This year, Louise Ryan was appointed as a Within-School-Teacher for the Kahui Ako o Waitemata.
What will your focus be? I am really excited to be a part of the Kahui Ako. I’ll be focusing on writing. It means I get to work with amazing teachers not only from Western Springs College – Nga Puna o Waiorea, on literacy across the school, but I also have the opportunity to meet teachers from the primary and intermediate schools that our students have come from. We can build on the insights we gain from what our akonga (students) bring to secondary school.
What else are you balancing with your new role?
As well as teaching English, I’ve been involved in media education for many years, including my current role as the President of the Media Studies Teachers’ Association. I’m also the PPTA executive member for the Western ward of Tamaki Makaurau. Oh, and I’m studying papers towards a library qualification as well.
That sounds a lot!
Haha – yes, but I see it as fantastic professional development. Everything I’m doing is feeding into better outcomes for the teachers and students I work with, and it’s work I really enjoy. For example, I’m studying a paper in Reader Development so I’m exploring different ways children and teenagers read and respond to information literacy. Ultimately, it will make me a better teacher.
What is it about teaching that excites you?
I love learning! I have always adored literature and media, so being able to combine these passions into my career is ideal. Teaching allows you to share this passion with students and colleagues. I’m reading new books, rediscovering old ones and have a great excuse to watch lots of television [for teaching research!].
What else do you like doing in your spare time?
So, of course, you would expect an English teacher to spend lots of time reading, but I also love writing. I’m sure I’ve got the great Kiwi novel in there somewhere. And baking. I have way too many cookbooks so I love spending time in the kitchen. And I’m in danger of becoming a cat lady too.