"Te mātai i ngā whakaaro o te minenga | Reading the room"

Welcome to this series of podcasts for Teacher Aides in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this episode, we talk about practical ways teacher aides can support students with physical, sensory and communication needs through observation, collaboration, inclusive practice and meaningful everyday interactions.

Our guests this time are Cassie Welsh, Occupational Therapist, and Felicity Merritt, a Speech Language Therapist, both at the Ministry of Education.

Remember: if you hear anything during your mahi that raises concern about a child's safety, you must not carry it alone. Talk to your classroom teacher or SENCO and refer to your school's Child Protection policy.

This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.

In this episode, we talk about pathways into the Kaiāwhina role, supporting disabled Tamariki, and what genuine inclusion looks like day-to-day.

Our guest is Jacqueline (Jacks), kaiāwhina and Limited Authority to Teach holder at Te Kura o Te

Pāroa, who brings extensive kapa haka knowledge and community connections to her mahi.

Te Kura o Te Pāroa in Whakatanē has both a rūmaki (Māori immersion) and auraki (English immersion) stream, with a curriculum deeply connected to the local iwi, Ngāti Awa. Whether you work in a Māori-medium setting or not, the practice here is relevant to any classroom.

Remember: if you hear anything during your mahi that raises concern about a child’s safety, you must not carry it alone. Talk to your classroom teacher or SENCO and refer to your school’s Child Protection Policy.

This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.

In this episode, we talk about building relationships with Tamariki, supporting children who arrive carrying big feelings from home, and how kaiāwhina look after their own wellbeing.

Our guest is Celia Rakuraku-Ranapia, kaiāwhina and registered kaiako at Te Kura o Te Pāroa.

Te Kura o Te Pāroa in Whakatanē has both a rūmaki (Māori immersion) and auraki (English medium) stream, with a curriculum deeply connected to the local iwi, Ngāti Awa. Whether you work in a Māori-medium setting or not, the practice here is relevant to any classroom.

Remember: if you hear anything during your mahi that raises concern about a child’s safety, you not carry it alone. Talk to your classroom teacher or SENCO and refer to your school’s Child Protection Policy.

This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.

In this episode, we talk about the Teacher Aide role, supporting ākonga carrying trauma, nervous system co-regulation, and high needs support.

Our guest this time is Bex Te Maro, Kaiāwhina at Kenakena school in Paraparaumu Beach.

This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.

In this episode, we talk about the Teacher Aide role, supporting neurodiverse ākonga, the importance of communication and managing your wellbeing.

Our guest this time is Nikki Hammonds, Teacher Aide at Arataki school in Mount Maunganui.

This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.

In this episode, we talk about the SENCO role, creating a supportive team and inclusive schools.

Our guest this time is Liz Logan, SENCO at Arataki school in Mount Maunganui.

This podcast was produced for the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.

In this episode, we talk about the journey into the Teacher Aide role, working across multiple classes and her top tips for Teacher Aides.

Our guest this time is Hayley Davies, Teacher Aide at Arataki school in Mount Maunganui.

This podcast was produced by the Ministry of Education as part of Poipoia te kākano | Nurture the seed Teacher Aide PLD.