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Nurturing Educators

Debbie Ross
Nurturing Educators
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  • Embracing te reo Māori in Schools with Mel and Emma
    Send us a textIn this heartwarming and insightful episode, I am joined by two passionate champions of te reo Māori—Mel, a secondary school Te Reo teacher, and Emma, a Māori Media student at AUT and kapa haka tutor. Together, they share their personal journeys with the language, the cultural richness it brings to students’ lives, and the important role it plays in shaping our national identity. Mel and Emma discuss the challenges of fitting te reo Māori into busy school timetables and shifting perceptions around its value, especially among whānau and in mainstream education settings. They share practical strategies for introducing te reo Māori into classrooms, including simple greetings, school haka, and translating school songs, while highlighting the power of small steps in creating meaningful change. This kōrero is a reminder of the power of language to connect, uplift, and instill pride. Whether you're a seasoned kaiako or just beginning your reo journey, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace Te reo Māori in your own way, mistakes and all. Hosted by Debbie RossFind us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!
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  • The Spanish Kiwi with Gloria
    Send us a textIn this episode, I sit down with Gloria Vazquez – a vibrant, passionate, and much-loved figure in the Spanish teaching community here in Aotearoa. Originally from Asturias in the north of Spain, Gloria came to New Zealand in the late 1980s for love and adventure, and ended up building a life and legacy that has touched countless students and fellow educators over the years. Gloria shares the story of her early days in NZ, when there were hardly any Spanish speakers around and everything felt new and unfamiliar. She talks about the challenges of settling in, finding community, and navigating a completely different culture. all while staying true to her roots. We dive into her journey as a Senior Lecturer at AUT, her love for the Spanish language, and how she’s helped grow its presence in New Zealand. Her passion for teaching and connection shines through every word. This episode is full of gems, Gloria offers thoughtful, heartfelt advice for anyone starting fresh in a new country, pursuing a teaching career, or just figuring out where they belong. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your heart, and that with a bit of courage and a lot of aroha, you really can build a beautiful life across the world. Hosted by Debbie RossFind us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!
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  • Early classroom journey with Lucy
    Send us a textToday we’re catching up with Lucy,  a warm-hearted, down-to-earth teacher who brings both heart to everything she does. From the classroom to the hockey turf, Lucy is known for her strong relationships with colleagues and students, her fierce team spirit, and thoughtful approach to teaching. In this episode, she opens up about navigating the early years of teaching, finding her stride, and the value of connection and community in the school environment. Whether she’s learning on the go or rallying her team to a win, Lucy’s passion and purpose shine through. We also take a look back at Lucy’s unexpected journey into teaching. After completing a degree in Psychology, German, Accounting, and Commercial law, Lucy initially followed a corporate path before realising her heart was elsewhere. A timely opportunity to study teaching through a practical, school-based program helped her transition into education, and she hasn’t looked back since. Tune in for a candid conversation about figuring things out, finding the right fit, and why her third year of teaching has been her best one yet. Hosted by Debbie RossFind us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!
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  • Educator Well-being with Kathryn
    Send us a text Every teacher knows the weight of responsibility that comes with nurturing young minds—but who’s looking after the educators themselves? In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Kathryn, an experienced teacher turned online educator and health coach, who’s passionate about supporting teacher and student well-being. With over two decades of teaching experience across New Zealand, Kathryn shares how her journey led from the classroom to several principal roles and, more recently, to working with students online. Kathryn offers practical well-being strategies that busy teachers can start using right away—like reconnecting with your "why," taking mindful nature breaks, and prioritising sleep and nutrition. Her reflections on self-compassion, including insights from Dr. Kristin Neff, remind educators to care for themselves with the same kindness they show their students. Hosted by Debbie RossFind us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!
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  • Chalkboard Change with Emily
    Send us a textWhat happens when a teacher steps outside her comfort zone to grow in a completely new environment? Emily, a third-year social sciences teacher, shares her journey transitioning from a Catholic school to a diverse, lower socioeconomic school. Unlike many who switch roles due to burnout, Emily made a deliberate choice to explore new approaches early in her career—a move that brought both challenge and growth. Her first week was filled with self-doubt—"Am I capable enough of doing this?"—but she quickly discovered that her own vulnerability helped her connect with students. She once assumed teachers were flawlessly organised, only to find most are simply doing their best each day. This realisation shaped her classroom culture, where authenticity reigns. When students share struggles, Emily meets them with honesty, saying, “I know that because I’m trying to make friends right now as well.” Looking forward, Emily is exploring the possibility of a master’s in educational leadership, but her heart remains firmly in the classroom, where she continues to grow alongside her students. Her joy comes from watching students grow passionate about social issues and become young change-makers. Her advice to aspiring teachers? “Be ready for chaos, take it in your stride, and don’t worry so much about the outcome.” Hosted by Debbie RossFind us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!
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About Nurturing Educators

Welcome to Nurturing Educators, the podcast that brings you inspiring and insightful conversations with teachers who are passionate about education and well-being. Join host Debbie Ross as she explores the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of educators from diverse backgrounds, sharing practical tips and strategies for thriving in and out of the classroom. Whether you're a teacher looking for support or just curious about the world of education, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on what it means to teach and live well.
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