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

Kia Ora Whanau! When a student recently asked me ‘how I knew they were on their phone even when they thought I was not looking’ I responded without thinking and said…. “I have been teaching longer than you have been alive….. I just know!” It took even me by surprise - 18 years!  Nayland has been my second home for 7 of those.

What are your passions and areas of expertise?

I genuinely love teaching. Over the years I have taught many subjects including; PE, Health, Economics and Social Studies. So, I think it would be fair to say I am a ‘Jack of all trades’. I am also passionate about travelling and cuisine.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey?

That’s the wonderful thing about my job, it is a journey. I have met amazing people teaching in the UK and New Zealand. Recently, at Nayland I would have to say Mr. Dickson and Mary Greenland for their constant support.

What is your favorite thing about the school?

That I can walk around school on duty and the tauira take time to say hi and acknowledge me. I have been here long enough to know many of the students. I love their honesty and respect they show to me.

What are your ambitions for the future?

At the risk of sounding clichéd, I became a teacher because I wanted to give back to society in some way.  Inspiring and supporting teenagers is not everyone’s cup of tea, but as long as I enjoy my job, I will continue to teach.

On the other hand, my family is the most important thing to me, and one day I would like to take the time to travel overseas with them exploring all the wonders of the world.