Welcome To Our New Teachers

Cordula Taiwo- English

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am into traveling, reading, dancing, music, movies, nature, languages, philosophy, and art. Now that I am older, I paint a lot as it is very relaxing and stimulating at the same time. I had my first ever exhibition last year by which I raised money for a charity that works with disadvantaged young people here in Tauranga. I also speak four languages and play tennis.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I want the next generation to have the best possible shot at life and I love teaching and learning. Teaching is an honest way to make a living. Kids can see when I am on top of my game as well as when I fall flat on my face before them. I think they need authentic adults around them who model epic failures, grand gestures, small kindnesses, and occasional successes with a sense of humour and a dose of humility. Kids rock and they give us purpose- so what else would I rather do than to support and challenge them on their journey?

What is your best experience as a teacher to date?

Seeing students develop; accepting who they are and working towards who they want to become, preferably with some purpose and a good dose of humour. It is a rewarding privilege, and sometimes heart breaking, to join young people on the early stages of their journey.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to seeing my students’ faces. Also, my mother is turning 80 and I really want to spend time with her and my family overseas.

What is a little known fact about you?

My dog is awesome!

Sanet Bircham - Food Technology and Maths

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am a mum of four who is passionate about experiencing the beauty around us. We recently returned to NZ after an absence of 6 years, which included a family aroundthe-world trip and a 5 year stint living in Hampshire, UK. Once the “taxi” duties are complete, I enjoy being active outdoors and doing pottery in my spare time.

What is your best experience as a teacher to date?

When a student has a “light bulb” moment.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to building relationships and becoming part of the Ōtūmoetai College community.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I met Simon Cowell in London.

Why did you choose teaching as a career?

Working with today’s youth can be very rewarding. My ultimate aim is to open young minds to possibilities and the adventure life offers.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I play social netball, have been learning French for the past two years, and enjoy going to the beach for a surf. I previously lived in London, and love traveling and experiencing different cultures.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I hated school when I was little and would frequently fake sick so I wouldn’t have to go. When I was 8, I had a teacher called Mr Williamson who taught me how to subtract numbers and it was the first time I ever felt smart and that I fitted into school. I want to help other people feel confident in themselves and like they belong.

What is your best experience as a teacher to date?

Since beginning my teaching career, I have kept all the thank you cards given to me by students. Every single “thank you” including the verbal ones I hear in class, are the best experience I could ever have as a teacher. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to help people grow.

What are you looking forward to this year?

I am looking forward to jumping back into teaching mathematics, after four years of teaching science. I am very excited to start exploring New Zealand as well.

What is a little known fact about you?

My birth certificate and passport say I was born in a city that doesn’t exist anymore.

Laurel Stone- Maths

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My husband and I have bought a property in Whakamarama so a lot of my spare time is spent gardening. So far we have beaten back the weeds and now we are planting a lot of native trees. I also love bush walks, cycling and art.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I have previously spent 27 years as an accountant and wanted to find a career where I contributed more to other people and I have always loved Maths. I also wanted a focus away from making profit for a company.

What is your best experience as a teacher to date?

There have been many and the common factor is always the same. When students have managed to overcome a barrier and learnt how to complete a Math activity. I enjoy it most when the students enjoy the learning and I really enjoy it when a lesson I have planned goes well.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Settling into the school and getting to know the students and also the community. Teaching some new standards that I have not taught before.

What is a little known fact about you?

I can still do handstands and cartwheels. I did gymnastics at school and triathlons when I was in my 20’s and 30’s. And I have 6 chickens.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I like traveling, reading, coding, spending time camping and tramping with my family in nature. Also going for long walks on the beach. I also watch a lot of documentaries to keep myself up to date with the latest developments in my field.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I have always loved working with numbers and doing problem solving but I need to have interaction with other people as well. Teaching was the perfect combination of my interests and fits my personality.

What is your best experience as a teacher to date?

To see young people develop skills, gain self confidence and grow to become comfortable in their own skin. The greatest reward of teaching is to see well developed young adults leave school and step into the world with confidence to be the best they can be.

What are you looking forward to this year?

To see how my students acquire new skills, apply their own creativity and enjoy expanding their knowledge of concepts in my field.

What is a little known fact about you?

My husband and I were once trapped in a tent with a black mamba (one of the most poisonous snakes in the world). One of the scariest moments of my life!

Namuk Kim - Maths

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a keen golfer and enjoy the game competitively and socially on the weekends. Watching Marvel movies with my family and reading books about ancient culture and history is my favorite activity. I also spend my time at the gym to build my fitness.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I have been teaching and supporting young students for more than twenty years. One thing that makes me keep working with students is the idea that I feel fulfilled and rewarded whenever I can be of help to students. I am happy when I can help young generations.

What is your best experience as a teacher to date?

My best experience is when students say ‘Thank you Mr. Kim’ at the end of a lesson or ‘oh, is it that easy?’

What are you looking forward to this year?

I want to learn more about my students and what motivates them to be the best version of themselves.

What is a little known fact about you?

I have two daughters and one son. My first daughter is in her third year at university.

Frances McAdam - English

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I love hiking, traveling, listening to podcasts and watching movies. I spent 10 years traveling abroad - living in South Korea, Vietnam and Scotland and loved every minute of it. I really enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. It’s awesome to be back in Aotearoa now to continue meeting new people in the form of my students and their whānau!

Why did you choose teaching as a career?

I originally studied and worked as a Journalist because I’m passionate about writing. I’m also passionate about people so I’ve combined my love of both to become a teacher. I want to empower young minds to think critically and make sense of the world around them. I feel as a teacher I can help them accomplish their goals.

What is your best experience as a teacher to date?

My best experience to date has been seeing my students produce well written essays in class following our film study. Seeing the amount of work the students put in was fantastic and seeing their motivation was even better. Their openness for feedback was good too and it showed in their final products. I look forward to reading more of their writing this year!

What are you looking forward to this year?

I’m looking forward to getting to know my students and seeing their confidence grow in English! English - like all subjects at high school - can be challenging but I know my students can do it. I’m excited to read their creative writing and see how far their imaginations can go.

What is a little known fact about you?

I’ve traveled to over 35 countries in my life. Two of my most favourite experiences have been climbing to the top of Mt Fuji in Japan and watching the sunset on the Great Wall of China.