Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Study Placements
Generic
TE URUMAHORA STOKES-MILL

TE URUMAHORA STOKES-MILL

Christchurch

Summary

I am passionate educator of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Haka, and I take pride in sharing this knowledge with all ākonga. I strive to create inclusive, culturally rich learning environments where students of all backgrounds can engage with and appreciate the beauty and significance of Māori language and performing arts. Proven ability to foster student engagement and confidence through creative, activity-based learning. Skilled in collaboration and student assessment, I empower diverse learners to achieve their full potential in a supportive environment.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Polyfest Tutor

Haeata Community Campus
01.2025 - 03.2025
  • Serving as a Polyfest tutor taught me that cultural celebration and participation are for all ākonga, not just those of Pacific Island descent. I was privileged to be part of a five-person tutorship team, working with 35 students from Haeata Community Campus in preparation for the 2025 SPACPAC Polyfest. Although I am of Māori descent, I have a deep respect and admiration for Samoan and other Pacific cultures. My involvement included choreographing and supporting costume design for the Siva, which deepened my cultural understanding and strengthened my ability to support learners from diverse backgrounds through inclusive and culturally sustaining practices.
  • Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions, tailoring instruction to meet the specific needs of each student while promoting independent learning skills.
  • Tutored diverse groups of students to strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and build important learning skills.
  • Created positive and encouraging learning environment to foster love for learning among students.
  • Integrated cultural and historical context into language teaching, enhancing students' understanding and appreciation of subject.
  • Provided constructive feedback to students, promoting self-reflection and continuous improvement in their work.
  • Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
  • Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
  • Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
  • Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.

Teacher Aide

Haeata Community Campus
07.2023 - 12.2024
  • Established positive classroom environment by fostering strong relationships with students, promoting respect and open communication.
  • Collaborated with teaching team to develop cross-curricular projects, enhancing students'' connections between subjects.
  • Adapted instructional materials to accommodate diverse learners while preserving content integrity and rigor.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies, maintaining a focused and productive classroom atmosphere.
  • Assisted teachers with administrative tasks such as photocopying worksheets or grading papers efficiently without compromising quality feedback.
  • Managed classroom resources effectively, ensuring availability of necessary materials for instructional purposes.
  • Actively participated in professional development opportunities and shared insights with colleagues for continuous improvement.
  • Supported teachers in creating differentiated instruction materials, catering to diverse learning needs.
  • Facilitated small group instruction for targeted skill development, boosting overall academic performance.
  • Supported students in deepening their understanding of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori, fostering a strong sense of cultural identity and belonging, particularly for Māori learners.
  • Collaborated with ākonga from Years 1 to 13, engaging with learners from a wide range of cultural backgrounds—including Māori, Pasifika, and tauiwi—to promote equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive teaching practices.

Early Childcare Assistant

Te Puna Reo O Pukehinahina
10.2020 - 01.2021
  • Applied my knowledge of Te Reo Māori to effectively engage with tamariki from early years onwards, supporting language acquisition and cultural identity. Responsibilities included communicating with ākonga in Te Reo Māori, reading and storytelling, preparing tamariki for play-based learning and kai breaks, and organising a range of engaging, age-appropriate activities. This role demonstrated my commitment to culturally responsive practice and creating a nurturing, reo-rich environment for all learners.
  • Supported early literacy skills through storytelling, reading books, and teaching letter recognition.
  • Observed strict adherence to licensing standards by following established policies on safety procedures, food preparation guidelines, and sanitation practices.
  • Provided one-on-one support to children with special needs or developmental delays.
  • Maintained accurate records on student attendance, health concerns, and daily progress to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Kapa Haka Tutor

Te Kura O Manunui
08.2020 - 12.2020
  • Led and taught a kapa haka group of Year 4–6 ākonga, sharing my knowledge of Tāne Rore and Hine Rēhia to inspire a passion for Māori performing arts. I designed and delivered a 25-minute performance bracket comprising seven items, working with a culturally diverse group of tamariki. Over four months of dedicated rehearsals, I fostered cultural understanding, discipline, and teamwork, culminating in a successful performance at a regional competition. This experience reflects my strengths in cultural leadership, inclusive practice, and the ability to motivate students toward high-quality outcomes.
  • Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
  • Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
  • Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.

After-School Program Leader

Merivale Community Centre
05.2020 - 10.2020
  • As a proud local of the Merivale community in Tauranga, I gained valuable experience working at the Merivale Community Centre, supporting rangatahi through youth development programmes. My role focused on building positive relationships with young people, creating a safe and inclusive environment where they could participate in community events, socialise, play, and access kai. I also helped deliver school holiday programmes that promoted positive choices, pro-social behaviour, and community connectedness. This experience strengthened my skills in behaviour management, youth mentoring, and culturally responsive practice—skills I now bring into my teaching
  • Created fun, age-appropriate activities for school-age children.
  • Monitored student safety while conducting indoor or outdoor activities.
  • Assisted students with homework completion, providing individualized support and guidance as needed.
  • Managed behavioral issues and used positive behavior strategies for groups of up to 20 students.
  • Implemented effective behavior management strategies, creating a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed of their child''s progress and involvement in the program.
  • Scheduled mini-lessons, art projects, and unstructured playtime for school-age children.
  • Fostered a positive learning atmosphere by promoting respect, curiosity, cooperation among students.
  • Implemented student safety measures across program to minimize accidents.

Education

Diploma - Secondary Education

University of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ
04-2026

Skills

  • Patience and empathy
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Creative thinking
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Team collaboration
  • Background in Te Reo Māori
  • Background in Te Ao Haka
  • Student assessment
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Child development
  • Activity-based learning

Languages

Te Reo Māori
Native or Bilingual

Interests

  • Netball Umpiring
  • Kapa Haka
  • Horseback Riding
  • Diving
  • Whānau

Timeline

Polyfest Tutor

Haeata Community Campus
01.2025 - 03.2025

Teacher Aide

Haeata Community Campus
07.2023 - 12.2024

Early Childcare Assistant

Te Puna Reo O Pukehinahina
10.2020 - 01.2021

Kapa Haka Tutor

Te Kura O Manunui
08.2020 - 12.2020

After-School Program Leader

Merivale Community Centre
05.2020 - 10.2020

Diploma - Secondary Education

University of Canterbury

Study Placements

Junior Subject Study Placement: 

Te Aratai College 

Te Reo Māori, Te Ao Haka 

Year 9 - 13

March 24 2025 - May 30 2025


Completed a seven-week teaching placement with a focus on classroom management, Te Reo Māori, and Te Ao Haka activities. Delivered a full teaching unit with both Year 9 and Year 10 ākonga, including planning, delivery, and assessment. Gained valuable experience in marking NCEA assessments, further developing my understanding of curriculum and achievement standards.




Senior Subject Study Placement: 

Christchurch Girls' High School, Te Kura O Hine Waiora 

Te Reo Māori, Te Ao Haka 

Year 9 - 13 

August 4 2025 - October 10 2025


Currently completing my second teaching placement at Te Kura o Hine Waiora, where I teach Te Reo Māori to Year 9–13 students. I design and deliver engaging lessons that promote language acquisition and cultural understanding across a range of proficiency levels.

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