All Articles
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.
Day in the Life series: Delwyn Baird
Tucked away in a Whangārei kura, Delwyn Baird's day is filled with sport coaching, kapa haka, camp cook, advancing working conditions for all educators ... oh and teaching! This series will highlight the incredible mahi done by our NZEI Te Riu Roa members.
Day in the Life series: Marama McRoberts
There's a lot happening at Te Puna Reo o Te Koohao in Kirikiriroa - waiata, kapa haka, keemu, and teaching tamariki how to communicate their feelings and emotions. This series will highlight the incredible mahi done by our NZEI Te Riu Roa members.
“We were refugees” Displaced by the cyclone
While many schools and centres were damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle, a few were forced into long-term closure with staff and children having to re-establish elsewhere. Ako talked to kaiako from three different institutions that found new premises, or were taken in by a neighbouring school or centre.
The power of collective action
During the recent weather events schools have emerged as first responders to crisis in many close-knit communities. Where local authorities failed, groups of educators joined together as hubs of help. Ako spoke with one group of schools in Tāmaki Makaurau about their joint efforts in the face of crisis.
Surviving Gabrielle
In times of tragedy and crisis, schools are often the glue that holds communities together. At the close of term one 2023, Ako visited one small school in Hawke's Bay to learn how it became a regional hub after Cyclone Gabrielle.
July 2023 Picture Book and YA Book Reviews
Reviews of nine new books for tamariki and rangatahi.
Putting the Educational Leadership Capability Framework into practice as a middle and senior leader
Deputy principal Tania Yorke recently completed her Master of Educational Leadership. She shares what she learnt about developing as a leader and why the Teaching Council’s Educational Leadership Capability Framework is a goldmine of a tool.