School Briefs - The AECNZ Podcast

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Kia ora, and welcome to the second episode of Learning on Tap!

In this series, we’re stepping back from the day-to-day classroom routine to look at the bigger picture - exploring the broader issues, policies, and systemic challenges that shape the world of teaching and learning.

This episode we are talking with Dr Jimmy Chong.

When a student returns to the classroom after a concussion, teachers are often on the front lines of their recovery - yet many educators feel unprepared for what that actually looks like. In this episode, we’re demystifying concussion specifically for teachers and school staff to take the guesswork out of supporting young brains.

We break down what a realistic “return to school” process involves, moving beyond physical rest to address cognitive fatigue, light sensitivity, and academic adjustments. We discuss the essential training and awareness schools need to create brain-safe environments, while highlighting a crucial truth: because every brain is different, every recovery journey is unique. If you’re an educator looking for practical reassurance and actionable strategies to help your students safely navigate recovery, this episode is for you.

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you for tuning in!

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe

Thanks to those who were able to make it to the in-person event last Thursday.

It is a pleasure to be able to share the full launch with everyone, as we have had many people inquire.

At the launch we were grateful to hear from Stephen Lethbridge, Rose Hipkins, Claire Coleman and Anthony MacKay.

Where to from here?

The AEC is not without ambition and a desire for the right type of change in education. We want to make sure that discussions about the future are clear about the vision for which we are striving.

Over the coming months, we are going to be launching a series of policy discussion papers with this vision at their heart. We want to explore different aspects of the education system and discuss the actual policy shifts needed over the short, medium, and long term. Aotearoa is full of amazing policy thinkers, and we want to hear from them.

Please reach out if you have an interest in policy discussions to do with Kaupapa Māori, Initial Teacher Education, Curriculum and Assessment, Resourcing, Learning Support, Tomorrow’s Schools, Early Childhood Education, or the Tertiary sector.

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Sarah Aiono from the Aotearoa Educators’ Collective talks with OMEP Aotearoa co-presidents Fleur Hohaia-Rollinson and Dr. Lynley Tulloch about OMEP’s submission in response to the Ministerial Advisory Group’s review of early childhood education funding.

The kōrero unpacks the concerns underpinning OMEP’s submission, including the framing of early childhood education as a “merit good” rather than a public good, the implications of increasing privatisation, and what proposed changes could mean for qualified teachers, equitable access, Te Whāriki, Te Tiriti, accountability, and the rights and wellbeing of tamariki.

Together, they consider not only the detail of the funding review, but the bigger question it raises: what do we want early childhood education in Aotearoa to be, and who should it ultimately serve?

To learn more about and support the work of visit OMEP Aotearoa here. Click here to learn more about the Ministerial Advisory Group’s review of the Early Childhood Education sector funding model visit

To see further submissions on ECE funding click here.

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you for tuning in!

And a reminder that of you’re in Auckland to come and join is for the launch of ‘A Vision for Education in Aotearoa New Zealand’. Register here.

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you for tuning in! And make sure you register for the launch of the AEC Report ‘A Vision for Education Aotearoa Auckland’ which is happening at 8.30am, Thursday 20th August at The University of Auckland. Learn more and get your tickets here.

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you for tuning in!

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe

Kia ora, and welcome to the very first episode of Learning on Tap!

In this series, we’re stepping back from the day-to-day classroom routine to look at the bigger picture - exploring the broader issues, policies, and systemic challenges that shape the world of teaching and learning.

To kick off our very first episode, we’re joined by a remarkable guest: Trish Grant from IHC.

Following a landmark case against the Government regarding the systemic treatment of students with learning disabilities, IHC achieved a historic victory. As part of the settlement, the Government is now required to help implement a long-term plan for learning support, one actually designed by IHC. The Framework for Action can be found here.

Today, we’re sitting down with Trish to unpack what this means for students, families, and the future of inclusive education.

Grab a drink, settle in, and let’s dive in.

Get full access to Aotearoa Educators Collective's Substack at aecnz.substack.com/subscribe