My Teacher Identity

Collaboration

Whanaungatanga: Collaboration through positive communication, relationship building and acknowledging strengths.

My previous work experience has been based around relationships. Success in working collaboratively is a result of building mana affirming relationships with staff, ākonga and whānau. I have shown through the collaborative teaching structure that working with others is a strength in which I role model to tamariki within and outside of the classroom. I encourage ākonga to learn these skills through scaffolding them through set tasks and activities within the learning environment. 

Reflective Practioner

Wānanga: As I reflect I grow, personally and professionally.

Within the classroom I have discovered the importance of reflection. During professional placement, I continuously reflected on my practice and how ākonga responded to my teaching. My associates and professional practice lecturers noted that I reflect promptly, am aware of areas which need improvement and am quick to creatively find solutions.

Culturally Responsive

Tangata Whenuatanga: We are individuals yet we one

Ākonga are encouraged to proudly be themselves in my classroom. I can relate and respond respectfully to those of my culture, New Zealand Māori and other cultures. This has been shown through my own Professional development including Noho marae visits and Samoa Malaga. I freely use greetings from other cultures within my classroom as well as naturally including te reo and tikanga Māori in daily routines.

Positive Learning Environment

Manaakitanga: Our tamariki deserve to learn in a safe and supportive environment.

I understand that life looks different for each of our tamariki. My role as kaiako to protect the learning environment. Through building relationships with each ākonga I will use this knowledge to encourage a class culture of manaakitanga. I am flexible and aim to meet the needs of my tamariki when planning and implementing learning opportunities.

Life long Learner

 Ako: Through my life experiences I model the mindset that you never stop learning.

In completing my study I have proven the importance of being a life long real learner. I continue to take advantage of the numerous professional development opportunities on offer. Having an attitude of life long learning is something I value and this is encouraged within my classroom. I am also aware that ākonga have a continuously growing wealth of knowledge to share with me which I embrace. Ākonga will have opportunities to lead their own learning through ākonga agency within my classroom.