Retiring Teacher - Herald Article

Retiring Head of Science - St Paul's Auckland

NZ Herald - Brian Stevenson

It is always with interest that I observe teachers who are retiring, especially if they've been part of the teaching professional for a long time.  Today's New Zealand Herald highlights the retirement of one Science Teacher from Auckland Brian Stevenson.  

Brian is a rare kind of teacher these days in that he's only ever taught at one school - 36 years at St Paul's.  To me that is a very long time in one place and something that is very rare.  

Brian sounds like a very passionate kind of a teacher - he'd come to the profession later on in his life and like me finds the role very intrinsically rewarding;

"The most rewarding, I think, is probably when they become young adults in their last two years. And boys you've seen who have occasionally had quite a bit of fun at your expense as a junior suddenly become human."

It was interesting with our recent round of interviews with our 2015 student leaders - the comments about how they've matured in their time here at Waihi College from their junior years.    This is something that as a newbie here at the college I'm looking forward too - that longitudinal experience in the school.  

Finally Brian offers some advice to those about to enter the profession?

"You've got to be used to the idea that teenagers are not the same as adults, so you are not always going to get logical behaviour."

This is reminiscent to me of some wise words I had as a younger teacher.  You can anticipate that teenagers will do some dumb random things then you won't take them personally when they happen.  

This post relates to RTC # 1. establish and maintain effective professional relationships focused on the learning and well-being of ākonga 

Merry Christmas

Thanks For 2014 
Well this post makes the end of the 2014 academic year here at Waihi College.  This year has been a terrific learning experience for me as my first year in the role of Learning Leader here at the school.  I have tremendously enjoyed the experience.

I'd like to express my gratitude to the senior leadership team here at the College.  To Alistair for his open approachable leadership and encouragement in my work.  To Heather and Brendan for their support and encouragement over these three terms.

Here is the global years plan (as at mid December 2014) for next year.


I hope you all have a fantastic break, a festive Christmas with loved ones and we all return 2015 renewed and enthused for a great year ahead.

Cheers Justin.

Long Term Planning

Nice Example of Teaching the Student
This is a nice story from the US - a teacher with a real passion for teaching.