Collective Matters #7
Kia ora,
Welcome back to Collective Matters. Our work and community continues to grow. People reach out often asking about the best way to be involved. This month we welcomed four new members to the collective Stephen McConnachie, Mark Potter, Lynda Knight-de Blois, Rae Si'ilata
The year has certainly started off busily for us all as we navigate the intricacies of the political and educational landscape that we see in front of us.
It is helpful to remember that as professionals wherever we may be within education, we have a wealth of experience, knowledge and skills that we bring to our work with our children, our young people and their communities.
A great quote from Dame Whina Cooper: “ Take care of our children. Take care of what they hear, take care of what they feel. For how the children grow, so will be the shape of Aotearoa.” This is a powerful reminder to keep our eyes on what is important.
There is a great deal of swirl and rhetoric out there, which can paint a negative picture of what happens in education in our country. But we all know of many wonderful things happening for our children and young people across the motu. There areamazing professionals who provide exemplary learning environments every day. Let's not get caught up with negative sound bites but let's tell the real story, let’s focus on the children and young people in front of us.
We do amazing things, other countries look to us for the answers, they treat us like rock stars when we go overseas. The real issues that face us are those of underfunding in our system, especially in the area of learning support. That is the issue that our government needs to focus on - anything else is just a distraction.
AEC and the year ahead
Summer has been a chance for us to gather our thoughts and start to plan the areas that AEC wants to contribute to this year.
This year, Collective Members have decided to focus on Learning Support, Te Tiriti, Curriculum, NCEA and Charter Schools. We are grateful to have members of the collective leading out on each.
The other area of planning that we are pleased to share with you is our first AEC conference.
UpliftEd Conference 2025 - Empowering Educators | Strengthening the Profession | Shaping the Future
30-31 October 2025 - Massey University, Wellington.
The UpliftEd Conference is an energising and thought-provoking event designed for educators who are passionate about their profession and the future of education in Aotearoa. Hosted by the Aotearoa Educators' Collective, this conference brings together leading thinkers, researchers, and practitioners to explore what it truly means to uplift and empower teachers.
Expect inspiring keynotes, engaging panel discussions, and opportunities to connect with fellow educators who share your vision for the future of teaching and learning.
We have Professor Guy Claxton alongside Professor Peter O’Connor, Professor Russell Bishop, Dr Simon McCallum, Dr Hana O'Regan, Dr. Julia Atkin, Janelle Riki-Waaka , Dr. Michael Johnston
Tickets are $495 with an early bird available for $395. Register now, as seats are limited! Tickets can be purchased here.
How you can help
Help fund our work, join our Substack as a paid member.
We want to work alongside people to create content for the Substack. You do not need to agree with everything the Collective has said. But we do want to create a place for wide-reaching professional discussion. You can see more info here.
Become a collective member. Be listed on our website as a collective member and help build this movement.
Substack Summary
11 December - Recording - A charter school for the underprivileged denizens of the Remuera ghetto? - Full article
9 December - Skewing Marsden. - Full article