Te Huinga Koia
Linwood,Christchurch
Summary
A creative kaiako with over 20 years of experience in teaching in New Zealand. Focused on empowering tamariki to lead with curiosity, integrating Te Reo Maori and equity-focused frameworks to create vibrant, child-led learning experiences.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
6
6
Certifications
Work History
ECE Kaiako
Gisborne Kindergarten Association
Kaiti, Gisborne
05.2024 - 05.2025
- Developed engaging lesson plans that promote early childhood learning and creativity.
- Facilitated daily activities that enhance social skills and emotional development in children.
- Organized educational materials and resources for diverse learning needs and styles.
- Guided students in developing basic literacy and numeracy skills through interactive play.
- Assessed student progress regularly and adjusted teaching methods as needed.
- Created a safe, inclusive atmosphere that encourages exploration and discovery among students.
- Created and maintained safe learning environment for students.
- Planned and implemented engaging lessons to meet the individual needs of each student.
- Developed positive relationships with students, families, staff members, and outside agencies.
- Promoted collaborative learning among peers through group work activities.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies such as setting limits while encouraging self-discipline.
- Fostered an atmosphere of respect through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided a safe learning environment where children could explore their creativity.
- Integrated music, art, drama, literature, science, math into lesson plans for hands-on learning experiences.
- Documented and shared important milestones with each student's parents and guardians.
- Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing, and crafts.
ECE Kaiako
Awapuni Early Learners
Awapuni, Gisborne
08.2018 - 05.2024
- Designed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles and developmental stages.
- Facilitated professional development workshops on child development topics for staff members.
- Provided a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children.
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Organized indoor and outdoor playtime activities to promote physical and mental development of children.
- Encouraged creativity through art, music, dramatic play and other creative activities.
- Developed age-appropriate activities to encourage physical, social and intellectual development of children.
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies.
- Stuck to daily routines to help children feel comfortable and promote development.
- Assisted students with special needs by providing additional support when required.
- Observed and monitored the behavior of children in order to ensure safety and provide positive guidance.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Maintained a clean classroom environment ensuring toys are sanitized regularly.
- Promoted effective communication between staff members by participating actively in team meetings.
- Created and implemented developmentally appropriate curriculum addressing learning styles.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes.
- Assisted with planning, preparing and serving meals according to dietary requirements.
- Directed and supervised children during field trips and special activities.
- Implemented strategies to support children with special needs, ensuring inclusive education practices.
- Supervised and trained assistant educators, fostering a collaborative and professional team environment.
- Designed and modified the classroom layout to create an accessible and interactive learning space.
- Utilized a variety of teaching methods including play, storytelling, and creative arts to stimulate children's cognitive and social development.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
ECE Kaiako
Whare Amai
Elgin, Gisborne
01.2012 - 08.2018
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Fostered a safe and nurturing classroom environment for young children.
- Organized age-appropriate activities that promote social and emotional growth.
- Collaborated with parents to support student needs and enhance home-school connection.
- Implemented assessment tools to track student progress and tailor instruction.
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment to encourage child development and learning.
- Maintained a safe and inclusive learning space for all students and staff members.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay updated on best practices.
- Facilitated small group instruction as needed for students who require additional support.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan field trips and special events.
- Developed and maintained a positive, nurturing learning environment.
- Created an engaging classroom environment through creative use of educational materials.
- Maintained accurate records of students' progress.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Encouraged children's emotional and physical development through age-appropriate activities.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Stuck to daily routines to help children feel comfortable and promote development.
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
Education
NZ Diploma in Nga Toi Level 5 - Te Whare Pora
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Gisborne, NZ11-2021
Certificate Level 4 - Te Whare Pora
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Gisborne, NZ12-2020
Diploma in Te Reo Maori
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Gisborne11-2014
Graduate Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood - Early Childhood Education
The University of Waikato
Hamilton, NZ04-2012
Diploma of Teaching Kura Kaupapa Maori - Kaiako
Te Wananga Takiura O Nga KKM O Aotearoa
Auckland, NZ11-2000
NZ Certificate in Nga Toi Level 3 - Te Whare Pora
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Gisborne, NZcompu
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
GisborneSkills
- Child development
- Curriculum design
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Student assessment
- Creative, Mahi Toi, Raranga
- Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga
- Waiata Maori
- Guitar and ukulele
- Storytelling
- Life skills experiences
Affiliations
Kia Ora, I am dedicated educator, professional with lived experiences of dyslexia and a strong understanding of diverse learning needs. skilled in adapting teaching approaches to support tamariki and create inclusive, learner-centered environments. committed to supporting positive learning outcomes through empathy, resilience, and collaboration.
My skills and strengths:
-strong resilience and perseverance
-deep understanding of diverse learning styles
-empathy and patience
-ability to adapt teaching approaches to individual needs
-passion for sharing knowledge and supporting others
-positive role model for learners with additional needs
-team work
Achievements:
-developed effective learning strategies to support my own success as a learner with dyslexia
-Successfully supported tamariki with diverse learning needs in a support teacher role
-build strong, trusting relationships with learners, whanau, and work colleague
-Turned personal learning challenges into strengths that benefit others
My skills and strengths:
-strong resilience and perseverance
-deep understanding of diverse learning styles
-empathy and patience
-ability to adapt teaching approaches to individual needs
-passion for sharing knowledge and supporting others
-positive role model for learners with additional needs
-team work
Achievements:
-developed effective learning strategies to support my own success as a learner with dyslexia
-Successfully supported tamariki with diverse learning needs in a support teacher role
-build strong, trusting relationships with learners, whanau, and work colleague
-Turned personal learning challenges into strengths that benefit others
Languages
Te Reo Maori
Full Professional
References
References available upon request.
Certification
Graduate Diploma of Teaching - The University of Waikato
Timeline
ECE Kaiako
Gisborne Kindergarten Association
05.2024 - 05.2025
ECE Kaiako
Awapuni Early Learners
08.2018 - 05.2024
ECE Kaiako
Whare Amai
01.2012 - 08.2018
NZ Diploma in Nga Toi Level 5 - Te Whare Pora
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Certificate Level 4 - Te Whare Pora
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Diploma in Te Reo Maori
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Graduate Diploma of Teaching Early Childhood - Early Childhood Education
The University of Waikato
Diploma of Teaching Kura Kaupapa Maori - Kaiako
Te Wananga Takiura O Nga KKM O Aotearoa
NZ Certificate in Nga Toi Level 3 - Te Whare Pora
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
compu
Te Wananga O Aotearoa