Year 0/1 (New Entrants) Teacher & Toroa Team Leader

My email debbiet@devonport.school.nz

My roles

• Year 0/1 (new entrants) Teacher
  

• Team Leader for Toroa team (Years 0-3)

• Within-school leader of ICT/Digital Technologies

• Board of Trustees Staff Representative

• Better Start Literacy Facilitator

My teaching philosophy

I believe that teaching is all about relationships and creating an environment and culture where students feel that they can be themselves and they feel valued. I also believe that teaching should be building on students’ strengths. I want them to feel empowered to make bold leaps and encouraged to take tentative steps. I also believe that a good way to do this is by having fun.

My experience/qualifications

I have been teaching for over 30 years and taught every year level but I love the new entrants. I have been a Reading Recovery teacher and ICT Specialist but keep coming back to the classroom. 

I started at DPS in 2011 (though I also taught here at the beginning of my career in 1992!)

My special educational interests

• ICT/Digital Technologies

• Literacy

• Understanding how the brain works and how students learn

ICT/Digital Technologies at DPS

My goal is that ICT becomes so integrated into what we do, it is looked at like a pencil, where the students identify the best tool for a job. This could be a pencil, laptop, iPad, phone, whichever would be the most appropriate. It is just something that we do. 

I would like the students of Devonport Primary School to leave the school with an understanding of the social responsibilities that come along with ICT, critical thinking and problem solving. 

My role is also to provide all the background systems and quality equipment for students (with no barriers or inequality).

About me

I’m NZ European, born in Christchurch, grew up in the Wairarapa, and came to Devonport when I was 11. I live with my husband, Paul, and we have two children, Lucy and Will, who also attended Devonport Primary. 

I play hockey, represented North Harbour, and have played since I was 8. I also love cake decorating for family and friends and I feel lucky to be able to share in their beautiful celebrations.