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Teaching in a new country comes with its fair share of challenges—but also incredible rewards. In this episode, UK-born educator Laura shares her inspiring journey from the classrooms of East London to an all-girls college in New Zealand, revealing how adaptability and an open mind shaped her career. 

Laura's path to teaching wasn’t a straight line. A sharp-eyed English teacher first spotted her knack for engaging others, setting her on a journey from training as a primary teacher to working in London’s vastly different schools—from low-decile Tower Hamlets to the well-resourced Holland Park. But it was the bold leap to New Zealand that truly tested her resilience and adaptability. 

The differences between the UK and NZ education systems are striking. Laura unpacks the intense, high-pressure Ofsted culture that governs British schools and contrasts it with New Zealand’s more holistic, student-centred approach. While the UK system dives deeper into academic content, she appreciates how Kiwi education focuses on growing well-rounded learners rather than just academic success. 

One of Laura’s biggest surprises? Teaching outside her comfort zone. Hired primarily as a PE teacher, she soon found herself leading drama and dance classes—subjects she’d never formally trained in. Instead of shying away, she embraced the challenge, discovering that stepping into the unknown led to some of her most rewarding moments in the classroom. 

For teachers considering a move abroad or stepping into unfamiliar teaching roles, Laura shares hard-earned wisdom about setting boundaries, finding support, and remembering the heart of teaching: "You literally see kids progressing in front of you every single day, and knowing you’ve played a part in that is just so incredibly rewarding." 

Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation that proves the best professional growth often happens outside your comfort zone. 

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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Will’s journey from professional designer to passionate educator provides the perfect foundation for his role in creating an innovative school makerspace. Inspired by his own art teachers, he pursued his long-held dream of teaching after a decade in the design industry, bringing valuable real-world creative experience into education. 

Described by Will as a “technology library,” the makerspace has transformed student learning. This dynamic environment features 3D printers, a laser cutter handling 3,000 jobs annually, VR headsets, specialised computers, and recording studios. Students don’t just use these tools—they master them, developing technical skills while working on meaningful projects across subjects. 

What truly sets this space apart is its student leadership model. The "Makerspace Guardians" programme empowers students to manage the space, mentor peers, and take ownership of their learning. Will shares the story of a Year 12 student who secured a computer science scholarship after independently creating a digital tangram project using skills developed in the makerspace—highlighting how hands-on experiences drive achievement. 

For educators looking to create a makerspace, Will emphasises knowledge-sharing and budgeting, noting they’re no more costly than other specialised school facilities. Excited about future developments, including a UV ink printer for professional-quality colour printing, he sees makerspaces as ever-evolving hubs of industry-relevant learning. 

Keen to transform learning at your school? Subscribe for more innovative education insights or visit Will’s makerspace to see the impact firsthand. 

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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Ever thought about how something as fun as the Spice Girls could kickstart a lifelong love for learning a language? Join me, Debbie Ross, as I chat with the amazing Claire. A passionate language teacher whose journey from learning Spanish in high school to fluency after living Argentina is anything but ordinary. We dive into how her love for Spanish not only changed her life but also helped her build real, meaningful connections in a completely new country. Claire shares some incredible stories from her time abroad and her experiences in the classroom, proving that learning a language is about so much more than just grammar and vocabulary.

We get into how to make language learning engaging, exciting, and useful. From hands-on activities that keep students hooked to cultural immersion trips, we talk about why real-life practice is so important. Claire breaks down how learning Spanish isn’t just about speaking another language. It sharpens your brain, boosts confidence, and makes you more adaptable. We also chat about how tech and pop culture keep lessons fresh and fun, plus Claire’s top tips for anyone wanting to start their own language-learning adventure. 

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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Ready to be inspired by Carol, an extraordinary educator whose teaching journey began later in life but is rich with insights and passion? Carol, originally from Edinburgh but calls New Zealand home, shares her captivating story of transitioning from balancing role books by hand to navigating the digital transformation of classrooms. With a keen eye on the evolution of teaching, she offers a refreshing take on how old teaching methods often resurface with new names. Her candid advice for new educators is both practical and heartwarming: genuinely understanding young people, embracing mistakes as learning moments, and maintaining kindness with clear boundaries.

Tune in to discover Carol’s creative teaching strategies that captivate students and foster a joyful learning environment. From using humour and song to engaging activities like the tennis ball game, she crafts lessons that are as effective as they are fun. Carol reflects on the past's individualised attention as a potential boon for today's educational challenges and stresses the crucial role of parental involvement and supportive relationships. As she reminisces about the shift from blackboards to digital tools, Carol provides valuable insights on balancing the embrace of technology with preserving essential skills like handwriting. Plus, her thoughts on achieving work-life balance as a teacher remind us of the importance of setting boundaries for sustainability and well-being. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation with Carol, a teacher whose wisdom spans decades and continents.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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In this episode, I chat with Sarah, an inspiring educator who has spent over 15 years balancing her passion for teaching with family life. Sarah’s journey took her from a sports-oriented education to various leadership roles, including acting deputy principal. She shares valuable insights into the significance of working with intermediate-aged students, the impact of extra-curricular activities on skill development, and the importance of embracing new roles to enhance both personal and professional growth.

Sarah also discusses how she manages the delicate balance between her career and family, offering practical tips on staying organised and managing stress. Drawing from her own experiences as a parent, she emphasises the importance of empathy and understanding in teaching. Through her story, Sarah inspires educators to embrace opportunities, maintain balance, and strive for connection with their students and themselves. 

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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Ever wonder what it takes to transition from a bustling career in publishing to the heartwarming yet challenging world of primary education? Meet Sam, my long-time friend and a dedicated primary school teacher & reliever who shares her transformative journey and the pivotal moments that guided her to teaching. Through her experiences, Sam reveals the joys and hurdles of nurturing young minds and the importance of creating an inclusive classroom environment. Together, we discuss the often-overlooked balance between professional dedication and personal well-being, sharing practical insights into self-care and managing the relentless demands of teaching.

Join us as we uncover the rewarding and challenging experiences of teaching primary school students, from heartwarming school camps to the long-lasting impact on young lives. Discover how Sam found a healthier work-life balance through relief teaching, which brought about flexibility and personal fulfilment. She offers advice on the adaptability and creativity needed for success in this role, while highlighting the joy of immersing oneself in diverse school cultures. Whether you're an educator seeking inspiration or contemplating a shift to relief teaching, this episode promises a treasure trove of insights and encouragement for finding joy in the teaching journey.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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Cricket aficionado turned educator, Mark Orchard, takes centre stage in our latest episode, sharing his remarkable transition from the pitch to the classroom. Discover how Mark channels the discipline and fervour of his sports career into teaching at a Boys College, while also prioritising self-care. Mark's refreshing perspective on economic living and the art of recharging during school holidays is both inspiring and practical. His passion for coaching football and tennis not only fuels his physical health but also invigorates his mental well-being, a testament to the power of sport in fostering a positive mindset.

Join us as we uncover the secrets to a balanced lifestyle with Mark's insights on meal preparation, exercise, and efficient time management. From the joy of listening to economics podcasts to embracing minimal meditation practices, Mark offers a wealth of strategies for maintaining well-being amid the rigours of teaching. We delve into the importance of focusing on fewer tasks to achieve greater impact, ensuring a sustainable work-life balance. This conversation is packed with valuable lessons for educators seeking to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Mark's holistic approach to teaching and life.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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Imagine uprooting your life and moving across the globe to prioritize education and cultural experience. That's exactly what Ellie, our passionate languages teacher from Seoul, Korea, did when her family relocated to New Zealand. This episode of Nurturing Educators invites you to discover Ellie's journey of teaching Chinese and Japanese in a new cultural landscape for over a decade. She shares with us the bold decisions her family made for the sake of education, as well as the unique challenges and joys of adapting to life and teaching in New Zealand.

Ellie's story is a captivating testament to the transformative power of living and working abroad. From her initial steps into a New Zealand language school to developing creative teaching strategies that transcend language barriers, Ellie's experiences redefine adaptability and resilience. She offers profound insights on empathy and cultural sensitivity, essential tools for educators everywhere. Whether you're an educator adapting to a new environment or simply curious about life abroad, Ellie's personal and professional growth story will inspire and equip you with practical tips for thriving in diverse educational settings. Join us for an episode filled with wisdom and encouragement from a truly dedicated educator.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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How does an inspiring educator manage to find peace amidst the chaos of teaching? Join me, Debbie Ross, as I chat with Gordon, a seasoned teacher who opens up about his journey from enthusiastic novice to an advocate for self-care and balanced living. Gordon shares the pivotal moments that led him to prioritize his mental well-being, offering practical strategies like leaving work at school and seeking professional counseling. Discover how Gordon's story can help you navigate the demanding seasons of teaching, transforming stress into manageable parts and finding joy in your personal time.

As we explore the pressures faced by teachers, from hectic report writing periods to parent-teacher meetings, I share additional strategies to keep stress in check. Learn about the importance of building a support network, accessing professional development, and setting a positive example for students in managing stress. Gordon and I also discuss how maintaining social ties and balancing technology with outdoor activities can foster a healthier lifestyle. This episode is a heartfelt reminder to prioritize self-care and nurture your well-being, setting the stage for a sustainable and fulfilling teaching career. Stay tuned as we continue to support your journey on Nurturing Educators, and connect with us on social media for more insights and encouragement.

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

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Nicole, a dedicated dance and drama teacher and head of faculty, shares her journey of balancing a demanding career with personal well-being. She emphasises the importance of self-care strategies like running and staying socially active to maintain energy and focus. Through teamwork and delegation, she not only lightens her workload but also fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment built on trust. Her experiences offer valuable insights into professional growth, mentorship, and the significance of learning from smaller departments while embracing new opportunities.

Nicole also highlights the essential qualities for aspiring leaders in education, including kindness, passion, and adaptability. She stresses the value of professional development, advocating for one’s subject, and understanding the unique needs of team members. With guidance from mentors like Verity, she has embraced leadership through transparency and trust, demonstrating the power of giving back to the educational community. As she reflects on fostering loyalty and hard work, her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the importance of strong leadership, teamwork, and a healthy work-life balance in education. 

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities
or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening!