Year 5 Teacher

My email: andrewr@devonport.school.nz

My roles

• Year 5 Teacher (shared class with Sarah Hill)

• Across-school Leader as part of the Devonport Kāhui Ako (community of learning)

My teaching philosophy

My teaching pedagogy is based on motivating students by establishing learning-based relationships in the classroom and designing learning that is relevant, fun and challenging. I believe that students need to see the relevance of what they are learning and so I approach teaching through an integrated approach - whatever students are learning about is connected to what they are experiencing. Another major influence in my teaching approach is the use of growth mindset strategies. I truly believe that learning is learnable for all students and through the use of growth mindset strategies students are able to push outside their comfort zone, experience productive struggle, and in doing so, develop confidence in themselves and in their abilities.

My experience/qualifications

Bachelor of Arts, Graduate Diploma Primary Teaching

During my time at Devonport Primary, I have taken on a variety of responsibilities across the school including sports coordinator, library, kapa haka, team leader and Within-school leader.

Currently, I am an Across-school Leader as part of the Devonport Kāhui Ako and am really enjoying collaborating with leaders from other schools to implement peninsula-wide goals.

About me

Kia ora tātou, Takarunga and Devonport Primary hold a very special place in my heart having lived and worked in the local community for the last 12 years. I feel very privileged to work with such wonderful staff and students and feel extremely lucky to be a part of this vibrant and supportive community.

Outside of teaching, I live locally in Narrow Neck with my wife and three children (two of whom attend Devonport Primary). I have a passion for surfing and for anything ocean related. Any spare chance I get you’ll find me (and my family) out on the water!