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Dio plays a part in the Auckland Teacher Training Programme
HELPING TO ADDRESS NEW ZEALAND’S TEACHER SHORTAGE
A new model of teacher education currently in its second year in operation at several Auckland secondary schools is set to address the country’s critical teacher shortage with its unique focus on immersive and innovative learning in key subject areas.
The Auckland Schools’ Teacher Training Programme for the one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching was originally developed by a group of 12 Auckland secondary schools and the University of Waikato in 2020, with the first group of 24 trainees completing their studies at the end of last year. The schools cover the geographical spread of Auckland, and include co-ed, single-sex, public and independent schools.
A novel approach to teacher training
Unlike the current university-based teacher training diploma, trainees studying under this programme learn on the job. They initially shadow a teacher and observe their classes while being involved behind the scenes with lesson planning and conversations about effective teaching. Course content is delivered online by the University of Waikato, while mentoring, professional development and placement opportunities are provided by the participating schools who also cover the trainees’ fees.
The programme stemmed from a desire to attract high quality individuals into the teaching profession and address shortages in key subject areas, while supporting them through their training and ultimately retaining them at their allocated school.
With its focus on attracting candidates who are trained in maths, physics, chemistry, general science, economics and Te Reo, the programme is helping address the country’s teacher shortage in these key subject areas.
Feedback from the trainees, along with teaching staff at the participating schools, has been extremely positive, with many praising the cross-school innovation and collaboration to help address issues in the teacher training field.
Increased retention rates one of the programme’s goals
Heather McRae, Principal at Diocesan, which currently has two trainee teachers and has employed two teachers from last year’s group, says there are significant benefits from the programme for both trainees and the school.
“The reality of arriving in a school, once you’ve completed your 12-week practicums, can be overwhelming for
Left: Hands-on learning programme offers career changes to candidates and helps address the country’s teacher shortage. A film-set maker, orchestra conductor, biomedical engineer and university graduate train as teachers under the new model of immersive education.
Alex Woodall - Mathematics teacher
Lachlan Craig - Music teacher, and Assistant Director of Performing Arts
many beginner teachers,” she said. “This model gives applicants the advantage of real-world experience as they learn on the job, working alongside outstanding teachers in their field and experiencing first-hand the pace of full-time teaching and school life.”
She said that one of the aims of the programme is increased retention rates for teachers.
“In the long term, we hope that it will result in new teachers staying on at our school and in the profession much longer.”
Dian Fisher, Deputy Principal of Dio’s Senior School and co-ordinator of the programme at Dio, added, “The programme keeps us in touch with how new teachers are being trained, invigorating our teaching practice with new research and ideas.
“It tangibly demonstrates the value we place on the teaching profession and embodies our school motto of ‘that we may serve’, as teachers in the role of associates are giving their time, knowledge and experience to support the training of the next generation of teachers.”
Alex Woodall
Mathematics teacher
Alex Woodall, who has a degree in biomedical engineering, was one of the trainee teachers at Diocesan School last year and now teaches maths to a range of age groups. He previously worked as a research assistant in the musculoskeletal group at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute, focusing on basketball players.
Twenty-five-year-old Alex says he enjoyed the transition into teaching and was able to develop with the school as the year progressed.
“I was comfortable teaching in the classroom from day one. It helped that I was already familiar with the staff and the school environment.
“Because I had a lot of in-class training last year, I was confident coming into my classes and how to get them up and running. I can’t think of anything that the in-school training didn’t prepare me for.”
Lachlan Craig
This is a sentiment echoed by music teacher Lachlan Craig, who was in the performing arts department at St Kentigern College before he joined Dio.
A trained conductor and singer, 32-yearold Lachlan has spent several years singing in Voices NZ Chamber Choir and performing as a Freemasons Artist with New Zealand Opera.
“I’ve felt very comfortable moving into teaching this year, having been able to train in the classroom at Dio last year. Being able to build relationships with students last year and continue them in 2022 was a significant advantage in setting up my classroom culture and routines,” he says.
“Having a working knowledge of the school systems, calendar and curriculum meant that I was able to go into so much more detail with my planning and design for learning.
“I already had great working relationships with my colleagues and know where to find resources when I need them. Given the challenges that COVID is still bringing schools, I was very grateful to have so much institutional knowledge to rely on.”
Larissa Reddiex
On-call House tutor, teacher trainee
anatomy and pharmacology at Otago University in 2021. She became very aware of the impact a teacher could have on a student’s learning experience and decided to take up teaching to help inspire students by providing a positive secondary school experience.
She is one of two trainee teachers at Dio this year.
“The school-based training programme has exceeded my expectations,” she says. “It allows for a far greater degree of student contact on the ground and in the classroom and is without a doubt the most effective way to develop as a teaching professional.
“Just two terms into this year I felt almost ready to take on my own classes!” she said.
Larissa says the regular and extended exposure to classroom life and teaching has immersed her into all elements of teaching life; including lesson preparation, content delivery, relationship building and problem solving.
“Being stationed at a school for an entire year has allowed me to work alongside other colleagues as I seek assistance, engage in co-planning, and attend faculty meetings and staff-only days.
“It’s been great to learn from experienced practitioners, and to build professional camaraderie with them.
“The other big plus is the opportunity to really get to know your students. As rapport and trust is established at a deeper level, your investment in the students is reciprocated by them.
“I can’t recommend the programme highly enough,” she says. “The experience you gain is unparalleled and sets you up for success as a first-year teacher.”
Simon Garrett
Teacher trainee, creative industries technician
Simon Garrett (43) has been working as a creative industries technician at Dio for the past four years, and is responsible for the running and maintenance of art and digital manufacturing machinery such as 3D printers, laser cutters, glass kilns and virtual reality units. Prior to that, he spent 10 years in the film industry, making props for movies such as Avatar, Mulan, and The Chronicles of Narnia. He is also a qualified jeweller.
He decided to take up teaching to help round out his career experience, and to provide further employment options.
He is finding the trainee programme both interesting and rewarding, as he navigates his way between juggling a full-time job with full-time study. “I’ve learned a lot in a short amount of time, and I love being able to teach the a ¯konga while gaining valuable insights from our talented kaiako here at Diocesan.
“The School has such wonderful students who are a pleasure to teach, and combined with our amazing facilities and resources, I can’t think of a better place to be!”
Below : Larissa Reddiex on-call House tutor, teacher trainee and Simon Garrett teacher trainee, creative industries technician
