Sophia Sakura Smith
Ngākuru School
Rotorua,New Zealand
3
Languages
8
years of professional experience
Enthusiastic teacher seeking full-time position at Ngākuru School in 2027. Holds a Bachelor of Education (TESOL) and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary). Currently teaching Year 0–2 students, delivering the New Zealand Curriculum while fostering an inclusive and engaging environment. Committed to building strong relationships with students and whānau, aiming to enhance teaching practices and contribute meaningfully to the school community.
Work History
Classroom Teacher
6 MonthsReliever
1 Year 4 MonthsIce Cream Scooper
2 MonthsTicket Seller
1 MonthCrew Member
5 MonthsWaitress
11 MonthsEducation
High School Diploma
GPA: NCEA Level 1, 2, 3
Graduate Diploma in Teaching - Primary
Bachelor of Education - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Skills
Proactive: Take initiative to support students
colleagues
and the wider school community.
Adaptable: Respond positively to change and adjust teaching approaches to meet the diverse needs of learners.
Professional Reliability: Demonstrate professionalism by being organised
dependable
and consistently meeting responsibilities.
Classroom Management: Create a positive
safe
and well-structured learning environment through clear expectations and positive behaviour strategies from IYT.
Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with colleagues to support student learning and contribute to a positive school culture.
Positive Mindset: Maintain a positive attitude and encourage resilience
confidence
and a growth mindset in students.
Empathy and Respect: Build trusting relationships by treating students
whānau
and colleagues with kindness
understanding
and respect.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Japanese
Native or Bilingual
Korean
Elementary
Interests
In my free time
I enjoy watching Asian television shows
exploring New Zealand
spending time at the beach
walking my dog
and singing karaoke. I also enjoy eating sushi and shopping for cute stationery
which inspires my creativity both inside and outside the classroom.
Timeline
Classroom Teacher
Ngākuru School
02.2026 - CurrentRead More
Reliever
Dynamic Relieving Company
09.2024 - 01.2026Read More
Ice Cream Scooper
Lady Janes Ice Cream Parlour
12.2022 - 02.2023Read More
Ticket Seller
Skyline Rotorua
12.2021 - 01.2022Read More
Crew Member
St Pierre's Sushi + Bento Bowl
02.2021 - 07.2021Read More
Waitress
And Rice Japanese Kitchen
01.2019 - 12.2019Read More
University of Auckland
Bachelor of Education from Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Read More
University of Auckland
Graduate Diploma in Teaching from Primary
Read More
Rotorua Girls’ High School
High School Diploma
Read More
Personal statement
- As a bilingual speaker of English and Japanese, and through my own experience as an English language learner in New Zealand, I have developed a strong understanding of the challenges that English language learners may face. Combined with my ESOL studies at the University of Auckland, this has strengthened my ability to support students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. I value creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels respected, supported, and encouraged to succeed, while building positive relationships with students, whānau, and the wider community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team!