Natalie is one of N4L’s newest recruits to the Education and Engagement team. Leading the team who look after our Far North and Auckland schools, we asked Natalie to share a bit about herself and her role.
Kia ora, I’m Natalie, the new Regional Director – North! I am also a mum to two boys and spent 17 years as a Primary/Intermediate School Teacher. I am truly excited about joining the N4L team and helping our schools to thrive in this digital age.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Karaka, Auckland. This was when it was a very small country community, nothing like it is now. I went to school on a bus driven by Mr Phillips, we all knew each other’s names and wore gumboots!
What brings you joy outside of work?
My two boys, family and friends. Most weekends you would either see us at the beach (Waihi Beach) or socialising with friends over a cheese platter and a vino. I also like to read crime/mystery novels, which people think is funny as I’m actually scared of what happens in these books!
How did you end up working in this role?
Well, after 17 years of teaching, working in multiple countries around the world (also managing to be tasked with leading ICT in every school I worked in!), I realised that I really liked technology and seeing students succeed, when using it correctly. This passion for integrating technology then saw me develop my skills within the STEAM teaching and learning space, working for OfficeMax and creating a new education category ‘STEAM’. I worked across Aotearoa, in many schools and saw the impact that good, stable connection with technology (which N4L were doing) and innovation was having, and significantly impacting positive change in classrooms. So, when this role came up, I jumped at the chance to join this integral team.
What appealed to you about the role?
Enabling teachers to teach and learners to learn. Everything we do here is for the good of kiwi kids. I wanted to stay within the education space as I am incredibly passionate about it, but I want to enable even more innovation along with safety within this sector. Never underestimate how much of an impact a safe connection to the internet can have on a person and their success.
Tell us about your role.
The Regional Director role enables me to go into schools and assist with developing a learning environment which helps support any student to succeed. I find this extremely powerful. Working with Principals, Teachers and IT specialists is varied and exciting, which also makes no two days the same. Working alongside some of the biggest and smallest schools across the motu also creates opportunities for me to continue to learn and share these experiences with N4L, allowing us (N4L) to further support schools’ teaching and learning programmes.
What feeds your passion within your role?
Kids. Kids. Kids! Every child, no matter who they are or where they are from, deserves access to quality education. Kiwi kids are innovative, resilient and creative and if we can enable our kids to achieve their dreams and aspirations via the work that we do, I am one happy person!
What does it mean for you personally in the work N4L delivers?
We know that having access to technology has a significant impact on connecting tamariki in Aotearoa to the world, and our children need us to do what we do, to keep them connected and safe. For me, to be personally involved in making this connection happen, I feel extremely proud.
Meet the rest of the Education and Engagement team by visiting our website.