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Enhancing the mana: cultural leadership in Taranaki
Last year, NZEI Te Riu Roa won an allowance for existing teachers who hold cultural knowledge and expertise to recognise the work they are already doing in kura, schools and kindergartens. It came into effect this year and the applications for the funding were overwhelming. Ngāmotu-based writer Emma Hislop (Kāi Tahu) sat down with a few of the kaiako who received the Cultural Leadership Allowance in Taranaki, to find out about their roles – and what receiving the funding meant to them.
poroporoake
A poem for Te Wiki o te reo Māori.
Arohamai, mō taku hē, kei te ako tonu a u i te reo Māori
My journey and personal relationship with my identity is an ever-evolving part of my life. My identity bears the impacts of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Treaty from before I was even born.
Inclusive education: being a teacher with ADHD
In schools and centres across Aotearoa, a growing number of kaiako and support staff are sharing with colleagues that they have a neurodivergent diagnosis. In doing so, they’re helping to break down prejudices and promote inclusion. AKO spoke with three members of NZEI Te Riu Roa about their experiences as educators with ADHD.
Let’s celebrate the learning support staff of Aotearoa
One in five children and young people need extra support for their learning. Whether it's teacher aides, classroom and ECE centre teachers, specialist roles including RTLBs, SENCOs/LSCs or school leaders, almost all professionals in education connect on a daily basis with unmet need in learning support. Here, we profile a range of NZEI Te Riu Roa members working as learning support specialists, as part of the inaugural Learning Support Awareness Day, intended to raise awareness of the gaps between learning support need and provision.
Bacon, eggs and te reo-speaking astronauts: the life and career of Laures Park
After a decades-long career in education that has been focussed on transforming the system in order to uplift Māori students and educators, NZEI Te Riu Roa Matua Takawaenga Laures Park (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Te Rangi, Te Whānau a Apanui) has been awarded a prestigious international prize. Here, we look back at her life and singular career.
Advice to your past self: reflections from Mt Cook School
AKO visited Mt Cook School in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington to talk to five NZEI Te Riu Roa members. We heard their reflections on their careers in education and the changes they’ve witnessed over time, and then asked them one powerful question: what advice would you give your past self starting out in the profession, knowing what you know now?
A cautionary tale from England: how a future of charter schools could look for Aotearoa
James Kerr, a London-based teacher and national executive member of England’s National Education Union, visited Aotearoa in early August to meet with NZEI Te Riu Roa members – and present to Parliament – about the impact of the UK’s academy schools, a model of schooling similar to our Government’s proposed charter schools. He talks here about how what was promised did not transpire.
Diary of a head teacher sabbatical
Last year, NZEI Te Riu Roa kindergarten members won a new addition in their collective agreement: ten-week-long paid sabbaticals for up to 20 head teachers each year. We are honoured to share excerpts from a generous and insightful diary written during one of the first sabbaticals earlier this year, thanks to Shelley Shennan, the head teacher of Parihaka Kindergarten in Whangārei.
Inclusive education – let’s talk about OCD
When obsessive compulsive disorder is misunderstood, students and staff living with OCD are alienated from classrooms — how do educators create more inclusive learning environments for all? A psychologist, a teacher living with OCD, a student and his mum share their perspectives.
Learning from Te Taiao
Bush school, cold dips, and local conservation projects with rats traps, Half Moon Bay School on Rakiura/Stewart Island make sure all the opportunities are possible for their tamariki.
Nurture, emotional regulation and neuroscience: laying the foundation for tamariki to learn
Some tamariki come to school carrying invisible backpacks. Glenview School and Papanui High share the invaluable role learning assistants and support staff play in ensuring all children can feel safe to learn.
Digital pioneers: the world of Esports
Through digital literacy skills, collaboration and teamwork, two intermediate schools in Ōtautahi Christchurch are equipping tamariki exciting new ways to dream of the future.
Day in the Life Series: Megan Hay
Being a lab manager and science technician for Hillcrest High School is a lot more than just filling chemical bottles and washing beakers. For Megan, it's juggling multiple tasks to support staff, students and overnight science trips.
Generational resilience in Pasifika poetry
To celebrate Gasav Ne Fäeag Rotuạm Ta - Rotuman Language Week, two poems from Ruby Rae Lupe Ah-Wai Macomber and Fesaitu Solomone.
Day in the Life Series: John Po’oi
Setting up Breakfast Club, working with ORS funded tamariki, helping out with gardening and singing for church and family functions - all in a day's work for John Po'oi, teacher aide at Papatoetoe South School. This series will highlight the incredible mahi done by our NZEI Te Riu Roa members.
Day in the Life Series: Kelsey Stanyer
From swimming to running to stretching, from equipment set up to breathing support — everyday is different for a physiotherapist at Arohanui Special School. This series will highlight the incredible mahi done by our NZEI Te Riu Roa members.
A family devoted to education: the Huntleys’ remarkable teaching legacy
It’s not unusual to have two educators in the family, but have you ever heard of six? Ako meets the Huntleys, a family from Marlborough who have dedicated their lives to teaching and their community.
Raumati (Summer 2023/2024) Book Reviews
Three pukapuka for tamariki and adults to kick start your raumati/summer reading list!
It’s time to end streaming in Aotearoa
All students deserve opportunities to achieve. The move to end streaming is a way of challenging socio-economic inequalities and the institutionalised racism that continues to persist in our teaching practices.
Day in the Life series: Tiana Ranfurly
From finding new ways to engage with tamaliki while folding Pasefika languages into everyday play, Tiana Ranfurly shares her day teaching at Toru Fetu Kindergarten. This series will highlight the incredible mahi done by our NZEI Te Riu Roa members.
Day in the Life series: Maiana McCurdy
The reality of teaching extends far beyond 9am-3pm, and for this kaiako in Whangaparāoa looking after our tamariki with complex needs, the teaching & nurturing happens beyond the classroom. This series will highlight the incredible mahi done by our NZEI Te Riu Roa members.
Mana taurite: the mahi behind the scenes
NZEI Te Riu Roa has launched its biggest pay equity claim so far – for all teachers. We talk to members who have been through the process and some involved in the new claim, to find out what out what’s involved – and why it’s worth it.