Primary

1 Nov 2024

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.

3 Sep 2024

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.

15 Aug 2024

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?

13 Aug 2024

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.

Winter/Spring 202311 Aug 2023

“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.

Winter/Spring 202321 Jul 2023

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.

Winter/Spring 202321 Jul 2023

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.

Spring 202214 Sep 2022

Teachers of the future

Initial teacher education plays a crucial role in our education system. But is it up to scratch? Ako talks to education professionals who are reimagining how we grow new teachers.

Spring 202214 Sep 2022

Pandemic innovations

COVID-19 forced schools and early childhood centres to rethink the way they delivered learning. Ako talks to educators who have found the silver linings and are looking to the future.

Spring 202214 Sep 2022

Don’t stream away my dreams

What is streaming and is it helping or harming our tamariki? Auckland University professor Christine Rubie-Davies gives her view on the problems with ability grouping in Aotearoa.

Spring 202214 Sep 2022

Spring 2022: Book reviews

Reviews of thirteen excellent new books for kaiako and ākonga.

Winter 201918 Oct 2019

Teaching in a community new to you

A new teacher gives some advice to others starting work in a new community.

Winter 201925 Jul 2019

People power

School principals from around the country explain how strong communities of staff bring crucial benefits for children and whānau, from South Auckland to Southland.

Winter 201925 Jul 2019

Building bridges: from community to ECE to primary

The importance of whānau and community doesn’t lessen just because a child starts school, but it can be hard for educators to maintain these strong connections once a child leaves early childhood education. Jane Blaikie and Jane Arthur talk to educators across the country about the challenges they face when trying to build bridges between the child and their community.

Winter 201824 Jul 2018

Stunning results from culturally responsive maths

Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities (DMIC) aims to build a sense of safety in both cultural identity and group problem solving. It is showing extraordinary progress in students.