Role

As Regional Education Leader for the Dunedin, Otago and Southland region, Jo leads the teaching staff in Ōtepoti. She responsible for the pastoral care of tauira attached to the Regional Education Centre and relationships with the local ECE community. Jo also teaches in the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), supporting students towards their initial teaching qualification, visiting students in their home centres and on practicum, whilst also carrying out research.

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Education Background

Jo’s career in education spans more than 42 years and roles including teacher, head teacher, professional development facilitator, licensing officer for Ministry Of Education, lecturer, director of 5 ECE centres and 3 homebased centres in Dunedin. Most recently she was the assistant principal at Qatar Academy in Qatar. She joined Te Rito Maioha in 2021.

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Research Background

Jo’s research and interest in dual language learners in different cultural contexts is based on nearly a decade working in Middle Eastern early learning centres where children from 6 months of age were taught Arabic and English simultaneously. Her earlier Master’s research focused on self-efficacy of women studying later in life.

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Teaching Interests

Jo believes children’s social and emotional wellbeing is at the heart of their learning, fostered by a happy, safe environment and strong trusting relationships with families, staff, children, and wider community. She loves to lead, grow and support collaborative teams, and believes teachers need to feel valued and trusted by leaders who encourage growth and reflective practices. With an open-minded approach to differing cultural perspectives, she continually develops her teaching philosophy based on current research and socio-cultural theory, and is passionate about lifelong, holistic learning.

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Recent Publications

Coughlin,C., Ellis,J., Ruskin, L., Whitebread, D., (2015). Quality in Early Childhood Education: An International Review and Guide for Policy Makers. WISE (World International Summit of Education).

Al-Khelaifi, A., Bhatti, G., Coughlin, C., Ellis,J., Ruskin,L., Whitebread.D., (2017). Early Childhood Education in Qatar: A Snapshot Policy Brief . WISE (World International Summit of Education).