Nurturing Educators

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Today I sit down with Candice, a business studies and accounting teacher in her eleventh year, to explore how faith, family, and community shape her approach to life and teaching. She shares the surprising moment that led her into the classroom, how humour helps her build genuine relationships with students, and why adopting her “good enough” principle has been key to keeping balance and joy in the job. We also talk about the hobbies and travel that keep her grounded and her advice for teachers who are feeling overwhelmed or finding their footing. This is a warm and encouraging conversation filled with practical wisdom for anyone wanting to thrive—not just survive—in teaching. 
Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find 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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In this inspiring conversation, Debbie sits down with Sandy, an experienced educator, former principal, and current leadership adviser with the Ministry of Education. We congratulate Sandy, as she has been recognised in the New Year's honours list as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to education. Sandy shares the remarkable journey that took her from growing up on a farm in Ōamaru to leading schools in Auckland and now supporting principals across the region.
Sandy reflects on how she entered teaching almost by accident, the years she took off to raise four children, and the unexpected opportunities that led her into senior leadership. She offers a candid look at the realities of principalship, the pressure of decision-making, the importance of strategic thinking, and the weight of responsibility that comes with leading a school community.
Throughout the episode, Sandy highlights the power of relationships, trust, and culture within a school. She speaks openly about the challenges leaders face, the need for support networks, and how principals can manage the complexities of change while keeping student well-being and learning at the centre.
Now working as a leadership adviser, Sandy shares how meaningful it is to stand alongside school leaders, offering guidance, clarity, and a listening ear. Her reflections are grounded, wise, and full of heart, a valuable listen for teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone passionate about education.
Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find 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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This week on Nurturing Educators, we’re mixing things up! Instead of me hosting, my dear friend Catie takes over the mic and interviews me about my journey as a teacher, the struggles I’ve faced with burnout, and how I’ve found a new path in health coaching. 
As we celebrate Mental Health Week at school, I thought it was the perfect time to open up and share my personal story with you. From starting out as a PE teacher to discovering a love for teaching Spanish to reaching breaking point with stress, and finally finding balance and renewed purpose through health coaching — this conversation goes deep into the highs, lows, and lessons learnt along the way. 
Together, Catie and I talk about: 
What inspired me to become a teacher and how my career has evolved
The challenges of burnout and how it impacted my well-being
The small, practical lifestyle changes that helped me feel better
Why I’ve launched Nurturing Educators to support teachers everywhere
My vision for creating a safe, supportive community where educators can thrive

This is also a special episode because it’s the finale of Season One. I’ll be taking a break to connect with more inspiring teachers and prepare a fresh season full of conversations, insights, and strategies to help you thrive in teaching and in life.
 
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey so far. Your support, listens, and feedback mean the world. I can’t wait to return with Season Two, but for now, I hope my story offers encouragement and a reminder that even small steps can make a big difference.
 
If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow educators. Let’s keep the conversation going.
 
Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find 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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In this episode, I talk with David, Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at Wintec, to talk about the power and importance of Outdoor Education in Aotearoa. David shares his journey from high school teacher to tertiary educator and why outdoor education has been a life-changing force for both himself and countless students. 
We explore how outdoor ed builds resilience, leadership, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and mental wellbeing, while also providing authentic ways to connect with te ao Māori and Aotearoa’s environment. David highlights the life lessons you simply can’t teach within four walls and shares inspiring stories of students whose lives have been transformed through the subject. 
With current government proposals threatening to downgrade outdoor education in schools, this conversation also shines a light on what’s at stake, why we need to protect this pathway, and how teachers, parents, and communities can take action. 
If you care about the future of Outdoor education in Schools in New Zealand and believe in the value of learning beyond the classroom, this episode is a must-listen. 
👉 Visit eonz.org.nz
To learn how you can support the movement to protect outdoor education. #BringOutdoorEdBackIn
Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find 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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In this episode of Nurturing Educators, I catch up with Alyssa Golding, once my student, now a thriving intermediate school teacher and sports coach. At just 23, Alyssa has already built an impressive teaching career while balancing her love for football, both as a player and coach. She shares how early experiences coaching younger kids, a lifelong passion for sport, and the example set by her mother, a respected educator, inspired her to pursue teaching. 
Alyssa reflects on her journey through teacher training during the challenges of COVID-19, the lessons learnt on placements, and the transition from student teacher to having her own classroom. She opens up about the unique challenges of starting her career at 21, including gaining respect from students only 10 years younger, and how setting boundaries and building relationships helped her succeed. From teaching writing to running a football programme for 350 students, Alyssa’s dedication to both academics and extracurriculars shines through. 
Listeners will hear candid insights on what it is like as a new teacher, the value of extracurricular involvement, and the patience needed to thrive in education. Alyssa’s story is a full-circle moment, from a student in my Spanish class and on the football team I coached to a confident teacher shaping young lives. Whether you’re a beginning teacher, a coach, or someone considering the profession, this episode is packed with encouragement, practical wisdom, and a reminder of the lasting impact a passionate educator can have. 
Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find 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!