Professional Relationships

Perhaps the most important relationships we can make in teaching are with our students. Over the last 2 years, I have been firm, but fair and set clear expectations and boundaries. I have excellent attendance myself and I always made sure to be visible on my release days, so learners knew that I was consistent and reliable. I spend time at the start of each year developing the trust of my class by sharing my own personal life experiences, about my deafness, my love of music, the languages I speak etc. I give warnings for consequences and provide more rewards for those doing the right thing, so that my learners know what to expect from me. I enjoy being able to laugh and joke with my class and still be able to get them back on track for more serious learning when necessary. One of the reasons I decided to enter into the teaching profession in the first place was because of how natural it was for me to build relationships with others. It feels almost like a superpower, and one that I am very glad to hold!

I am proud of the relationships that I have developed with students at Tirimoana. Not just those in my class, but those I have supported on Y6 camp, through Tiri's Got Talent auditions, during Spanish Club or through our buddy classes. It is an amazing feeling to be on duty and recognise so many faces and names, whilst also having so many of those faces and names run up to you to share exciting stories or simply just want to spend time in your company. I think there is an important balance between being too friendly with a child and being to firm. It is a difficult middle ground to find but the further along I get in my teaching career the closer I get! I hope to continue learning and developing the skills to find that perfect balance.

One of the highlights of my 2 years as a PRT has been the amazing people I have met at Tirimoana School. I have involved myself in school life and talk to people from all year groups and departments, from caretakers to office staff to senior leadership. I consider myself to be a friendly, energetic, positive (most of the time!) and professional individual who is respectful to all. While I do prefer to keep parts of my personal and professional life separate, I have enjoyed socialising with staff during our Christmas parties, performance evenings and morning tea celebrations.

I have been lucky enough to work with an exceptional team members and colleagues who have made the job so much lighter. Every year our overviews and long-term planning have been completed together. We all chip in to complete the document which makes it a much more manageable task. We share ideas for lessons, especially if something has been really successful and often co-teach or run rotations for Science and P.E. Good communication is vital when it comes to a successful team and we have all kept on top of meetings, minutes, emails etc. and played our part to ensure that things go smoothly. I love how we celebrate each others strengths and delegate tasks based on these. For example, I am skilled with digital tools so I am often tasked with creating booklets, certificates or information sheets. 

During my 2nd year, I have also been lucky enough to work with some of the schools fantastic teacher aides. I have had a high needs learner in my class who requires round the clock support and attention. I have worked closely with my TA by sharing planning, reflecting and setting goals together. It was a learning experience for both of us as we were both new to the profession, but we uplifted each other, communicated effectively and had great success. I ensure that any TA who works in my classroom is introduced to the learners and provide multiple opportunities for their relationships to develop. For example, I would work 1-1 with the high needs learner while my TA took my class for a game. I have learned a lot from this experience and am very open to working with a TA again in the future.

As mentioned on the Commitment to Families & Whānau page, I have maintained regular communication with the whānau of my class throughout the school year. I use SeeSaw and emails as a way to share updates and information. I have an open-door policy and am always happy to talk to caregivers in person before or after school. I have made some really wonderful connections with parents during both my 1st and 2nd year and feel very lucky to have been extended such warmth, grace and support from the Tirimoana parent community.

I have also had the opportunity to work with community members outside of the school organisation, such as Rippa Rugby/Batfirst instructors, Science in a Van staff, Constable Sarah from the NZ Police, the staff at Auckland Museum and Art Gallery and the representative of the ASB Get Wise program. When these visitors come to work with my students, I maintain a high level of professionalism and make sure that I am engaged and present with the learning as well.