Northeastern University
01-2004
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Parent-teacher & community relations
- Culturally responsive leadership
- Values-based school culture building
- Staff professional development
- Innovative, future-focused thinking
Certification
- Aspiring Leadership Programme – Growth Culture NZ (2021)
- Science Teaching Leadership Programme – Royal Society of NZ (2017)
- Leadership Development Programme – Otago University (2017)
- Te Ahu o Te Reo Māori – Takatu Associates Level 2 (2022), Level 3 (2023)
Timeline
Deputy Principal (Acting Principal as required)
Rāroa Normal Intermediate School
05.2022 - Current
Deputy Principal & SENCO
Thorndon School
10.2018 - 05.2022
Senior Teacher & Head of Science
South Wellington Intermediate
02.2015 - 10.2018
Science Teacher (Years 9–13)
Kuranui College
06.2011 - 02.2015
Teacher (Years 0–1, 7–8)
Eketahuna School
06.2008 - 06.2011
Year 1 Teacher
John Ward Elementary
09.2005 - 06.2008
Upper Primary Teacher
Montessori Educare
09.2004 - 06.2005
Student Teacher (Year 1 and Year 5 Advanced Work Class)
Student Teaching Placements
01.2004 - 04.2004
Teacher Aide (Years 0–1)
Montessori Educare
06.2002 - 08.2004
Bachelor of Science (History), Magna Cum Laude - undefined
Northeastern University
Master of Education (M.Ed.), Summa Cum Laude - Science Education
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Contributions to Education Sector
- Education Advisor – Parliament Education Reference Group (2020–present) Advising on national education programmes.
- Author – School Journal & Connected (2019–2026) Multiple published science articles used nationally.
- Author – Waka Kotahi ‘Safe Speeds Around Schools’ Unit (2023) Nationally distributed resource; featured in Education Gazette.
- TLRI Research Project Member – Online Citizen Science (2018–2023) Co-author of published research; case study featured on cover of SET.
- President – Wellington Astronomical Society (2018–2022) Led public lectures, community events, and school partnerships.
- Founder – SciHub Wellington (2017–2018) Created collaborative PD connecting scientists and teachers.
- Creator – ‘Microscopic Beasts’ Online Course Used by 1200+ students from 100+ NZ schools; featured in Education Gazette.
- Conference Speaker (2019–2026) Regular presenter at national science and education conferences.
- Podcast Guest – Making Work Better (Denise Quinlan) Featured discussing Rāroa’s wellbeing systems and strategic approach.