This week we talk to assistant head of maths Andrea Adair. She shares her parting thoughts with us before she heads off to teach in Hong Kong.

How long have you been teaching and how long have you been at Nayland College?

Almost 13 years! This has been my only school, as I retrained as a teacher here in Nelson in 2006. I was a software engineer in Silicon Valley before moving to New Zealand.

What are your passions and areas of expertise?

I love tramping, cooking, scuba diving, travel, and being creative. My latest creative journey has been making jewellery  through NMIT. As a teacher I LOVE mathematics and really enjoy being creative in my classroom. I am passionate about teaching and getting to know my students.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey?

I have been so lucky to work with an amazing group of mathematicians at Nayland.The internet is also full of amazing, inspiring resources. The latest on my list is Dan Finkel’s website Math for Love. He presents maths in creative, rich contexts. I have always believed that the more I learn the less I know. Learning is the journey!

What is your favourite thing about the school?

I especially love the freedom I have here to teach in my own style. I feel trusted to deliver the curriculum in a way that I enjoy, which hopefully helps the kids to have fun too. I love the amazing staff here that care about each other and the students. I love the relationships I have formed and the friends I have made.

What are your ambitions for the future?

So now I am off to Hong Kong which should be challenging and exciting. Working at an international school will allow me to take my teaching to a new level and learn about a new culture. I hope to finish my career overseas. However, New Zealand is home so I’ll be back!