Te Rumate Mahutoto

Te Tohu Paetahi Ako: Bachelor of Education - Teaching

Awanuiārangi is my ancestor and the institution is a whare wānanga in the ancestral landscape of my tribe, Ngāti Awa. The familiarity of the environment, the people, the values and practices encouraged me to ‘rukuhia te mātauranga’ – to seek higher knowledge in an institution that respects my culture and drive to teach and contribute to the revitalisation of Te Reo.

I was aware of the supportive and empowering processes of learning at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, and I knew I would be challenged and pushed to my limits.

I graduated from Awanuiārangi with a degree that is accredited by the Teaching Council NZ. I benefited from a teaching team that has taught in early years centres, primary, intermediate and secondary schools, Kura Kaupapa Māori, rumaki and bilingual contexts. Lecturers made themselves constantly available. I am able to teach using either New Zealand Curriculum or Te Mātauranga o Aotearoa.

My aspiration as a teacher is aligned to the statement ‘morimoria te tamaiti kia tipu ai te tangata’ (nurture the child so that their potential will flourish). Teaching is not only about knowledge and skills but the desire to empower potential and make a difference. I am now teaching in a Year 3/4 bilingual class, and once I have completed teacher registration I will be looking at doing a Masters programme.