Biography
Role
In her role as a lecturer for Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), she teaches human development: Te Haa o te tamaiti, and teacher as a professional: Te Haa o te, kaiako and professional practice: Te Haa o te Ngaio.
She supports and guides her students in their journey of gaining new knowledge and implementing in their teaching practice.
Education background
Ruth started her journey into education 40 years ago when she joined the playcentre with her own children. During her career journey, she has worked in community-based ECE, kindergarten, childcare, home-based care, and hospital-based ECE. She moved to tertiary teaching in the mid 1990’s.
Research background
As part of her master’s degree, Ruth researched on the teachers working in disadvantaged communities, with a particular focus on its impact on teachers themselves.
Ruth has a keen interest in working with children with special needs and children from disadvantaged backgrounds. She strongly believes in the concept of social justice in education for the “good of all.”
Teaching interests
Ruth believes understanding human development is at the forefront of teaching young children. She enjoys empowering teachers to deepen their knowledge about growth and development in children as part of their teaching practice in order to develop meaningful relationships with children.