New Zealand Teachers Council Te Pouherenga Kaiako o Aotearoa Candidate Profile Statements for the 2014 New Zealand Teachers Council Election of one representative for the Secondary Sector Disclaimer Statement by the Teachers Council This Candidate Profile Booklet contains profile statements of up to 150 words provided by each of the 13 candidates nominated for the 2014 New Zealand Teachers Council Secondary Sector election. The candidates have been listed in pseudo random order. Any emphasis (capitalisation, italics, bolding, underscoring, bullets) has been added by the individual candidates. The Returning Officer and New Zealand Teachers Council accept no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the content contained in the statements as supplied by the candidates. Warwick Lampp Returning Officer New Zealand Teachers Council 0508 666 001 [email protected] For assistance phone the ELECTION HELPLINE: 0508 666 001 2014 Secondary Sector Election Voting closes at 12 noon Friday 3 October 2014. The election is for ONE (1) Secondary Sector Representative. The election is being carried out by internet and postal voting using the First Past the Post (FPP) voting method. Candidates names are in pseudo random order on the voting documents. Purpose of the Council The purpose of the NZ Teachers Council is to provide professional leadership in teaching, enhance the professional status of teachers in schools, kura and early childhood education settings and contribute to a safe and high quality teaching and learning environment for children and other learners. About the Teachers Council The Teachers Council comprises 11 members, as follows: (a) 4 members appointed by the Minister (b) 4 elected members (each of whom must be a registered teacher holding a current practising certificate), being: (i) 1 teacher representing the early childhood sector, elected by teachers from that sector; and (ii) 1 teacher representing the primary sector, elected by teachers from that sector; and (iii) 1 teacher representing the secondary sector, elected by teachers from that sector; and (iv) 1 principal, elected by principals: (c) 1 person appointed by the Minister on the nomination of the New Zealand Educational Institute: (d) 1 person appointed by the Minister on the nomination of the New Zealand Post Primary Teachers’ Association: (e) 1 person appointed by the Minister on the nomination of the New Zealand School Trustees Association. The Minister appoints the Chairperson. AMOS Claire Auckland Academic Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Auckland) (1996). Diploma of Teaching (1997). Current Secondary Position: Deputy Principal (Enabling Learning), Hobsonville Point Secondary School. Responsibilities include: Professional Learning, Appraisal, ICT and E-Learning, Digital Citizenship and Library. Active Teaching Experience: 2013-present Deputy Principal, Hobsonville Point Secondary School 2010-2012 Director of E-learning, Epsom Girls Grammar School 2010-2010 Secondary English Facilitator, Team Solutions 2010-2011 ICTs in English Forum Facilitator, English Online, Cognition 2008-2009 HOD English, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School 2004-2007 Assistant HOD English, Takapuna Grammar School 2002-2004 Assistant HOD English, HOD Drama (2MU) Rangitoto College 1999-2001 HOD Drama (1MU), English Teacher, Rangitoto College 1998-1999 English Teacher, Rangitoto College Governance Experience: 2014-present NetSafe Board - Co-opted Board Observer 2012-present PPTA ICT Advisory Committee Member (Auckland Representative) 2009-2011 IFTE / NZATE Conference Committee Member 2008-2009 AATEL (Auckland Association of English Teachers) Committee Member Personal Interests: Family, travel, learning, social media, blogging, reading, tattoos and design. Candidate Statement: As an experienced educator who has worked with a range of agencies such as NZQA, PPTA, NetSafe and the 21st Century Learning Reference Group I believe I could bring an articulate and positive secondary voice to the NZTC. I am passionate and well informed about educational issues and constantly seek ways to support and challenge NZ educators to be future-focused, open and reflective, as well as being recognised as the hardworking professionals we are. During the submissions process for the Education Amendment Bill no. 2, I was very vocal about the need for a democratic process for establishing EDUCANZ and other key issues. As the secondary representative on NZTC I would also see my role as being to raise awareness of issues such as: • The new EDUCANZ being formed through undemocratic means • EDUCANZ replacing the aspirational ‘Code of Ethics’ with what I believe to be a patronising ‘Code of Conduct’ CASSIDY Megan Christchurch Academic Qualifications: B.A. Diploma in Teaching. Current Secondary Position: Associate Principal, Middleton Grange School. Active Teaching Experience: 2005-2012 Assistant Principal [Pastoral Care] Villa Maria College 2005 Assistant H.O.F English, Counsellor for girls, Teacher with Library Responsibilities, R.A.F.A. Co-ordinator. Tutor Year 8, Liaison teacher C.C.E, Kaiapoi High School 2004 Lecturer Christchurch College of Education 1995-2003 Assistant Teacher of English, Liaison Teacher C.C.E, T.I.C. Drama, Year 9 Tutor, Year 13 Tutor, Kaiapoi High School 1992-1994 Maternity leave 1992 Assistant Teacher of English, St Andrew’s College 1989-1992 Acting Associate HOD English, Assistant Teacher of English, Wellington Girl’s College 1989 Assistant Teacher, Scots College, Wellington 1985-88 Assistant Teacher, St Andrew’s College Governance Experience: 2009-current Elected Secondary Representative NZTC. 2009-current member NZTC Professional Leadership Committee. 2005- current Member NZTC Disciplinary Tribunal. Chairperson Woodend School Board of Trustees for 2 years. Member of Woodend School Board of Trustees for 6 years. Personal Interests: Reading interesting books, watching memorable movies, family time, and I would like to say personal fitness but that is currently more aspirational that operational. Candidate Statement: Teaching is a complex and high-stakes occupation. Our professional body must and should have elected representation of skilled and experienced practitioners who understand these complexities and the importance of supporting the profession, continually reflecting on and raising standards, and regulating teaching practice based on what is in the best interests of our students. Until the Teachers Council is disestablished, maintaining as many experienced council members as possible around the table is critical for ensuring the efficient and rigorous processes that we have developed and currently have in place are maintained and transitioned into the new ministerially appointed EDUCANZ. It has been a privilege representing my secondary colleagues and all educational sectors over the past six years on the Council and nine within the Disciplinary Tribunal. It would be a greater privilege to be given the opportunity to continue serving the interests of the young people in our classrooms. CRUDEN John Timaru Academic Qualifications: MSc, Dip Tchg. Current Secondary Position: Currently Teacher of Science, Maori and Careers at Mackenzie College since 2012. Active Teaching Experience: Previously Principal of Opihi College, Temuka (Feb 2005 to Dec 2011); Assistant Deputy Principal Mackenzie College (mid-2002 to 2005), Head of Science Mackenzie College (1994 to mid 2002), Science Teacher King Edward VII High School, Kings Lynn, Norfolk, UK on exchange (2000), Head of Biology Nayland College (1993), Science Teacher Nayland College (1987-1992). Governance Experience: Board of Trustees Mackenzie College (Staff Rep) 2013 to present, Board of Trustees Opihi College (ex officio, Principal) 2005 to 2011. Chair Aoraki Region PPTA 1999, Secretary Aoraki Region PPTA 1998. Chair Virtual Learning Community Council of New Zealand 2010 to 2011. Chair Aoraki Volleyball Association 2010 to 2013. Personal Interests: Personal interests include fly fishing and gardening. Candidate Statement: My fundamental reason for standing is the Education Amendment Bill No. 2. This bill seeks to remove control of our profession away from practitioners to politically appointed councillors. This is a move I deplore and oppose. I have spent the majority of my career teaching in two small rural high schools in the South Island. I hope to see that their voice will be better heard in national debates. As a principal I had worked to see the establishment of a VLN in Timaru. I believe that these VLN communities will provide a rich learning environment for our pupils and their teachers; but there are a number of professional issues for us to address. I have a wide range of experience in teaching in a wide range of positions. Returning to the classroom has been a joy but also a humbling experience. I remain a learner myself. FLAVELL Will Auckland Academic Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts (Japanese) Bachelor of Teaching (Professional Education) Post Graduate Diploma Education (Māori Education) Masters of Education with honours (Thesis: E Toru Ngā Reo: ‘A Case Study of a Spanish Language Programme in a Kura Kaupapa Māori’) University of Waikato Current Secondary Position: Head of Māori Studies, Rutherford College. Governance Experience: Elected Member to the Auckland Council Henderson – Massey Local Board 2013 – New Zealand Education Sub-Commission for UNESCO 2011 – 2014 Asia New Zealand Leadership Network 2012 – Personal Interests: I enjoy all sports, in particular tennis, interval and resistance training at the gym. I have a passion for learning languages and currently learning Samoan. I also enjoy writing and am working on my first novel. Candidate Statement: Kia ora, I am a diligent and innovative professional educator who has excellent attention to detail with strong skills in teaching, curriculum development and leadership. I have taught Japanese, te reo Māori and Social Studies since 2007. I am currently the Head of Māori Studies at Rutherford College and I love working with our community’s young people, helping them find their way in the world. Their enthusiasm and passion excites me and that’s why I am proud to stand as a representative for our students and fellow teaching colleagues. I have sound ideas for pre-service teacher training, best practice for teaching and learning and future key policy developments that enhances professional standards. I am a current member of the PPTA and have experience as an elected member on the Auckland Council Henderson – Massey Local Board and previously appointed to the Education Sub-Commission for UNESCO. Contact me: [email protected] GOULD Jan Wellington Academic Qualifications: MA (Hons) Dip Corp Mgment. Dip Tchng Dip SPELD. Dip MOVE (Florida). Current Secondary Position: Senior Teacher Classics Latin Te Kura the Correspondence School. Active Teaching Experience: I have spent the bulk of my teaching career as an assistant teacher because student contact and working with the students has been the primary goal of being a teacher. Working with the full range of students from special needs and ESOL students to gifted and talented students from both the primary and secondary service has been worthwhile, fulfilling and immensely challenging. Governance Experience: Trustee of the ADD Trust (home of Compassion Island Bay) 8 years. Personal Interests: Reading, gardening, travel, photography, cooking. Candidate Statement: When the Teacher’s Council, was restructured in a way that excluded teachers from being on it, this meant there was no voice from teachers in support of teachers. It’s at this point that I decided to become part of what I hoped would be a deluge of teachers who affirmed its role and put themselves forward as candidates in order to ensure that teachers should be valued and that our profession must be respected in the same way as other professional bodies. As a member of the teaching community that works extremely hard for our students who are listed as being in both “first and second chance education” we find the environment for learners of every age is actually getting harder. This is a huge challenge for all of us in the profession and these structural barriers need to be under the spotlight for all to see. KAHL Jo Wellington Candidate Statement: I have been a secondary teacher for almost 30 years and an office holder in the PPTA on many occasions. I am a teacher of English and Deputy Principal at Wellington Girls’ College. I haven’t always been the Teachers Councils greatest fan. I felt that the PPTA was our professional body and another wasn’t needed. When it was obvious that the Teachers’ Council was here to stay, I began to appreciate some of the initiatives that were implemented, RTC and PD initiatives especially. This is potentially the last chance to have a say about who will speak for teachers on the Council. It has a crucial role to set and maintain standards. We need to be able to rely on the people who are charged with doing this. We need to send a message to the politicians that to have a “Teachers Council” without a genuine teacher’s voice is unacceptable. KING Stuart Auckland Academic Qualifications: Bachelor of Business Studies (Economics) Bachelor of Arts (Geography) Both from Massey University in Palmerston North. Dip. Teaching Auckland College of Education Current Secondary Position: • Head of Learning for Commerce and Information Technology at James Cook High School, which includes Accounting, Business Studies, Computing, Economics, Information Technology, and Legal Studies. • This is a new role in 2014, for the previous fifteen years I was Faculty Manager for Social Sciences at James Cook High School. Active Teaching Experience: • I taught at Nga Tapuwae College from 1980 to 1987 rising to Head of Commerce and Computing. • Then I was appointed HOD Commerce at James Cook High from 1987. During my time at James Cook I have also been a Dean; Basketball, Hockey and Rugby coach; and on the timetabling team. Governance Experience: • I am currently in my 4th term as a parent trustee on the Manurewa High School Board of Trustees (our children’s school), and I am in my 7th term as staff trustee on the BOT at James Cook High School. I am a NZSTA Accredited Trustee. • I have been a PPTA member all my career and for the past fourteen years I have been the Counties-Manukau PPTA regional treasurer. Previously, I was on the PPTA National Executive. For the past six years I have been a Surplus Staffing Specialist assisting Teachers and BOTs with CAPNAs. I was awarded a Service Award by the NZPPTA in 2012. • For the past four years I have been a member of the Teachers Council Disciplinary Tribunal. Personal Interests: My interests are most sports (as a spectator now), DIY around home, reading, and my pets (a greyhound cross dog named Tenaya, and our moggy Henry). Candidate Statement: I am married to Janis (also a teacher) with two adult children. I have taught for thirty three years working in nearly every role in schools and have a proven track record of service to teachers. With my experience I want to: • Raise the profile and status of teaching in the community and develop the profession to be a career of first choice. • Make teacher registration as cheap, simple and efficient as possible, especially for new and overseas teachers. • Ensure there is proper consultation with teachers on key policy developments, by being a voice for practicing grass-root teachers. I promote change for improvement when things are broken, not change for change’s sake. • Ensure teacher accountability is matched to reasonable expectations of teachers. • This election is vital to ensure quality teacher representation in the transition from the Teachers Council to EDUCANZ. • Put teachers first and encourage collegiality. Questions to: [email protected] McGRATH Fiona Gaylene Whangarei Academic Qualifications: Doctorate of Philosophy – Indigenous Studies, Masters of Educational Management, Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary), National Diploma of Business Education. Current Secondary Position: University of Auckland, Te Puna Wananga Professional Learning and Development. Active Teaching Experience: 1990 – Kohanga reo ki Wharekauri 1995 – Auckland Academy (PTE) 1999 – Auckland Girls’ Grammar 2003 – University of Auckland – School of Education 2004 – Unitec NZ – School of Education 2005 – Mangakahia Area School 2007 – He Mataariki Teen Parent Unit 2008 – University of Auckland - Team Solutions 2012 – University of Auckland – Te Puna Wananga Governance Experience: 2008 – Current – Principal Appraisals 2012 – Current - Board Training – MoE – Strategic planning, leadership, managing Māori success 2012 – Board support for Principal appointments, conflicts and disciplinary processes 2012 – Webinars – Ka Hikitia – MoE Personal Interests: Advancing Maori educational leadership, reading, whanau, marae development. Candidate Statement: Dr Fiona McGrath is passionate about teaching and learning and is currently working in Māori medium in Te Taitokerau. Although Fiona’s background has been in Secondary, she has been providing teaching and learning development for the last eight years across all sectors in education. Fiona brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of Principal Appraisals, Performance Management, Pedagogical Leadership, and Educative Induction and Mentoring Programmes to support Provisionally Registered Teachers to full registration – particularly through the use of Te Hapai O in Māori medium. To be nominated onto the Teachers’ Council is a step into ensuring we get the best teachers in front of our kids. We have some awesome teachers in our schools, but yet we still have some that need pedagogical guidance to be effective in the classroom. MITCHELL Karen Auckland Academic Qualifications: MEd Admin 2006, MSc 1981, Diploma of Teaching 1981 Current Secondary Position: Associate Principal Carmel College, 2013-present. Responsible for Learning & Teaching - with an interest in Provisionally Registered Teachers, Professional Learning, Coaching and Appraisal processes. Deputy Principal, 2005-2013. Assistant Principal and HOD Science, 1998-2005. HOD Science, 1993-1998. Active Teaching Experience: Senior Leadership Team Carmel College, 1998-2014. HOD Science Carmel College, 1993-1998. Assistant Teacher Science Birkenhead College, 1981-1992. A number of facilitation, reference group and moderation roles with NZQA, MoE and NZTC, 1993 - present. Governance Experience: Executive member of Auckland Deputy and Assistant Principals Association, 2004 - present. President of Zonta North Shore, 2012-2013. Board member of Zonta North Shore, 2007-present. Chairperson of the Forrest Hill School Board of Trustees, 1997-1999. Member of the Forrest Hill School Board of Trustees, 1994-1996. Personal Interests: I am married with one daughter and currently enjoying the preparations for her upcoming wedding. In what is left of my spare time I like to meet with friends, read, work out at the Gym, advocate on social justice issues and explore Auckland and the other places we visit. Candidate Statement: I am standing for election because I believe in and can contribute to developing the overarching purpose of the Teachers Council to provide professional leadership to the profession. A profession where; • One set of standards the RTCs - is recognised by teachers at all stages of their career • There is a commitment to resourcing ongoing professional learning • Bureaucracy is minimised so the focus is on building capabilities not “death by paper” • Reflective practice, self-determination and integrity enable teachers to be empowered, practitioners • Teacher voice is recognised as a valuable asset • Appropriate mechanisms are in place to maintain a safe learning and teaching environment OTTO Pennie Vaione Auckland Academic Qualifications: BA, Grad.Dip Tchg (Sec), MProfSt (2014), Doctoral Candidate- The University of Auckland, Te Puna Wananga, School of Maori Education. Current Secondary Position: Lecturer, Manukau Institute of Technology, School of Secondary – Tertiary Studies, teaching NCEA English Levels One and Two and Niuean Studies Level One to students with dual enrolment in Years 11 and 12. I have been here since February, 2014. Active Teaching Experience: • McAuley High School, Otahuhu, Auckland 1997-2001 – Form Teacher, English Teacher, Niuean Group Tutor and Teacher in charge • Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate, Otara, Auckland (formerly Hillary College) 2001-2002 – Assistant Head of English, Form Teacher, English Teacher • Papatoetoe High School, Papatoetoe, Auckland – 2002-2002 – Form Teacher, English Teacher • Kaikorai Valley College, Kaikorai Valley, Dunedin – 2002 - 2003 – English/Social Studies Teacher (.4) • Otago Boys’ High School, Dunedin – 2003 - 2004 – Form Teacher, English Teacher • Tangaroa College, Otara, Auckland – 2004 - 2006 – Form Teacher, English/Social Studies Teacher • Papatoetoe High School, Papatoetoe, Auckland, 2006 - 2014 – Year 10 Dean, Rimu House Dean, English Teacher, Vagahau Niue Teacher Governance Experience: PPTA Tangaroa College Branch, Women’s Representative – 20042005; PPTA Papatoetoe College Branch, Pasifika Representative – 2006-2014; Takanini PIC Church Treasurer, 2006-present; Tautiolo Maiehi Trust Chairperson, 2010-2012; Fuata Matala Committee Convenor, 2014. Personal Interests: My personal interests include coordinating mini-DIY projects for my parents’ home. As well as that, I also enjoy making scrapbooks with my children and creating stories with them. In terms of church and community aspects, I really enjoy attending Niuean activities so that my children can learn as much as they can about their heritage. Candidate Statement: Fakaalofa atu, I am a New Zealand-born first-generation Niuean from Avatele and Makefu, married to a Samoan from Vailuutai and Vaiala and we have four children. One of my main reasons for standing is to represent minority groups. I aim to be a voice for our Indigenous teachers and provide a genuine perspective on Pasifika issues and concerns. I believe that my experience in the field across a range of schools has helped develop my teaching philosophy over the past 18 years. It is time for me to give back to the industry and it would be an honour and a privilege to be elected on this Council. I will maintain a clear focus to uphold the integrity of the teaching profession that I have been part of for much of my life. My current research feeds into my practise and I value other peoples’ ideas and worldviews. PIERCE Gregory Hawkes Bay Academic Qualifications: Bachelor of Arts -University of Otago (1988) Diploma of Teaching- Christchurch Teachers’ College (1989) Post Graduate Diploma of Educational Administration- Massey University (1999) Completing a ‘Masters of Educational Leadership’- Waikato University (2013, 2014). Current Secondary Position: Deputy Principal Hastings Boys’ High School (2010 – Present) Key Responsibilities: Managed Learning Environments, Student Achievement, Whole School Pastoral Oversight. Active Teaching Experience: Associate Headmaster- Shirley Boys’ High School- Christchurch (2006-2008) Deputy Director Senior School- Southern Cross Campus- Auckland (2003-2005) Assistant Headmaster Lilian Baylis School- Lambeth, London (2003, 2004) Prior to this a variety of positions, ie, Dean, Head of Key Stage, Head of Department in state single sex and co-educational schools from 1990, in both New Zealand and England including Kelston Boys’ High School- Auckland (1997-99), Chatham House Grammar School- Kent, England (1993-95) and Southland Boys’ High SchoolInvercargill (1990-92). Governance Experience: Board of Trustees experience Hastings Boys’ High School (2010-14), Shirley Boys’ High School (2006-08), Finance Committee- Shirley Boys High School (2006-08), Hawkes Bay- East Coast AP/ DP Committee (2013,14), Waikato University Educational Leadership Network (2012-14), International Learning Network of U.K. National College for School Leadership (2009-14), Southern Cross Campus Disciplinary Committee (2003-05). Personal Interests: Family and supporting children’s educational, co-curricular interests and travelling wherever and whenever possible. Whenever returning to the South Island, tramping is always a popular option and various sporting pursuits and interests throughout the school year. I also enjoy watching a variety of films, documentaries and reading (particularly historical and human focused non-fiction). New and challenging educational and professional challenges are always of interest to me. Candidate Statement: I have always sought professional challenges throughout my very diverse teaching career. It is essential that there is a national, politically independent educational organisation which is predominantly elected by teachers and representative of the early childhood, primary, intermediate and secondary sectors which exist in New Zealand. There needs to be a consistent and stringent set of professional policies and guidelines which address the key areas which are of paramount importance. This is essential if teaching and educational outcomes for our students are to be of the highest possible standard. These areas need to include, the rigorous quality assurance of all teacher training institutions and providers, the clarity of function and purpose pertaining to teacher registration requirements and compliance, together with teacher competency and disciplinary issues which may arise. The N.Z. Teachers’ Council needs to be professionally ethical, empathetic and responsive to the ongoing rapidly changing educational and social climate. SHEPPARD Doug Lower Hutt Academic Qualifications: BSc (VUW) MSc (hons) (VUW) PhD (Otago) Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) (VUW) Current Secondary Position: Teacher of Science, Chemistry and Earth and Space Science, Onslow College. I am in my eighth year in this position. Active Teaching Experience: Full-time Teacher, Mathematics, St Mary’s College, Wellington in 2006. Governance Experience: Executive Committee, Public Service Association, for one year in the early 1980s. Board of Trustees, Onslow College, as Staff Representative 2013 to 2014. Certificate of Company Direction, NZ Institute of Directors, 1999. Personal Interests: Home handyman, gardening, cricket, golf, motor-homing. Candidate Statement: The EDUCANZ legislation process has brought home to me the importance of the need for a strong Teachers’ Council for its likely short future. It is important that Secondary Teachers have a strong representative to ensure that their interests are protected and advanced as much as is possible. I have “been there, done that” in terms of representing staff through destructive restructurings, in a previous career. I have the skills and fortitude to represent you with strength and determination backed up by my ability to carefully analyse the needs, possibilities and the politics of a situation. I will bring these strengths to the Council if I am elected. I consider that my extensive previous and current experiences in providing leadership and in representing professionals, in their workplaces and their organisations, make me a strong candidate for this position. If this is what you want, vote for me. TARRY Michael Auckland Academic Qualifications: BA(Hons) in Political Studies (Otago, 2004); MA(Hons) in Political Studies (Auckland, 2007); GDipSecTchng (AUT, 2008); Master of Indigenous Studies (Otago, 2015). Current Secondary Position: Reliever, Mt Roskill Grammar School, Mt Roskill, Auckland (since February 2014). Reliever, Glendowie College, Glendowie, Auckland (since May 2014). Reliever, Southern Cross Campus, Mangere, Auckland (since July 2014). Active Teaching Experience: 2008 – 2013: Teacher-in-Charge of History at Whangarei Boys’ High School, Whangarei, New Zealand. Classes taught included all History students from Year 11 to Year 13, including Year 10 accelerant students and Year 13 Scholarship candidates. Additional classes included Year 9 and 10 Social Studies, including Year 9 accelerant students and Year 9 low-ability students. Additional responsibilities included the preparation and presentation of all assessments and administration of the History curriculum area at the school. In 2011 and 2012, I was also Coordinator of Gifted and Talented Education at Whangarei Boys’ High School. Responsible for developing and presenting special education programmes for gifted and talented students. Governance Experience: In 2012 and 2013, I was staff representative to the Whangarei Boys’ High School Board of Trustees, and a member of the Health and Safety, Finance, and Discipline Committees. In 2011, I was a member of the NZQA NCEA Workload Advisory Taskforce which was tasked by the Minister of Education with determining and limiting as appropriate teacher workload in assessment and administration of NCEA. During my time on that taskforce, I presented a recommendation to the Minister of Education that all secondary school teachers be given professional development in standards alignment. The Minister agreed, and provided all secondary and area schools with two teacher-release days annually for 2011-2013. I consider this one of my proudest moments as a teacher. From February 2009 until February 2014, I was a member of the PPTA’s National Establishing Teachers’ Committee, which is tasked with providing advice and guidance to the New Zealand PostPrimary Teachers’ Association on issues and concerns surrounding young and new teachers, with specific responsibility for young and new teachers in Northland and north Auckland. From February 2009 until December 2013, I was a member of PPTA’s Northland Central Regional Management Committee. Since December 2013, I have been Deputy Regional Chair of PPTA’s Auckland Region. Personal Interests: I am an avid reader, and enjoy especially historical novels and texts. I like spending time with friends and family, pottering about in the kitchen, and going to the mall on a Friday night for a food-court curry and a movie. I am a Grade 8 pianist, a published poet, and former film critic. Lately, much of my free time is taken up with readings and thesis-writing towards a Master of Indigenous Studies, being done extramurally through the University of Otago. Candidate Statement: The Teachers’ Council is our council and our professional voice. Even though there is every likelihood that it will be replaced next year, it remains our council. It remains our mouthpiece, our waha kōrero. I have been a secondary teacher since July 2008, and before that I worked at the Universities of Auckland and Otago. My cross-sector experience will help me as your representative. I have worked in Northland and Auckland, as a full-time teacher, as a day reliever, across the deciles, in integrated schools, and in both co-ed and single-sex schools. This broad experience gives me an excellent understanding of what it’s like to work in many different types of schools, and means that I know how hard our different jobs can be, and what needs to be done to make them just that much easier. I have the time, energy, and skills to be the representative you need. For assistance phone the ELECTION HELPLINE: 0508 666 001
© Copyright 2024 ExpyDoc
