Real stories
Across Aotearoa, teachers are doing powerful, purposeful work every day.
In this series, we shine a light on the deliberate, expert practice that defines great teaching. From early childhood to secondary school, from building brain connections to building confidence — this is teaching that shapes what matters most.
Changing the tune through student voices
Georgia Wallace shows how student‑led learning can transform engagement, culture, and confidence through music.
Bridging the Divide
Mary Pottinger sheds light on how socioeconomic disparity affects confidence, belonging, and learning in high‑decile schools.
Putting Reading and Writing at the Heart of Learning
Ros Ali believes reading and writing give students the voice to understand themselves and shape their place in the world.
Teaching Beyond the Notes
Jeni Little sees music as a space where students can take risks, work together and discover what they’re capable of.
Rolling out the Welcome Mat for Teachers
Elg Anderson is passionate about growing and caring for our profession, from the coalface.
A Career Dedicated to Education’s Most Vulnerable
Janine Harrington believes one teacher can be the spark that lights confidence, belief, and the courage to try.
Learning to Fail Forward
Lysandra Stuart shows how a small rural school Is redefining how to fail.
Putting Students in the Driver’s Seat
Amelia Meertens believes when students get to decide how they learn, they experience success much more personally.
Mistakes, Mentos, and Meaningful Connections
Doug Walker builds student confidence, celebrates curiosity, and makes science unforgettable.
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
Subash Chandar K uses dance, Tik Tok, and real-world data to inspire maths students.
Leading with Heart
Jane Jarman proves that when students feel seen and valued, they don’t just learn — they thrive.
The Dopamine of Doing Hard Things
Chris Waugh understands if you want to help boys succeed, you have to teach the way they learn.
From Podiums to Playgrounds
Lou Guinares and Olivia Lee, two former International weight lighting champions lead in early childhood education.
Teaching Starts with Trust
Amie Roberts helps teachers create calm, connected classrooms where students are ready to learn.