Biography
Role
Fiona is a Kaiako on the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary), teaching across a range of courses. Part of the role includes kōrero in online conversations, supporting tauira through mentoring, and visiting during both field-based days and practicums.
Education background
Fiona began her career in education as a Teacher Aide whilst her three children were young. She fell in love with educating young minds, and progressed through a number of primary school roles, including classroom teacher, Director of Religious Studies, SENCO, and Assistant Principal.
Research background
Fiona’s particular passion is advocating for neurodiverse tamariki, and supporting kaiako to ensure optimal opportunities for tamariki and their whānau, by implementing supports that benefit both neurodivergent and neurotypical tamariki. Fiona is motivated by her experiences as both a parent and kaiako of neurodiverse tamariki.
Teaching interests
Fiona believes the key to being a successful teacher, and ensure improved outcomes for all students, is by building positive relationships between students and teachers, and whānau. Fiona also believes that teaching is a reciprocal relationship, and we should take every opportunity to learn from tamariki, and never assume we know everything!