Staff

I like working alongside teenagers and adults to create a potential change movement. I have a vision for humanity, that works alongside the host Gaia, and where a new human can be actualised. I am aware of the global challenges, personal and interpersonal stresses and environmental degradation, I believe a new form of education is the way forward, based in the ideas of Montessori. I also believe in the human spirit to prevail. We look to the next generation for their guidance. I love theatre, travel, and my family. I set up Auckland Montessori College hoping we can create a great future, using respectful communities, to work together, and find our own pathway while ultimately supporting others to find theirs.

I became a teacher a number of years ago, after working for several years as a lecturer in Australia and Hong Kong. I have been lucky enough to do a lot of travelling and have lived in several countries around the world. I love teaching – the ideas, conversations, and challenges. I especially like teaching and learning about the humanities – Philosophy, History, English and Spanish, Geography, etc. One of my favourite things at AMC is camp – we get to stay in some of the most beautiful parts of Tāmaki Makaurau, four times per year. I also love the chance to get to know each student and their family, and to help in whatever way I can. Aside from guiding and teaching, I take care of students’ NCEA programmes, and research and publish on topics in educational studies, Montessori education, and philosophy of education. I live with my wife Hannah and my son Manny, both of whom have taught me a great amount about life and have made me a much better teacher.

I am an experienced teacher having taught in the wider Auckland area for over 24 years. I am passionate about creating learning environments that foster independence, inspire learning and spark curiosity. I have taught students from years 1 - 11, have a special interest in neuro-diversity and have extensive experience working with students with additional needs. I am an avid boatie and at weekends love to spend time on the water with my family. I also love to dance and have performed in and event-managed various shows over the years.

‘A warm feeling, a smile, your eyes lifting to share the moment with someone nearby, a shout of ‘I’ve got it!’, a sense of peace and understanding. No matter how you experience it, those intrinsic sparks that ignite when you connect with an idea or concept is a feeling everyone deserves. This is what is at the heart of education for me.’

My experience so far has pointed out often that the conventional model for the classroom is no longer serving the interests of our young people. The empathetic and critical capacities that are so sorely needed are best nurtured when we can form strong bonds of trust with our students and tailor a learning experience that meets them where they are. Although not trained as a montessori teacher, I have friends and colleagues with experience with montessori and I try to glean from them what I can as a pedagogy that aligns with my values of equality and care. Being able to break down the walls of traditional classroom models further with a Montessori approach is so crucial for the future of education and whether through this position or otherwise I’m sure it is an approach I’ll continue to learn from.

In terms of some of my practice that may be adjacent to montessori philosophy, I cherish whakawhanaungatanga and manaakitanga in particular in the classroom. I’ve seen that whakawhanaungatanga as a practice can enhance engagement, assessment, behaviour and almost all aspects of the classroom. Whakawhanaungatanga and collaboration with colleagues is key I believe too as our relationships in the workplace strengthens our teaching effectiveness.

Manaakitanga is central to my pedagogy as well. It is always an aim of mine to establish a fun and inclusive classroom where all learners feel empowered to explore their potential. Knowing how I can serve my students as an extension of our communities is crucial for an embodied knowledge of the social sciences. By emphasising the connection between each other, history and contemporary issues, I believe students can develop the critical thinking skills and aptitudes to become informed, active members of society.

Outside the classroom, my interests in music, reading, and fitness enrich my personal and professional life. I would be eager to explore the extracurricular opportunities and see what aligns with my interests and skills.

I come to Auckland Montessori College with 20+ years as an art teacher. I love creating things as it gives me a sense of peace, so to be able to pass that feeling on by offering guidance is a huge pleasure. I have spent wonderful moments marinating in the Love, Peace, Prepared Environment and Gratitude of Auckland Montessori College as its artist in residence. It is such a joy to me to be able to help this magicalness continue as a guardian of the environment and as a mentor/pastoral care role.

With all the “shoulds” society puts on our young people I think they get taught at a very early age to not listen to their own hearts. My hope is that I will be able to help our students reconnect with their own hearts through the use of our lovely peaceful community and environment. I am passionate about exploring our hearts desires through art and cooking.