Getting to know Jean
What inspires you to be such a passionate tutor?
Whether working with bus drivers navigating de-escalation and conflict management, to machine operators interpreting SOPs & safety documentation, I am passionate about empowering others with real skills they will use at work and at home. From calculating percentages, understanding Kiwisaver entitlements, accessing digital HR records, and communicating clearly and assertively around leave or entitlements – these skills make a tangible difference in the lives of my learners.
What motivates you to keep showing up with so much passion and energy in your sessions?
It feels great when I get to be there for ‘lightbulb’ moments – whether it is learning how to write an email, download a banking app, calculate interest on a loan or read a book to their tamariki – when someone moves from “I can’t” to “I can do this!” I get excited too!
How do you create a supportive and engaging environment for your learners?
Games! Everyone knows learning is more ‘sticky’ when it’s fun! Many of my learners don’t have good memories of reading, writing and maths from school. Using games and team challenges not only makes the learning more fun and more memorable but also less threatening and collaborative – it is all about teamwork in my classroom!
What do you think makes your learners respond so well to your teaching style?
One of my strengths is whanaungatanga – forming meaningful relationships and developing trust and collaboration. I am a friendly, curious person and I always make sure I spend plenty of time getting to know learners, their culture, background, family, hobbies and use all this as a springboard into our learning.
How do you continue to grow and develop yourself as a tutor?
As an avid life-long learner I seize any opportunities to upskill, by attending professional development workshops, trying new methods and activities, reflecting afterwards on my lessons and by asking lots of questions of more experienced tutors (apologies to my patient colleagues!).
Reflections and advice
What’s one piece of advice you’d share with someone stepping into a tutoring role?
In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn” be open to change, and growth and to adapting, in our work no two days are ever the same!
What’s one thing your learners have taught you?
My learners have taught me that it is often in the unplanned moments, where we stop to share stories of our families, what we are doing in the holidays or to explore a weird English grammar rule or pronunciation that the real learning begins – so rather than feeling anxious that we are “off topic” I now embrace these times as they are often the most memorable learning moments of the day.
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