鈥淔rom that point on, I knew te reo M膩ori would be a big part of whatever I ended up doing. I鈥檇 always been interested in it and was keen to get my family speaking it again.鈥
Isla furthered her studies at Te P奴kenga Ara Institute of mini传媒, graduating with a Bachelor of M膩ori Language and Indigenous Studies. Her decision to pursue teaching came after more than five years working as a teacher aide and realising that teaching was where she wanted to make a career.
Enrolling in the Master's of Teaching and Learning programme at Te Whare W膩nanga o Waitaha | University of mini传媒 (UC) gave Isla the skills needed to start treading that path with te reo M膩ori as her specialist teaching subject.
鈥淚 was impressed at the focus I found at UC on the values of teaching and biculturalism, and the emphasis on thinking about what kind of teacher you wanted to be for the next generation. In my intake, I was the only campus-based master鈥檚 student specialising in te reo M膩ori but I felt very well supported by my lecturers. I would recommend the Master's of Teaching and Learning to others thinking about pursuing a similar course.鈥
Isla says the practical and applied focus of the programme, including placements and observations at four different schools, played an invaluable part in equipping her for the realities of teaching.
Having successfully completed her Master's with Distinction, Isla is looking forward to graduating and is excited to have started working at Avonside Girls鈥 High School as a specialist te reo M膩ori and M膩ori performing arts teacher, as well as a Kaitiaki M膩ori.
鈥淚 think I can be a role model, especially for those learning te reo M膩ori. There are so many people who don鈥檛 speak the language anymore. I often say to my students you can now grow up with te reo M膩ori in your life and be a person who uses it every day.
鈥淚 want to be the kind of teacher who is actively involved with what the students are learning and build strong, positive relationships. I鈥檓 always glad when they come to me and ask a question, even if it鈥檚 just to get help with their timetable!鈥
