Nurturing Educators

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In this episode I chat with Liz, a seasoned educator whose career has taken her from the PE department and language classroom to the skies as a flight attendant and finally into her current role as a careers advisor. Liz shares her journey of transformation with honesty and warmth, reflecting on what led her to teaching, the joys of extracurricular involvement, and the decision to step away after two decades in the same school. 

She talks about her time working in an open-plan school in Queenstown, the process of retraining as a careers advisor through NMIT, and how she completed her diploma while working as a domestic flight attendant. Liz also offers practical insights into how she supports students in planning their future careers, the importance of soft skills in an ever-changing job market, and why having a ‘Plan B’ is crucial, especially for students aiming for competitive fields like medicine. 

Whether you’re an educator considering a change, a career advisor, or someone passionate about guiding young people, Liz’s story is a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible and that every step of the journey can shape the impact we have on others. 

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! 

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In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Jess, an experienced and passionate maths teacher, to unpack her 13-year journey in education. From helping out in her mum’s primary school classrooms to now leading the junior maths program at a large Auckland secondary school, Jess offers valuable insights into her evolution as an educator. 

She shares how her background in science eventually led her to teaching, and how an unexpected practicum experience accelerated her development. We delve into the challenges and rewards of curriculum leadership, her approach to supporting students with maths anxiety, and the importance of building a confident, inclusive classroom culture. Jess also reflects on the power of mentorship, the benefits of collaboration, and why she believes progress should be celebrated just as much as performance. 

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, or just someone curious about what really goes on behind the classroom door, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical wisdom, and a whole lot of heart.

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! 

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In this heartwarming and insightful episode, I am joined by two passionate champions of te reo Māori—Mel, a secondary school Te Reo teacher, and Emma, a Māori Media student at AUT and kapa haka tutor. Together, they share their personal journeys with the language, the cultural richness it brings to students’ lives, and the important role it plays in shaping our national identity. 

Mel and Emma discuss the challenges of fitting te reo Māori into busy school timetables and shifting perceptions around its value, especially among whānau and in mainstream education settings. They share practical strategies for introducing te reo Māori into classrooms, including simple greetings, school haka, and translating school songs, while highlighting the power of small steps in creating meaningful change. 

This kōrero is a reminder of the power of language to connect, uplift, and instill pride. Whether you're a seasoned kaiako or just beginning your reo journey, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace Te reo Māori in your own way, mistakes and all. 

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! 

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In this episode, I sit down with Gloria Vazquez – a vibrant, passionate, and much-loved figure in the Spanish teaching community here in Aotearoa. Originally from Asturias in the north of Spain, Gloria came to New Zealand in the late 1980s for love and adventure, and ended up building a life and legacy that has touched countless students and fellow educators over the years. 

Gloria shares the story of her early days in NZ, when there were hardly any Spanish speakers around and everything felt new and unfamiliar. She talks about the challenges of settling in, finding community, and navigating a completely different culture. all while staying true to her roots. We dive into her journey as a Senior Lecturer at AUT, her love for the Spanish language, and how she’s helped grow its presence in New Zealand. Her passion for teaching and connection shines through every word. 

This episode is full of gems, Gloria offers thoughtful, heartfelt advice for anyone starting fresh in a new country, pursuing a teaching career, or just figuring out where they belong. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your heart, and that with a bit of courage and a lot of aroha, you really can build a beautiful life across the world. 

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! 

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Today we’re catching up with Lucy,  a warm-hearted, down-to-earth teacher who brings both heart to everything she does. From the classroom to the hockey turf, Lucy is known for her strong relationships with colleagues and students, her fierce team spirit, and thoughtful approach to teaching. In this episode, she opens up about navigating the early years of teaching, finding her stride, and the value of connection and community in the school environment. Whether she’s learning on the go or rallying her team to a win, Lucy’s passion and purpose shine through. 

We also take a look back at Lucy’s unexpected journey into teaching. After completing a degree in Psychology, German, Accounting, and Commercial law, Lucy initially followed a corporate path before realising her heart was elsewhere. A timely opportunity to study teaching through a practical, school-based program helped her transition into education, and she hasn’t looked back since. Tune in for a candid conversation about figuring things out, finding the right fit, and why her third year of teaching has been her best one yet. 

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! 

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 Every teacher knows the weight of responsibility that comes with nurturing young minds—but who’s looking after the educators themselves? In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Kathryn, an experienced teacher turned online educator and health coach, who’s passionate about supporting teacher and student well-being. 

With over two decades of teaching experience across New Zealand, Kathryn shares how her journey led from the classroom to several principal roles and, more recently, to working with students online. 

Kathryn offers practical well-being strategies that busy teachers can start using right away—like reconnecting with your "why," taking mindful nature breaks, and prioritising sleep and nutrition. Her reflections on self-compassion, including insights from Dr. Kristin Neff, remind educators to care for themselves with the same kindness they show their students. 

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! 

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What happens when a teacher steps outside her comfort zone to grow in a completely new environment? Emily, a third-year social sciences teacher, shares her journey transitioning from a Catholic school to a diverse, lower socioeconomic school. Unlike many who switch roles due to burnout, Emily made a deliberate choice to explore new approaches early in her career—a move that brought both challenge and growth. 

Her first week was filled with self-doubt—"Am I capable enough of doing this?"—but she quickly discovered that her own vulnerability helped her connect with students. She once assumed teachers were flawlessly organised, only to find most are simply doing their best each day. This realisation shaped her classroom culture, where authenticity reigns. When students share struggles, Emily meets them with honesty, saying, “I know that because I’m trying to make friends right now as well.” 

Looking forward, Emily is exploring the possibility of a master’s in educational leadership, but her heart remains firmly in the classroom, where she continues to grow alongside her students. Her joy comes from watching students grow passionate about social issues and become young change-makers. Her advice to aspiring teachers? “Be ready for chaos, take it in your stride, and don’t worry so much about the outcome.” 

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! 

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What happens when a passionate primary teacher returns to the classroom after time off to raise her kids? Melita, a dedicated educator with 15 years' experience, shares how motherhood gave her a fresh, empathetic lens on teaching. 

She opens up about how parenting deepened her understanding of students and their families—how knowing what happens at home can shape more compassionate teaching. "I have a new perspective from the family side," she says, seeing students as whole individuals, not just learners. 

Melita also reflects on why she loves the variety in primary teaching, from Maths to PE to Art, and how different strengths shine through: "They're all just so unique, and they are a marvel." 

We also talk about challenges—new curriculum changes, structured literacy, and the rising demands on teachers. For mums thinking of returning to the classroom, Melita suggests trying relief teaching and finding "a kura where you feel valued." Her top advice? "Be kind to yourself. You're juggling a lot." 

Keen to hear how one teacher balances teaching and being a mum? Tune in and join fellow educators navigating the beautiful chaos of 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

Thanks for listening! 

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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

Thanks for listening! 

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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

Thanks for listening!