Practising Teacher Criteria #3

Demonstrate commitment to bicultural partnership in Aotearoa New Zealand

Key Indicators:

i. demonstrate respect for the heritages, languages and cultures of both partners to the Treaty of Waitangi

Reflective Question:

How do I reflect in my professional work respect for cultural heritages of both Treaty partners in Aotearoa New Zealand?

One way that I do this is through giving students the opportunity to share their experiences from outside the classroom. This happens during informal conversations with students and during writing time when students recount important events that they have experienced outside the classroom. In doing this, students feel validated and empowered to know that their experiences that they bring to the classroom are valued and appreciated. I am also open and honest in sharing my background and heritage with students making them feel comfortable to share their own experiences, heritage and culture. 

Where to Next?

I would like to improve the way that I seek out and respond to Maori voice. This can be achieved by more actively involving iwi, hapu and whanau in determining, planing, delivering and evaluating the curriculum. 

Next year I will also have a class whakatauki linked in with the values of the classroom.