Peter Kerr is a history teacher at Western Springs College - Nga Puna o Waiorea and is also a Kahui Ako Across School Teacher.
Kahui Ako o Te Waitemata is a community of schools that includes 12 primary, intermediate and secondary schools in our area. My role is to help build connections across these schools and to facilitate collaboration towards shared goals, so that we can ensure that every child in our community experiences success throughout their schooling.
What do you enjoy about the role?
I love being able to visit different schools, meet a wide range of teachers and learn from the inspiring teaching practice that I witness. As a secondary teacher, there is so much to be learnt from our primary colleagues about how students learn, and how to make learning engaging and relevant.
And you also teach history?
Yes, the great thing about the role is that it allows me to still remain in the classroom for a large portion of the week.
What aspects of history do you teach?
I think it’s particularly important to teach New Zealand history. We have such a rich history that has often been under-taught and many New Zealanders remain unaware of our past. Understanding our history, warts-and-all, allows us to understand who we are, where we have come from, and where we are going as a society.
What do you do where you’re not working?
I love to spend time with my family. We have an energetic two-year-old and another little one on the way. That keeps me pretty busy, but when I have a spare moment I love to read, potter in the garden or get out for swim, surf or bike ride.
What sort of riding do you do?
I’m not a serious cyclist, but I do like to ride to and from work whenever possible, as well as the odd ride for fun and fitness.
What do you enjoy about cycling?
It’s the best way to start the day. It’s also nice to know you’re getting a bit of exercise, avoiding traffic and doing a little bit for the environment. We’ve also got a number of us at the college who ride to work and it’s great having that encouragement. We are currently taking part in the AT ‘love to ride’ February Auckland Bike Challenge and sitting in 2nd place when I last checked.
Do you do anything else that has an environmental focus?
I have a small veggie garden and try to water it as much as possible with rainwater. And I also try to think consciously about what I buy. It seems to me the easiest and most effective thing we can do to reduce our impact on the environment is simply to buy less - not to mention the positive effects that this has on our personal finances and wellbeing!