Teachers — skilled professionals — setting young brains up to take the next leap in their learning.

Each day, as a child questions, explores, and makes sense of the world, a teacher is there — not just watching, but shaping.

With expertise and intention, teachers build the brain pathways that support learning, confidence, and resilience. Growth, guided by skilled professionals who understand how young minds develop.

The Teaching Council of Aotearoa invites you to see teaching in a new light.

Because teaching shapes what matters most.

Real Stories. Real Impact.

Stories
Mistakes, Mentos, and Meaningful Connections
Mistakes, Mentos, and Meaningful Connections

Doug Walker builds student confidence, celebrates curiosity, and makes science unforgettable.

Weaving Connections into the Classroom
Weaving Connections into the Classroom

Mina Pomare-Peita places the environment and indigenous knowledge at the heart of culturally relevant education.

Dancing, Failing, and Winning Student Trust
Dancing, Failing, and Winning Student Trust

Subash Chandar K uses dance, Tik Tok, and real-world data to inspire maths students.

Leading with Heart
Leading with Heart

Jane Jarman proves that when students feel seen and valued, they don’t just learn — they thrive.

Tackling the Literacy Gender Gap
Tackling the Literacy Gender Gap

Chris Waugh understands if you want to help boys succeed, you have to teach the way they learn.

From Podiums to Playgrounds
From Podiums to Playgrounds

Lou Guinares and Olivia Lee, two former International weight lighting champions lead in early childhood education.

Research & Insights

Research & Insights blog
Teachers are brain builders from day one.
Teachers are brain builders from day one.

With every moment of guided play, teachers build the brain pathways for language, memory, and emotional development.

Teachers turn fine motor play into neural pathways.
Teachers turn fine motor play into neural pathways.

Teachers use playful, everyday tools like scissors, crayons, and playdough to train the brain’s precision and readiness for literacy.

Teachers spark brains by nurturing curiosity.
Teachers spark brains by nurturing curiosity.

When children ask questions, teachers don’t just answer — they guide discovery.

Teachers create the calm that unlocks learning.
Teachers create the calm that unlocks learning.

Through relationships and trust, teachers tell the brain: you’re safe here, you can learn.

Teachers use movement to boost brain power.
Teachers use movement to boost brain power.

Teachers build movement into the day to sharpen focus and energise the brain.

Teachers help construct the brain’s control centre.
Teachers help construct the brain’s control centre.

Teachers guide children through everyday brain-building exercises.

Teachers use repetition to wire fast, fluent brains.
Teachers use repetition to wire fast, fluent brains.

Teachers weave repetition into stories, games, and everyday routines — to help children grow fluency.

Teachers shape the brain in transition.
Teachers shape the brain in transition.

Teachers play a pivotal role during adolescence helping to shape more self-aware, resilient young adults.