This will be my first year teaching at Oamaru Intermediate and I am so excited to be a part of the Year 7 team in Room 4. I started teaching in 2007 after completing a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning at the University of Canterbury. Prior to becoming a teacher, I completed my Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality at Otago Polytech. I have also trained as a quality controller for MAF and work for Carter Holt Havey as a logistics manager.

I began my career as a year seven/eight teacher at Kaiapoi North School and was the coordinator of our Kapa Haka. During this time I was also given the role of ICT, tutor teacher and Library coordinator. Kaiapoi North set me up for my teaching career and gave me excellent foundations, which I still incorporate into my teaching practice today.

After the dreadful Christchurch earthquakes, I felt it was time to get out of Christchurch and moved back to Central Otago where I was born with my son. I spent four years at Cromwell Primary school as a year three/four teacher and year four/five teacher. I was fortunate enough to be part of a very forward-thinking, technology-driven team who are at the forefront of professional development. I learnt so much about my own teaching practice and made progressive changes from the exposure to the ongoing professional development we received. I was honoured to be asked to coordinate our Kapa Haka and attended the Mauhiki Polyfest in Invercargill with glowing accolades from the audience. It was also during this time I embarked on post-graduate studies in Mathematics.

Since becoming a teacher I have also completed Post Graduate studies in Digital Technology. I would consider mathematics, digital technology, and cultural performance strengths of mine and I’m always on the lookout for better ways to incorporate technology into the classroom.

I’m a passionate teacher who looks to engage all my students with a primary focus on making my students feel safe in their learning environment. I believe that when my students feel safe, respected and cared about they have the ability to succeed in their learning. I look to empower growth mindsets, student agency, and visual learning that focuses on making the learning visible to the learner, as we embark on developing 21st-century learners in a world that does not yet exist.