Inspiring+Teachers

Kieran Paterson - Henderson Intermediate Kieran has taught at Henderson Intermediate since 2004 when he came from Auckland Normal Intermediate. He is currently the school's P E specialist but he is usually a class teacher. Kieran is a "Westie" boy who loves sports and is about to become a dad. Mandy Martin - Flanshaw Road school Mandy has spent the last five years at Flanshaw Road. She teaches Year 5/6 and is the senior team leader. Mandy is passionate about children, cross fit, music and Michael Jackson and she plays rugby, is an artist and a "mean" prankster! She is married to a "hunky" fireman. Chris Herlihy - Kelston Primary Chris has been Deputy Principal at Kelston Primary since 2008 where he also teaches Maths and works with Gifted and Talented groups. Chris came from neighbouring Fruitvale School and has also taught in London. He has an MA in Economics and Entrepreneurship for Educators and was a Fulbright Scholar in 2001.Chris was a NZ champion table tennis player and represented NZ. He is a keen golfer and marathon runner. Kyra Rusten - Green Bay School Kyra has been at Green Bay School for the past 10 years. She is passionate about her young students and came up with the Head Start concept for her New Entrants class. Kyra is Head of the Junior syndicate and is very involved in school life but in her own time she likes to go with her family to her bach at Cooks Beach, read and garden.

Identified as inspiring teachers by students, this panel shares their expertise and encourages teachers to join this "conversation".

//Your Comment//s
 * Teacher actions promoting student learning **

While there is no formula that will guarantee learning for every student in every context, there is extensive, well-documented evidence about the kinds of teaching approaches that consistently have a positive impact on student learning. This evidence tells us that students learn best when teachers: create a supportive learning environment encourage reflective thought and action enhance the relevance of new learning facilitate shared learning make connections to prior learning and experience provide sufficient opportunities to learn inquire into the teaching–learning relationship.

** Questions for “Inspiring teachers” **

How do you foster engagement in learning? (eg building curiosity; encouraging creativity; having fun activities; using ICT/digital tools; providing learning-rich environments; relevance of learning activities; authentic learning contexts; considering gender difference; other?). What strategies do you use? (eg modeling; prompting; questioning; giving feedback; explaining and directing; other?) What do you do to build relationships with students? (eg getting to know them; being respectful; establishing trust; being sensitive to cultural backgrounds; being inclusive – special needs; other) Is it important for teachers to have a relationship with the students’ families? If so, how do you do this? How do you establish learning relationships with students? (eg encourage learning conversations, reflective thought and action) How do you meet individual student’s needs? (eg personalised learning; shared learning; using prior learning; ensuring activities are appropriate for all learners; using cultural knowledge) Explain the importance of any of the following … teacher expectations (making learning challenging) teacher talk (how much?) teacher voice (tone, pitch, volume) establishing clear boundaries using praise empowering students (students involved in decision-making; student voice) having a sense of humour using incentives ( eg competition) being fair creating a sense of belonging
 * What is it that you do to enable students to learn? **

How important is the teacher’s own professional learning in order to promote student learning? What do you recommend for other teachers?