PRIYANKA KUMAR
Takanini,New Zealand
Summary
Passionate and experienced early childhood educator with over 10 years in childcare, primary and special needs education. Experience in leadership roles. I believe in creating inclusive, intentional and nurturing environments where tamariki feel valued, empowered and inspired to learn through play. I am committed to building strong connections with children, whānau and collegues to support holisitic growth and lifelong learning.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher- Unregistered
Gaia Forest Preschool
Manurewa, Auckland
01.2026 - Current
- Designed engaging lesson plans to enhance learning experiences for diverse preschool age groups.
- Fostered nurturing, inclusive classroom environment that supported individual growth for all children.
- Implemented hands-on activities to promote social and emotional development.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's learning and growth.
- Executed day-to-day duties with attention to detail and timeliness.
Head Teacher
The Playhouse Preschool
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2025 - Current
- As Head Teacher, I lead the preschool team to ensure high-quality care and education, strong professional practice, and a nurturing environment for tamariki and whanau.
- My role includes mentoring teachers, overseeing curriculum delivery, supporting management with administration and compliance, and upholding the principles of Te Whariki and Te Tiriti
- Waitangi.
- I provide both pedagogical and operational leadership to ensure smooth daily operations and a culture of collaboration.
- Led a teaching team with a focus on collaborative planning, internal evaluation, and assessment practices, ensuring high-quality learning outcomes for tamariki.
- Fostered strong relationships with whanau, staff, and the wider community, aligning with Te Whariki and culturally responsive practices.
- Managed daily centre operations, including curriculum implementation, staff ratios, environment set-up, and health and safety compliance.
- Mentored and supported kaiako through professional growth cycles with the centre owner, modelling reflective practice and encouraging distributed leadership.
- Designed and facilitated inclusive cultural events and celebrations (e.g., Matariki, Fijian Language Week, Te Wiki
- Te Reo Maori), strengthening identity and belonging for children and families.
- Prioritised effective communication and relational leadership, ensuring staff wellbeing and positive team culture.
- Supported continuous improvement through internal evaluation projects focused on assessment practices, parent engagement, and learning environments.
- Designed and implemented a weekly planner to guide curriculum delivery, streamline routines, and ensure balanced coverage across all learning areas.
- Facilitated staff meetings to discuss educational strategies and enhance team collaboration.
Business Owner
Princy's Boutique
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2020 - Current
- Kept records for production, inventory, income and expenses.
- Determined pricing for products or services based on costs and competition.
- Promoted business on social media platforms to maximize brand identity and generate revenue.
- Established favorable relationships with vendors and contractors, facilitating contract negotiation and development of marketing and sales strategies.
- Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
- Supervised company social media and marketing efforts to expand brand awareness and attract new customers.
- Created and implemented marketing and advertising strategies to support revenue goals and promote strategic growth.
- Boutique Ltd is primarily an online based collection of ethnic jewellery, clothing and accessories.
Teacher in Training
The Playhouse Preschool
Pukekohe, New Zealand
02.2023 - 01.2025
- As a Preschool Teacher at The Playhouse Preschool, I supported children's holistic development by creating engaging, inclusive, and culturally responsive learning environments.
- My role involved planning and delivering programmes aligned with Te Whariki, fostering strong partnerships with tamariki and whānau, and actively contributing to the teaching team.
- I also demonstrated leadership potential by mentoring peers, supporting administration tasks, and upholding the principles of Te Tiriti
- Waitangi in daily practice.
- Planned and implemented learning experiences that supported children's communication, exploration, contribution, and wellbeing.
- Observed, assessed, and documented children's learning through learning stories, portfolios, and planning cycles.
- Built warm, respectful, and trusting relationships with tamariki, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
- Partnered with whānau through regular communication, parent evenings, and collaborative involvement in centre activities.
- Promoted a culturally inclusive environment by integrating te reo Maori, tikanga Maori, Pasifika values, and other cultural perspectives into the programme.
- Actively upheld Te Tiriti
- Waitangi principles - partnership, participation, and protection - through bicultural practice and valuing tangata whenua perspectives.
- Collaborated with colleagues on planning, assessment, and internal evaluation, contributing to high-quality team practice.
- Helped the management team with administration tasks, including updating Infocare, marketing, preparing duty rosters, and maintaining teacher-child ratios.
- Led tamariki through safety procedures for lockdown, intruder, earthquake, and fire drills, ensuring children's wellbeing and preparedness.
- Demonstrated emerging leadership by mentoring newer teachers, leading curriculum projects, and supporting professional growth conversations.
Teacher
Early Discoveries Weymouth
Weymouth, New Zealand
01.2019 - 02.2023
- As a Preschool Teacher, I provided a nurturing and stimulating environment that supported children's holistic development and early learning.
- My role focused on planning and delivering engaging programmes, building strong relationships with tamariki and whanau, and working collaboratively with colleagues to create an inclusive, high-quality learning environment.
- Planned and implemented learning experiences aligned with Te Whariki, focusing on language, literacy, numeracy, and social development.
- Supported children's individual learning needs through observation, assessment, and responsive teaching.
- Fostered positive, respectful relationships with tamariki to support their sense of belonging and wellbeing.
- Built strong partnerships with parents/whanau by maintaining open communication and involving them in their child's learning journey.
- Created engaging and inclusive classroom environments that encouraged exploration, creativity, and independence.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan programmes, share reflections, and maintain high-quality practices.
- Maintained records of children's learning through learning stories, portfolios, and assessments.
- Promoted cultural inclusivity by integrating te reo Māori, Pasifika languages, and diverse cultural perspectives into daily practice.
- Actively upheld the principles of Te Tiriti
- Waitangi (partnership, participation, and protection) by embedding bicultural practice, respecting tangata whenua, and ensuring Māori perspectives were valued in the curriculum.
- Participated in internal/external evaluations and contributed to Programme planning taking lead termly.
Teaching Assistant
Youthtown
Auckland, New Zealand
04.2018 - 12.2019
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Monitored classrooms for safety and good behavior, offering students positive reinforcement to maintain discipline.
- Created and implemented different learning activities to meet needs of different types of learners.
Associate Teacher
Central Auckland Specialist School
Auckland, New Zealand
08.2017 - 12.2019
- Provided one-on-one and small group support for students with diverse learning and physical needs.
- Assisted children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities in communication, mobility, and self-help skills.
- Collaborated with lead teachers, therapists, and specialists to implement individual education plans (IEPs).
- Adapted classroom activities and resources to meet individual learning needs and promote participation.
- Supported students with personal care needs, ensuring dignity and respect at all times.
- Facilitated social inclusion by encouraging peer interactions and supporting participation in group activities.
- Used positive behaviour strategies to manage challenges and foster emotional regulation.
- Communicated regularly with parents/whānau and professionals to ensure consistent support between home and school.
Teacher
Suva Methodist Primary School
Suva, Fiji
02.2017 - 02.2017
- As a classroom teacher for Years 3-4, I was responsible for planning, delivering, and assessing a balanced curriculum that supported the academic, social, and emotional development of students.
- I created a positive and inclusive classroom environment where learners felt supported, motivated, and challenged.
- Planned and delivered lessons across core subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies in line with curriculum requirements.
- Differentiated teaching strategies to meet diverse learning styles, abilities, and needs of students.
- Designed and implemented engaging classroom activities that fostered curiosity, collaboration, and independent thinking.
- Maintained classroom management strategies to ensure a safe and respectful learning environment.
- Assessed student progress using formative and summative assessments; provided feedback to support learning goals.
- Communicated regularly with parents/whānau about progress, wellbeing, and learning needs.
- Contributed to extracurricular activities, cultural programmes, and school events, supporting students' holistic development.
- Worked collaboratively with colleagues to share best practices and align teaching approaches.
Teacher
Suva Muslim Primary School
Suva, Fiji
03.2016 - 02.2017
- As a Year 1 teacher, I was responsible for introducing students to foundational learning in literacy, numeracy, and social skills.
- My role focused on creating a nurturing, structured, and engaging environment that supported young learners in transitioning successfully into formal schooling.
- Planned and delivered lessons in literacy, numeracy, science, and social studies appropriate to about 60 Year 1 learners in a classroom.
- Designed engaging activities that developed fine motor skills, communication, and problem-solving.
- Used a variety of teaching strategies to support children's different learning styles and abilities.
- Assessed and monitored student progress through observations, classwork, and formal assessments.
- Provided regular feedback to parents/whānau on their child's progress, achievements, and areas for development.
- Established routines and classroom expectations to support positive behaviour and learning outcomes.
- Fostered a safe and inclusive classroom environment where students felt confident and supported.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop age-appropriate programmes and share effective practices.
Teacher
Natoaika Village School
Nausori, Fiji
02.2014 - 03.2016
- As a Years 1-2 composite classroom teacher, I supported children's foundational learning in an environment where most students spoke i-Taukei as their first language.
- My role required adapting teaching strategies to overcome language barriers, ensuring that students could access the curriculum while building confidence in English and literacy skills.
- Planned and delivered lessons in core subjects (literacy, numeracy, science, social studies) for a composite Year 1-2 class.
- Adapted teaching methods to address language barriers, incorporating visuals, gestures, and bilingual support.
- Designed age-appropriate activities to build literacy and numeracy foundations while fostering communication skills.
- Supported children's transition into English-medium learning while respecting and valuing their native i-Taukei language and culture.
- Differentiated instruction to meet a wide range of learning levels within the composite classroom.
- Built strong relationships with students and their whānau to encourage trust and engagement in learning.
- Maintained classroom routines that promoted positive behaviour and inclusive participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share strategies for supporting language development and cultural responsiveness.
News Presenter (RJ)
Radio Bula Namaste
, Fiji
01.2008 - 12.2010
- As a News Presenter, I was responsible for preparing, editing, and delivering news bulletins to a wide audience, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and engagement.
- The role required strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
- Researched, wrote, and edited news stories for daily bulletins.
- Delivered live on-air news with professionalism, clarity, and confidence.
- Conducted interviews with key community figures and stakeholders.
- Verified sources and ensured accuracy and impartiality of news content.
- Adapted scripts for live presentation and breaking news updates.
- Collaborated with journalists, producers, and technical teams to meet broadcast schedules.
- Engaged with listeners to ensure relevant community issues were represented.
Education
Bachelors in Teaching - Early Childhood Education
New Zealand Tertiary College
Auckland07-2026
Higher Education Diploma - Primary Education, Teaching
Fiji National University
01-2013
Fiji Seventh Form Examination -
Cuvu College
01-2010
Skills
- Classroom management
- Inclusive teaching
- Team collaboration
- Culturally responsive practices
- Parent engagement
- Assessment strategies
- Inquiry-based learning
- Reporting and documentation
- Curriculum development
- Experience in leadership
References
Libby Timms, The Playhouse Preschool, Rhyslibby@gmail.com, 0212327172
Professional Developments
- He Mapuna te Tamaiti (social and emotional competence)
- Ollie
- Informing, Empowering, connecting Altogether Autism through knowledge and experience
- Child Abuse
- Te Whatu Pokeka: An introduction
- Te Whariki: Planning and assessment practices
- Risky outdoor play in early childhood
- Tapasa
- Te Whariki: An introduction to the early childhood curriculum in Aotearoa New Zealand
- An introduction to culturally responsive pedagogy in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Child Protection
- Tataiako: cultural competencies for teachers of Māori learners
- Promoting children's social-emotional learning and development
- Inquiry based learning: Introduction to provocations.
- How to build partnerships with families from different cultural backgrounds
- How to integrate play and teaching in early childhood education
- Philosophical approaches: the Reggio Emilia Approach
- What is social and emotional competence?
- Promoting children's risky play in outdoor learning environments
- Engage
- Supporting children with sensory processing differences in early childhood
- Sexual abuse education
Timeline
Teacher- Unregistered
Gaia Forest Preschool
01.2026 - Current
Head Teacher
The Playhouse Preschool
01.2025 - Current
Teacher in Training
The Playhouse Preschool
02.2023 - 01.2025
Business Owner
Princy's Boutique
01.2020 - Current
Teacher
Early Discoveries Weymouth
01.2019 - 02.2023
Teaching Assistant
Youthtown
04.2018 - 12.2019
Associate Teacher
Central Auckland Specialist School
08.2017 - 12.2019
Teacher
Suva Methodist Primary School
02.2017 - 02.2017
Teacher
Suva Muslim Primary School
03.2016 - 02.2017
Teacher
Natoaika Village School
02.2014 - 03.2016
News Presenter (RJ)
Radio Bula Namaste
01.2008 - 12.2010
Bachelors in Teaching - Early Childhood Education
New Zealand Tertiary College
Higher Education Diploma - Primary Education, Teaching
Fiji National University
Fiji Seventh Form Examination -
Cuvu College