Response to 2025 Manaiakalani Kāhui Ako teacher within-school role

 

What achievement challenge are you considering as an area of focus in 2024 and why? Include in your WHY both evidence and your own passion/expertise.

I’m considering The Achievement Challenge 2 as an area of focus.  - Lift the achievement for boys' writing in Years 1-10

I’m also considering my Inquiry focus question to be around:  The Writing Process

In 2023, I focused on implementing culturally responsive teaching, and I introduced Extended Discussion with my Reading groups (Reciprocal Teaching). This year, my major focus was on Reading Stamina, and there were great positive outcomes. 

However, in 2025 I would like to focus on Writing as I have encountered other significant challenges such as my learners not specifically following the writing process:

Prewriting

Drafting

Revising

Editing

Evaluating

Publishing

What learnings from the 2017 - 2024 CoL teacher inquiries have informed or inspired your thinking?

Since joining Glen Innes School in 2014, I've been immersed in the Manaiakalani pedagogy and kaupapa. Over time, I've grown increasingly familiar with the Learn, Create, Share pedagogy, finding it remarkably easy to explain to friends and family. This clarity and confidence have been empowering.

Zhydah and Kaysee, early CoL teachers at our school, inspired me with their focused inquiries. My own TESOL studies further fueled my passion for inquiry-based learning. In 2023, I decided to take the next step and apply for the CoL within school role.

Witnessing the dedication of past CoL teachers, including myself, and the joy of sharing our achievements has been incredibly motivating. The sense of accomplishment and celebration that comes from this inquiry approach is truly inspiring.

How would your work support Manaiakalani pedagogy and kaupapa?

I will mostly use collaborative pedagogy with my learners. It will be learner-centred so that they are empowered to share their thoughts and opinions freely and confidently.

I will also ensure that learning is ubiquitous and visible as well. For the past two years, I have worked closely with the SLT  and they have been supportive throughout.

My inquiry will follow the learn, create and share model as I dive deeper into writing, create a structured approach to literacy that best meets the needs of my tamariki and share this teaching inquiry with my colleagues at Glen Innes School, and the wider Manaiakalani CoL. 

Which elements of the extensive Manaiakalani research findings inform or challenge you as you think about this?

I explored Edpotential and read the cluster report for Manaiakalani and the school report. Our school writing data suggests that writing is an area of need.

How would you like to be supported in 2025 as you undertake this inquiry?

I have been using a collaborative approach with my colleagues and I will continue to do so so that my work becomes more manageable. 

I am looking forward to engaging with the Manaiakalani team, and other CoL teachers in professional conversations.

Inviting CoL (AS) teachers to observe my writing class and provide feedback.

How would you plan to support your colleagues in your school with their inquiries and/or teaching in the area you are exploring?

I would love to have the opportunity to share my findings during staff meetings and visit classrooms during my release in order to share my findings. Teachers from junior and senior sides are always welcome to my class and I am always willing to share my practices with them.