Manaiakalani Teacher Only Day

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 Wow. Just wow! My tinana and wairua are overflowing after listening to and sharing at our Manaiakalani Teacher Only Day. 

Our keynote speaker, Dr Rae Si'ilata and Kyla Hansell spoke about the importance of students' identity and culture in our classrooms and teaching practice. It was such an amazing keynote that I didn't even take notes - I was too inspired to jot down anything. 

My key takeaways from them: 
• Continue to use students frames of references to inform the way in which we approach students learning and their needs. 
• Continue to use culture and identity in my teaching
• Continue to provide spaces and opportunities for our tamaiti to lead, learn, share their expertise. 
• The importance of understanding bilingualism and the brain 
• Continue to find and expose students to texts that are 'windows and mirrors' and provide a balance in my setting. 
• Continue to build awareness ...



My biggest learning from today came from our very own workshop. Together with Christine Tupou and Dorothy Apelu, we ran a workshop titled 'Teaching through a cultural lens'. Hearing from our students, even though I had heard them share their piece before, was so powerful. Their voices to their stories being told. I was most proud that 2 of our speakers were being reassessed on an oral language assessment, using this piece they had prepared for a much better result. I am so proud that we gave them this opportunity and space to share their voices. It was such an empowering moment for me, not only as a Pasifika female but as an educator choosing to providing a space, a platform for our students to stand proud, share and learn. Proud is an understatement. 




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