Raegan Teisina

Kia ora, Mālō e lelei, Tālofa, and greetings. Ko Raegan tōku ingoa. I am a beginning secondary teacher currently completing the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching (Secondary) through Massey University, following the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Education, majoring in English and minoring in History.

My teaching philosophy is grounded in the idea of the classroom as a harbour: a place where ākonga can anchor themselves, feel safe, known and supported, while also building confidence and independence to move beyond what they already know. For me, relationships sit at the heart of teaching. I want ākonga to know that they belong in the room, that their experiences matter, and that learning is something they are capable of.

Through my practicum experiences, I have really enjoyed teaching across History, English, and Social Sciences. They have also helped me grow in relationship-based and culturally responsive teaching, and in finding ways to make learning accessible, engaging and meaningful for different learners.

Outside of the classroom, I would love to contribute to the wider life of a school. Whether that is through my subject areas, cultural activities, supporting ākonga well-being, building relationships, or getting involved in opportunities that help ākonga feel connected to their school community.

Student Teacher

Solway College - Masterton

History – Years 11–13

• Taught learning around historical perspectives, causes and consequences, source analysis, evidence, reliability, usefulness and significance.
• Taught Year 11 History through the US Civil Rights Movement, including the March on Washington and Birmingham Campaign.
• Used Dawn Raids with a combined Year 12/13 class to build on skills for derived graded exams.
• Modelled historical thinking and supported ākonga move from identifying information to explaining what the evidence showed.
• Created independent and collaborative activities to support preparation.

Social Studies – Years 9–10

• Planned and taught a six-lesson Holocaust unit and created resources.
• Taught Holocaust learning through chronology, personal stories, primary sources, propaganda and the gradual loss of Jewish people's rights.
• Introduced Year 9 students to human rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, in preparation for a model United Nations.
• Taught gender tolerance, rights, and social change using Saudi Arabia as a case study
• Used retrieval activities, visuals, source analysis, structured writing and digital tasks to make complex topics accessible.

Professional Development

• Continued working on scaffolding, making expectations clear and balancing teacher guidance with ākonga independence.
• Adapted lessons based on ākonga needs, Associate Teacher feedback and reflection
• Participated staff and faculty meetings
• Participated in Kaiako Tini.

Student Teacher

Porirua College - Porirua

English – Years 9–11

• Year 9: Taught learning connected with Kura Toa – Warrior School using discussion, vocabulary, reading and structured writing to support understanding and engagement.
• Year 10: Taught film techniques through learning connected with kaitiakitanga, helping ākonga identify techniques and explain how they created meaning.
• Year 11: Taught and supported students with creative writing through modelling, one-on-ones, scaffolds and structured writing.

Professional Development

• Participated in professional learning involving kupu Māori, karakia and waiata.
• Strengthened my understanding of relationship-based and culturally responsive teaching.
• Worked on keeping expectations clear while still building positive relationships with ākonga.