References

My sincere thanks for giving me the opportunity to learn literacy planning and execution from the BEST coach ever- Erin! Each moment was filled with learning in an exceptionally effective way. I feel extremely fortunate that I was chosen for this amazing opportunity. The support and guidance given by Erin was excellent and she is also keen to know how we plan lessons in future. Can’t wait to share all this learning with my team!!

Charlene has worked alongside us for a few years transferring new learning into effective literacy classroom practice.  She has been really flexible in the way our PLD has been delivered to suit the needs of our kaiako and make sure the PLD is sustainable. Charlene worked one on one with Kaiako developing learning relationships, she modelled, co-taught and finally observed and gave feedback through coaching conversations. This PLD has had a major impact on teaching pedagogy and curriculum depth within our school.

Charlene is an outstanding facilitator who made strong links to our strategic plan. I have found her personable and professional in all my dealings. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her. She is passionate, optimistic, organised, realistic, fun, inspiring but most importantly a knowledgeable practitioner. Charlene utilises her skills to target the learning for each teacher.

The impact we have noticed is reflected in teachers planning, positive feedback, discussion and reflection from teachers in their teams and the positive writing achievement. The PD has been exemplary, of the highest quality.

Erin, I just wanted to say that our TA’s thoroughly enjoyed their second workshop yesterday.  They have found both workshops to be so practical and helpful.  They are busy making resources, are excited to be focusing on reading (after yesterday) and are already talking to senior managers about adapting the programmes to meet the needs of the students.

Erin has very effectively developed our teachers’ understanding of the available tools to assess, monitor and plan for children learning English. Staff find Erin approachable and engaging and respond to the PLD facilitated by her with enthusiasm. Erin is perceptive in her observations and easy to work with at a leadership level.

Andy Butler: A master teacher, Andy quickly established warm relationships with our team and tamariki. She designed Professional Learning which was tailored to our needs and then demonstrated, co-taught, encouraged and challenged us. Andy’s friendly manner along with her Literacy expertise was appreciated by our whole team and we highly recommend her!

Erin’s approach has been specific to our needs and context. She ensured staff were engaged and enthusiastic throughout. Her expertise in modelling, working along side teachers, and leading adult learning, ensured improvement in classroom and professional practice, was targeted to individual’s needs. All teachers in our school enjoy working with Erin and are motivated to continue and improve on their learning. She is professional, dynamic and able to go with the flow when needed.

Thanks again for your great workshop yesterday Charlene…most inspiring….and more than a tad entertaining.

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for your facilitation yesterday Charlene. I really appreciated your approach. You skilfully presented ideas and your beliefs, and all of us from HPS went away saying it was a really valuable day

Just wanted to say another HUGE thanks for yesterday. Sounds like a few teachers went home last night and carried on with their own research, and some of the teachers have tried out your suggestions today. Thanks again for an informative and entertaining Teacher Only Day!

Charlene, Just wanted to pass on to you the great feedback from teachers. They thought you were absolutely wonderful!!! They loved the day and said they got so much out of it. They thought you were so knowledgeable and such a motivating presenter. They are both sharing all their new PD with the staff next week!

Jane van der Zeyden is an outstanding facilitator and leads Professional Development in a highly engaging manner. Her knowledge of Literacy and the teaching of students who have English as a second language is extensive. Her ability to connect with teachers in a range of contexts when leading professional development has built a sense of trust within my staff and they are always pleased to have the opportunity to work with her as they learn so much. Jane identifies the needs within schools and is able to target professional development developing action plans that have outcomes that are measured and help shape next steps for future development.

Jane has engaged with the Ōtūmoetai Kāhui Ako to facilitate our Oral Language professional learning for 3 years. Jane’s depth of content knowledge, practical learning and collaborative style of delivery has both motivated and engaged educators across Early Childhood and Primary. Jane is a true professional with a personality to match.

I just wanted to let you know how much my teachers enjoyed the writer’s workshop on Wednesday, Charlene. We all came away with our heads buzzing with enthusiasm and ideas for writing. We found the presentation absolutely entertaining and informing. I haven’t been to a course in such a long time where the feedback has been so positive. Usually one or two people comment that there were some good ideas but they add, “didn’t like this and I didn’t like that…” You have renewed our resolve to improve the teaching of writing at our school.

Jane did a very thorough job for us during our ESOL review. Her knowledge and experience were invaluable in guiding us through the process right from our strategic thinking and goal setting to implementation in the classroom and teacher observations. She followed this up with excellent PD that was informed and practical