Faculty

Explorers is staffed by a wonderful team of people who are committed to the growth and development of our young children.  Staff are selected and retained on the basis of their ability to learn about and implement our philosophy (Reggio Approach), as well as their qualifications, experience and credentials. 

Explorers is administered by a full time Director, Caroline Reese, who supervises staff, develops policy, and guides our curriculum and programme.  A fully qualified teacher with a Diploma in Early Childhood, she has had extensive experience as an early childhood educator and a centre manager.  Caroline’s passion lies in identifying the strengths of each child, supporting parents and family in their child’s learning and development now and in the future.  She is focussing on developing a programme that is enriched by the Reggio Approach, as well as ensuring our teachers are supported and motivated, in learning and implementing our philosophy.

The following quote captures the essence of Caroline passion for teaching and her vision is for the teaching team to also see teaching and child-teacher relationships in this way:

“The image of the child is an integral part of the teacher-child relationship, in which the teacher’s aim is to empower children to explore the world and create meaning.  The teacher’s motive is to validate the children’s curiosity, challenge their thinking, and facilitate their pleasure in connecting with the world and constructing understandings.  Gradually, because this image of the child is in the teacher’s mind, heart, and actions, the children take on this imagine of themselves and grow as active inquirers and constructors of personally meaningful information” (Quote From: We are all explorers”, Scheinfeld, Haigh and Scheinfeld, 2008).

At Explorers Caroline is actively involved in strengthening our programs, conducting parent meetings, and training new teachers and students. She also works directly with the and children.  Caroline is supported by John Menneer, who is the owner of Explorers and is responsible for overall school operations and policy development, and finances.  John has a PhD in Earth Science and is keen to see our children learn how to become self directed and independent learners or researchers.  John has taught at tertiary level and assists Caroline with curriculum development and is occasionally involved with teaching.  John also has 3 of his own children at Explorers.

Our professional teaching staff is composed of teachers and assistant teachers. Our teachers have bachelor degrees or diplomas in Early Childhood.  We also have volunteer students who are in-training, and provide support for our teachers.  Several volunteer artists from the community also contribute their time to share and explore the arts with our children.   All staff are involved in various professional development to advance their learning and to support them in implementing our programme.

Explorers achieves a high standard of education as recently reported in their Education Review by the Ministry of Education.

Our Teachers

Jo Hofmann – Teacher in-training
Tēnā koutou katoa
Ko Joanne Hofmann ahau
No Waihi ahau
E mahi ana ahau i te whare kohungahunga Explorers
He akonga tau tuatoru ahau o Te Whare Kura-tini Kaihautu o Aotearoa
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Jo is currently completing her training with the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand, working toward a Diploma of Teaching in Early Childhood Education. Jo has been teaching in Early Childhood Centres since 2006. Jo says she enjoys supporting children to become competent and confident learners who have a passion for learning. She also enjoys following the children’s interests and watching the excitement that children express when they accomplish a task that they have previously struggled with.

Kayla Homeward – Teacher in-training
Kayla is in her first year of a Bachelor of Teaching degree at Wintec in Hamilton. She teaches at Explorers 5 days a week; 3 days in a paid position, and 2 days as a volunteer student.  Kayla wanted to teach at Explorers so she could learn to teach and to develop a deeper understanding of our philosophy.  Kayla will be with Explorers for 12 months as part of her study requirements.

Allie Covell – Bachelor of Teaching
Allie has been working in early childhood education since 1999, working as a Nanny and in various Early Childhood centres while travelling. Her qualifications include a Nanny Diploma, certificates through Massey University as well as the government agency Barnardo’s, and is a new graduate with a degree in ECE from Waikato University. She has a love for the environment, culture and travel, having a passion for using the environment and outdoors for children’s learning experiences and development.  Allie is currently on maternity leave.

Our Students

Megan Tumai
Megan is also in her first year of a Bachelor of Teaching degree at Wintec in Hamilton.  Megan has 3 children of her own, and will be with Explorers for 12 months teaching 2 days a week. She is a volunteer student who has come to Explorers to learn to teach and to develop a deeper understanding of our philosophy.

by admin on December 7, 2009 · 0 comments