Every year we love to take time to get to know our 'New to Nayland' teaching staff. Today we meet our newest Drama & English teacher Tami Mansfield. Tami did her teaching placement with Nayland College last year and we just couldn't let her go! She hails from Portland, Oregon, brings warmth, love and a smile wherever she goes and has a whole ton of cool stories from a lifetime before teaching.

Where were you born and where did you grow up? 

I was born and raised in Portland Oregon – the motto there is “Keep Portland Weird”.

Where else have you lived besides Nelson? 

I lived in New York City for 10 years (before moving to Nelson) and before that, San Diego California (for over 2 years while completing an MFA in drama.)

Why did you decide to be a teacher – and what drew towards becoming a Drama/English teacher in particular? 

I’ve been a teaching artist for over 20 years; I became a classroom teacher in Nelson to have the same work hours as my 2 kids – so that I could spend more time being a mum. What drew me to teaching Drama and English is my love for words, writing and performing plays and musicals… theatre grows people from the inside out, it makes us all come alive, and we become whānau.

What do you like about teaching, and teaching at Nayland specifically? 

The best thing about Neirana is a tie between the students and the staff. I like teaching and learning specifically at Neirana because of the students here. We teach and learn together (the students and I) it’s co-intentional.

What are your passions and areas of expertise? 

Acting Shakespeare and directing teens in scenes, plays, lyric dance, and musicals are both passions and expertise. I love to sing too.

Who has inspired you on your own learning journey? 

Most recently, HOD English Teacher/Mentor Trudy Harvey has inspired me in my learning journey and in Drama, Verity Davidson is quintessential in the field of drama teachers and I’m grateful for her.

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I dance as a hobby and because it’s therapeutic – my kitchen has a wooden levelled floor; I find a song with great lyrics and I interpret them in movement and dance. I need yoga practice the way my dog needs a stick. And I take long hill and river walks with my kids Ryder and Liv and our dog named Luna del Rosa.

What were you like as a student at school? 

As a high-school student I loved writing and typing class. I was on dance team and sang in the choir. I wanted to be Homecoming Queen more than anything but lost by a few votes. I do own a tiara now though; I bought it with my own money.

What did you do for a living before you became a teacher? 

I was a professional actor in the USA in Screen Actor’s Guild, Actor’s Equity Association and American Film Television and Radio. One of my most proud moments in New York theatre was playing a lead role in Golden Age written and directed by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (tv’s Glee, Big Love and Netflix series Riverdale). The most money I made as an actor however was acting in commercials such as: Colgate Total, American Express (with Larry David writer of Seinfeld) and Sony Bravia with Justin Timberlake.

Describe yourself with three words: 

Passionate, humorous, foolhardy.

If you could share one piece of wisdom with the students of Nayland College what would it be? 

“The shoes on my feet… I bought em , the clothes I’m wearing…I bought em, the rock I’m rockin’…I bought It “cuz” I depend on me if I want it - the watch I’m wearing… I bought it, the house I live in… I bought it… the car I’m drivin’… I bought it …I depend on me. All the women who independent, throw your hands up at me, all the honeys who makin’ money throw your hands up at me – all the mamas who rock the dollar… throw your hands up at me all the ladies who truly feel me, throw your hands up at me!” Independent Women by Destiny’s Child. 

Question from previous interviewee John Walker: What is the scariest thing you have ever done? 

I’m not much a dare devil – never broken a bone but I’d say auditioning for a Broadway play once and reading opposite Anne Hathaway is up there with terrifying (she’s really nice by the way).

Question for the next interviewee: What if anything is too serious to be joked about?