A Calling, Not Just a Job

Teaching isn’t just a profession for me; it’s a calling. Reflecting on my four decades in New Zealand schools brings a wave of gratitude, nostalgia, and accomplishment. My journey began in 1984, amidst the veranda of a Catholic school in Canterbury. High walls enclosed my first classroom, filled with the rhythmic creak of wooden desks and the soft thud of textbooks. As a first-generation teacher, I had the privilege of in-class support – a Ministry of Education  innovation at the time. Those early days saw classes of 36 or more students, planning meticulously written in paper roll books, and the exciting novelty of a data projector as my sole technological aid.

Learning and Growing Alongside My Students

My first year found me coaching the softball team. The second brought the school choir, thanks to my violin skills (and a quick crash course on the guitar with my colleague and then good friend, Jacinta). My position was temporary, leading to countless weekends spent searching for a permanent role. Forty-five rejection slips later, I finally secured one.

Year three brought a new Catholic school and a leadership role: Director of Religious Education. This involved parent meetings, staff training on religious education, and coordinating school masses. The choir remained under my wing and a dedication to faith-based education that highlighted my first decade.

The next few years brought motherhood. I became a pro at relief teaching, juggling both Catholic and state schools. My guitar and a large ball were my constant companions – planning for relievers wasn’t yet an expectation.

Embracing Change and New Challenges

A move to Auckland with two young sons led to a realisation – further qualifications meant a $5,000 annual raise. So, while raising my boys and working part-time, I pursued additional qualifications and continued to teach in a Catholic school. These were years of personal and intellectual growth, laying a strong foundation for the future.

In 2005, a new chapter unfolded. I transitioned to the state school system. The diversity of experiences and perspectives was refreshing, particularly the opportunity to connect with Samoan students. Two enriching years were spent in a Samoan Bilingual unit, followed by a burnout-induced shift closer to home. Here, I took on a classroom release teacher role, eventually specialising in English Second Language teaching.

Technology, Collaboration, and Back to the Classroom

Having access to decent equipment and Wi-Fi ignited my ICT side. I ran remote teacher training sessions, a period I found incredibly rewarding. This led to working with over 100 teachers, capturing their stories in educational artefacts. Collaboration across schools as an Across School Leader appealed to me, but after eight years, the initial enthusiasm waned. Then came COVID. Training teachers to work remotely brought a new kind of excitement – the challenge was ensuring they didn’t simply replicate traditional lessons online.

Forty years in, I find myself back in the classroom due to unforeseen circumstances. The main one being the shortage of teachers and the promise that it would be for one term. But three terms into the year, I am still here. After fifteen years, I had to rebuild my resource collection. But the core remained – the critical teacher-student relationship that fosters effective learning. Creating a safe and supportive space for exploration, questioning, and discovery has been my focus this year. Building connections with families has been easier thanks to translation tools like Seesaw.

Witnessing Change and the Power of Education

My forty years have seen education transformed by technology and evolving teaching methods. At times, the technology pendulum seems to swing too far, demanding a balance between screen time and traditional learning. However, I believe technology’s potential for global learning remains untapped. The “Flat Connections” era highlighted this very well.

The most rewarding aspect of teaching has been watching students and teachers grow and succeed. I’ve had the privilege of making a lasting impact on countless young lives and teachers, a legacy I deeply cherish.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

As I reflect, I’m filled with gratitude for the countless colleagues, mentors, and students who shaped my journey. Their support, enthusiasm, and encouragement made it interesting and fulfilling.

While my teaching career may be nearing its end, the passion for education burns brightly. I’m excited to see what the future holds and how the next generation of teachers will continue to inspire and shape the minds of tomorrow.