Tania Cartman
Auckland
Summary
Passionate and experienced educator with a strong background in bilingual teaching and leadership. Holds a Bachelor of Education specialising in the Huarahi Māori pathway and is currently on study leave to further strengthen te reo Māori and tikanga. Played a key role in the establishment of the school’s first Te Reo Māori bilingual unit, leading the foundation work, setting up systems, and building the programme over the past four years. Led the bilingual team, mentored kaiako, and successfully applied for and facilitated professional development funding to support the unit's growth. Developed a unique graduate profile for the three bilingual units to ensure clear progression pathways for ākonga. Skilled in culturally responsive pedagogy, including the use of Rangaranga Reo ā Tā, and committed to fostering strong whānau partnerships and equitable learning environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Study Leave
St Leonards Road School
01.2025 - Current
- Currently undertaking intensive study to strengthen te reo Māori language proficiency.
- Deepening understanding and application of tikanga Māori within educational contexts.
- Engaging with cultural advisors and learning communities to enhance bicultural leadership capabilities.
- Applying newly gained knowledge to support future bilingual and culturally responsive teaching practices.
Te Reo Māori Bilingual Team Leader
St Leonards Road School
01.2021 - Current
- Support the school-wide bilingual strategic plan.
- Support teachers to embed culturally responsive and bilingual pedagogies.
- Facilitate professional learning and development (PLD) around bilingual teaching strategies.
- Model effective bilingual teaching practices across learning areas.
- Ensure curriculum content reflects the language, identity, and culture of ākonga.
- Support teachers to embed culturally responsive and bilingual pedagogies.
- Facilitate professional learning and development (PLD) around bilingual teaching strategies.
- Model effective bilingual teaching practices across learning areas.
- Ensure curriculum content reflects the language, identity, and culture of ākonga.
- Build strong, respectful relationships with ākonga and their whānau.
- Facilitate communication between school and whānau in both languages.
- Involve whānau in the learning journey and bilingual programme development.
- Encourage whānau contributions to school life and cultural celebrations.
Community of Teachers (localised Curriculum)
Kahui ako within school
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Attended and contributed actively to Kāhui Ako meetings, representing school-wide priorities and sharing insights.
- Reported regularly to the Principal, Vision Team, Inquiry, and Leadership Teams on progress, forward planning, and strategic next steps.
- Collaborated with other Kāhui Ako within-school leads to support shared kaupapa and initiatives.
- Led and supported the development of a coherent transition strategy for tamariki and rangatahi across the Kāhui Ako.
- Contributed to improving literacy and numeracy outcomes by supporting initiatives that enhance teaching and learning practices.
- Strengthened curriculum connections between kura and the local context, promoting place-based learning and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Mentor for a PCT - Two Beginner Teachers
St Leonards Road School
01.2019 - 2024
- Designed and implemented a high-quality induction and mentoring programme tailored to the needs of the PCT and the school setting.
- Fostered a professional learning culture, underpinned by clear policies, expectations, and systems that support the growth of beginning teachers.
- Maintained a balance of professional guidance and pastoral care, building a trusting and respectful mentoring relationship.
- Advocated for the PCT’s professional development, wellbeing, and successful integration into the teaching team.
- Provided ongoing feedback, coaching, and support aligned with the Standards for the Teaching Profession.
- Monitored progress, supported goal setting, and helped navigate appraisal and registration processes.
Classroom Teacher
St Leonards Road School
01.2016 - Current
- Planned and prepared engaging, differentiated lesson plans aligned with learning goals and student needs.
- Delivered DMIC (Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities) lessons to promote collaborative, inquiry-based learning in mathematics.
- Developed, organised, and maintained classroom resources to support effective teaching and learning.
- Implemented the New Zealand Curriculum across learning areas, integrating culturally responsive practices.
- Followed the term assessment schedule to track student progress and inform next steps in teaching.
- Prepared and wrote accurate, timely reports to communicate student achievement and progress to whānau.
- Attended staff meetings, team planning sessions, and participated in ongoing professional development.
Education
Bachelor of Education (Teaching) - Huarahi Māori
The University of Auckland
Mount Eden, AUK01.2016
Certificate - Te Reo Tuapapa Mātauranga
The University of Auckland
Mount Eden, NZ01-2015
Skills
- Lesson Planning & Curriculum Implementation
Skilled at designing engaging, differentiated lesson plans aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum and incorporating bilingual education principles - Bilingual Education & Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
Experienced in using Rangaranga Reo ā Tā (teaching reading and writing in te reo Māori) strategies to support bilingual learners’ literacy development - Assessment & Reporting
Proficient in following assessment schedules, tracking student progress, and writing clear, informative reports that reflect bilingual learner achievement
- Professional Collaboration & Development
Committed to ongoing professional growth through attending meetings, collaborating with colleagues, and participating in professional development focused on bilingual and culturally responsive teaching - Professional Collaboration & Development
Committed to ongoing professional growth through attending meetings, collaborating with colleagues, and participating in PD courses
Timeline
Study Leave
St Leonards Road School
01.2025 - Current
Te Reo Māori Bilingual Team Leader
St Leonards Road School
01.2021 - Current
Community of Teachers (localised Curriculum)
Kahui ako within school
01.2021 - 01.2023
Mentor for a PCT - Two Beginner Teachers
St Leonards Road School
01.2019 - 2024
Classroom Teacher
St Leonards Road School
01.2016 - Current
Bachelor of Education (Teaching) - Huarahi Māori
The University of Auckland
Certificate - Te Reo Tuapapa Mātauranga
The University of Auckland
Similar Profiles
MRICULA SHARMAMRICULA SHARMA
Primary Class Teacher at St. Leonards Road SchoolPrimary Class Teacher at St. Leonards Road School
Scarlett CheethamScarlett Cheetham
Groom at St Leonards Riding SchoolGroom at St Leonards Riding School
Lisa SmithLisa Smith
Teacher at St Leonards Primary SchoolTeacher at St Leonards Primary School
Mya FennessyMya Fennessy
Volunteer - Teacher Aide at Bairds Mainfreight Primary SchoolVolunteer - Teacher Aide at Bairds Mainfreight Primary School
Sazia KumarSazia Kumar
Business Development Manager at Visy Global LogisticsBusiness Development Manager at Visy Global Logistics