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Candidates

Lynnette Patricia BRICE

Location: Ōtautahi, Christchurch 

Academic qualifications 
Doctor of Education 
Master of Teaching and Learning 
PGDip Teaching (Secondary) 
Bachelor of Arts 
Dip. Children's literature 

Current position 
Principal Academic, Open Polytechnic, Initial Teacher Education 
The Open Polytechnic opened programmes in Initial Teacher Eduaction late in 2022, when I joined the Initial Teacher Education team. My role, initially as Degree Leader and then as Principal Academic (equivalent to Associate Professor) is to provide course leadership & facilitation of learning on-line,  to oversee review marking, moderation of marks,  academic integrity in assigned courses,  and to make an on-going research contribution, with publication and dissemination of that contribition.   I act as Visiting Academic for in-school observation of ākonga teaching, liaising with Associate Teachers and others in the development of beginning teachers and am fully involved in the interview and selection of candidates. 

Active teaching experience 
Villa Maria College: 2000-2008 Acting Deputy Principal/ Year 12 & Year 13 Dean / Teacher English & Media Studies / TiC provisionally registered teachers & teachers new to the College/Specialist Classroom Teacher, Co-ordinator in-school RAFA project/ TiC Careers, Transition and Foundation  
Karanga Mai Young Parents College: 2009-2016 Director/kaiwhakahaere 
Open Polytechnic:  2016-2018 Head of School Foundation & Bridging  
Open Polytechnic: 2018-2020 Professional Practice Leader 
Open Polytechnic: 2020-2022 Manager Learner Engagement & Success 
Open Polytechnic: 2023 - present: Principal Academic Initial Teacher Education 

Governance experience 
Trustee & Secretary Te Aratai Linwood College Foundation - Charitable Trust (current) 
Flexible Learning Association of New Zealand: Vice president 2018-2020 
Chairperson: Association of Teen Parent Educators NZ (2011-15) 
Chairperson: Social Services Waimakariri (2012–15) 

Personal interests 
I am an active person who enjoys the outdoors and the gym. I love an early morning walk and appreciate quiet evenings reading or watching netflix.  I've done my share of travelling, but now I believe that any future journeys must have a purpose and should be about what I can give back to the place I'm visiting. I have two beautiful mokopuna but I'm nervous about the state of the world we live in and constantly look for ways of increasing awareness around the issues of our times, and living with greater integrity. 

Profile statement 
Having left school at 15, my life was transformed through re-entry to education in my 30's and then again entering the teaching profession in my 40's.  I became a curious leader in secondary and tertiary education, driven by the value of equity enacted through ideals of awhi and aroha. I am known for demonstration of personal integrity, commitment, determination, for thought leadership, and for my ability to influence and deliver. I know how important it is to have teachers in schools who understand that this mahi is complex and difficult, that they will be challenged and tested on every level, that they will need to draw from inner resources they don't yet know they have. I also know how rewarding this mahi is, how they will grow into the role, becoming stronger, more confident with every success, with every ākonga transformation they will influence. In this, I hope to tautoko. 

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Jae MAJOR

Location: Whakatū Nelson 

Academic qualifications 
PhD in Education (2010) Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia. 
Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (High Distinction) (2000) Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia. 
Graduate Diploma of Second Language Teaching (1998) Massey University, New Zealand. 
Bachelor of Arts, Double major in English and Education (1985) University of Canterbury, New Zealand. 
Diploma of Teaching (Primary) (1984) Christchurch College of Education, New Zealand 

Current position 
From 2023 - Nelson Campus Director and Senior Lecturer Above the Bar, University of Canterbury, School of Education. 
Lead the Nelson campus team to deliver the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning (primary)  for student teachers in the Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman regions.  
Develop and nurture partnerships with the wider education community  across Te Tauihu.  
Design, teach, assess, and evaluate courses in the Ako: BTchLn (primary).   
Promote and nurture connections and collaborations with Christchurch-based colleagues.  
Communicate with senior leadership in the Faculty of Education to promote the interests of the Nelson campus. 

Active teaching experience 
2017 - 2023, Victoria University of Wellington, School of Education, Senior Lecturer in Primary English. From 2021-2023 Associate Dean Teacher Education. 2019 - Acting Programme Director, Master of Teaching and Learning Primary. 
2010 - 2017, Charles Sturt University, School of Teacher Education, Senior Lecturer in Primary English and TESOL.  
From 2012-2015 - Associate Head of School (Assessment). From 2015-2017 - Programme Director for Post-Graduate Studies. 
2007 - 2010, University of Canterbury, Senior Lecturer in Multicultural and Language Studies. Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in TESOL. 
1995 - 2007, Lecturer in Multicultural and Language Studies.  
From 2001-2005 - Programme Coordinator, Bachelor of Teaching and Learning. From 2004-2007 - Head of Languages and Cultures Centre. 

Governance experience 
2020 - 2024 Council Member (elected) of NZARE (New Zealand Association for Research in Education). In 2023 initiated establishment of the Teaching and Teacher Education Special Interest Group, co-chair of this SIG. 
2022 - ongoing, Executive member (elected) for TEFANZ (Teacher Education Forum Aotearoa New Zealand). Deputy chair from 2024.  
TEFANZ representative on the ITE Advisory group for MoE and TCANZ 2021-2024.  
TEFANZ representative on the MoE and TCANZ ITE Steering Group.  
ITE representative on the MoE Curriculum Voices Group 2024. 
Invited member of the TCANZ Moderation, Monitoring and Review Working Group, 2021-2024.  
2001-2004 Executive Member of TESOLANZ (Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages, Aotearoa New Zealand). National secretary 2001-2002; TESOL international liaison 2001-2004. 
1999 - 2003 Chair of CANTESOL (Canterbury Teachers of ESOL). 
1995 - 1998 Elected member of Opawa Primary School Board of Trustees. 

Personal interests 
Reading, singing, gardening, exercising - especially yoga, playing with my grand-daughters, learning te reo Māori, hanging out with friends and whānau. 

Profile statement 
I have worked in teacher education (TE) for 30 years across three institutions in New Zealand and Australia. As a result of this long experience and the range of roles I have held, I have a comprehensive understanding of TE across all sectors, and as an essential part of the education system. I have positive professional relationships with ITE providers, Ministry of Education, and the Teaching Council, which will stand me in good stead as a member of the governing Council. I am open-minded, hardworking, and ensure I am well-informed to contribute to discussions and decisions. I am committed to Te Tiriti led education and advocate for equity in and for the teaching profession. I support growing partnerships and community throughout education. I am keen to see developments in induction and mentoring for new teachers for a more seamless transition, and the development of innovative pathways and programmes into teaching.

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Amanda PERRY

Location: Auckland 

Academic qualifications 
PhD; 
Masters in Education; 
Postgraduate Certificate of Therapeutic Play Skills; 
Graduate Diploma in Education (ECE); 
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology); 
Bachelor of Education (Teaching); 
Diploma of Professional Counselling; 
Adult and Tertiary Teaching (Level 5 ) certificate. 

Current position 
Head of School - Education  (Laidlaw College) 2021 - present. 
This position oversees the two initial teacher educator programmes for Laidlaw College (primary and secondary teaching). The role consists of ensuring the delivering of programmes according to approval requirements, and the flourishing of student-teachers who will thrive in the education sector. I lead a team of ITE educators in Auckland and Christchurch, whilst teaching a number of courses each year. 

Active teaching experience 
Laidlaw College - initial teacher education (primary and secondary teaching) - August 2021 to present; 
Unitec - Senior lecturer in initial teacher education (ECE) - 2019 - 2021; 
Guidance Counsellor - Hobsonville Point Secondary School - 2016 - 2018; 
ECE home-Based Childcare (teacher and company director) - Tall Poppies Education Ltd - 2009 - present; 
St Michael's Primary School - primary school teachers - July 2007 - January 2009; 
Baradene College - intermediate school teacher - January 2007 - July 2007. 

Governance experience 
Radio Lollipop - secretary to the Board - 2005 - 2007 
Hearing New Zealand - secretary to the Board - 2016 - 2018 

Personal interests 
I am married to David and we have three children aged 9, 13 and 15, which keeps us busy. I consider myself a life-long learner so I spend a lot of my spare time engaged in reading, writing, and formal study. 

Profile statement 
I am an initial teacher educator who has worked in ECE, primary and secondary contexts. I have a good understanding of the tertiary training environment and I am passionate about ensuring connection between the various education sectors. If elected, my focus will be on ensuring the voice of initial teacher education is well represented, and the complexities and challenges faced by the tertiary sector are better understood.  I care deeply about high quality education and safety standards for all ākonga. I believe in the transformative power of education and I am motivated by the influence that high quality teacher preparation can have on generations of ākonga to come.  
Teaching is a wonderful profession. We need to celebrate teachers and the transformative service they provide to our communities. Let's work to elevate the public perception of teachers and make teaching an attractive career choice.

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Steven SEXTON

Location: Dunedin 

Academic qualifications 
Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Sydney, 2007;  
Master of Teaching (First Class Honours), The University of Sydney, 2003;  
Bachelor of Science (Physics), The Pennsylvania State University, 1992. 

Current position 
Senior Lecturer,   
College of Education, 
University of Otago.  
Currently, I am responsible for the science education for the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education) for Year 2 and 3 student teachers. In addition, I deliver the Junior Science programme for the Master of Teaching and Learning (Secondary Education) and the Mixed-Methods workshops for the Education Doctorate programme. As part of my role, I supervise student teachers as a visiting lecturer along with postgraduate research student supervision. I have been at the University of Otago since February 2010. 

Active teaching experience 
I have been a registered teacher here in New Zealand since 2003.  
College of Education, University of Otago - February 2010 till present - Promotion to Senior Lecturer above the Bar February 1st, 2022.  
Kaiako (Lecturer), Te Korowai Ākonga (Primary Education), Te Wānanga o Aotearoa - July 2007 till February 2010. 
Primary School Classroom Teacher, Auckland - February 2004 till July 2007. 

Governance experience 
Appointed in 2019 as one of the Teaching Council New Zealand Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme review panel members for a three-year period to complete ITE programme reviews for the start of the 2022 year. Appointed for the following areas of expertise: teacher educator, ITE programme design, assessment design, and curricula design. Appointed appointed extended until the end of 2204. 
Nominated and Selected to be on the Otago Participatory Science Platform panel. Panel formed in 2015 to evaluate and award research funding for citizen science projects. Final Year of Funding was for the 2024 year. Since 2015, $1,490,000 has been awarded to 93 projects. PSP has awarded approximately $15,500 per project year to an average of 9 projects per year. Since 2015, $30,000 has been awarded to 15 projects as seed funding to support them re-writing their proposals for full funding. Of these 15, 12 have gone on to full funding. 
Appointed as programme coordinator for the new Master of Teaching and Learning (MTchgLn) degree in January 2014 for two years. This new degree was a Ministry of Education initiative in 2013. The University of Otago submitted proposal for this new degree was accepted in August 2013, a team was formed to design, develop, and write this new programme. It was accepted by the New Zealand Teachers Council in December 2013 and began in January 2014.  
Foundation facilitator for the Sir Paul Callaghan Science Academy. Initiative began in 2012. Since 2012, approximately 1,000 teachers have undertaken this Professional Development Initiative. 
Appointed to deliver how Mātauranga Māori works with the Nature of Science, practical, and explicit teaching in this area; and practical implementation of science in the classroom through different approaches, e.g., inquiry, challenges, ‘investigations’, discrepant events, etc.  
Editor of Science Education International, the journal of International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE), 2017 – March 2023. 
Convener – Otago Science & Technology Fair, September 2010 – Present. The Otago Science & Technology Fair is one of the largest and most funded science fairs in New Zealand with approximately 280 entries per year from 28 schools. 
New Zealand Association of Science Educators (NZASE): Senior Vice-President, July 2015-July 2016

After being President, July 2013 – July 2015. Vice-President, July 2012 – July 2013 and Executive Board member, October 2011 – July 2012. 

Personal interests 
I have been a member of New Zealand Masters for swimming since 2003 when I moved to New Zealand. I compete regularly in the Dunedin Masters Games and South Island Master Games with an emphasis on the 200 Butterfly. 
I am a reader with a preference in science fiction and fantasy, but read a wide range of topics. 
In addition, I do enjoy travel and seeing other countries. I have been able to visit 57 countries so far and while I have tried three times to get to Antarctica not giving up and getting there. 

Profile statement 
Kia ora, 
My name is Steven Sexton and I tell my students that I am a primary school teacher who now happens to work here at the College of Education. Since 2007, I have been working here in Aotearoa New Zealand in ITE in supporting student teachers as they take on the role of the teacher. The Teaching Council has a vital role to play in teachers' lives as it is our professional body. As a member of the Governing Council, I would be there to help ensure that the ongoing changes to our profession are supported by those of us who are in it. As teachers, we know education is founded on relationships and how critically important it is with life-long impacts. It would be my privilege to work to ensure the Teacher Councils' functions are carried out effectively and efficiently for my colleagues and the wider public.

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Who is entitled to vote?

A person is entitled to vote for candidates in the sector they work in, if their name is on the electoral roll.

However, a person may not vote for a candidate in a sector unless, when they vote, they make a declaration to the returning officer that they are entitled to vote in that sector because:  

• they are a registered teacher or a current Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) holder 

• where applicable, they hold a current practising certificate 

• they are currently, or most recently, employed in that sector. 

More about the Governing Council elections 2025

Elections for seven members of the Teaching Council’s thirteen-person Governing Council will be held in February 2025, with the elections process getting underway later this year when candidate nominations open.  

During the elections, seven Governing Council members are chosen by the profession for a three-year term commencing 1 July 2025. Following the election, the Minister of Education will make six appointments to the remaining seats.   

Elected members include:  

• an ECE teacher elected to the Teaching Council by ECE teachers
• an ECE service leader elected to the Teaching Council by ECE leaders
• a primary teacher elected to the Teaching Council by primary teachers 
• a primary principal elected to the Teaching Council by primary principals 
• a secondary teacher elected to the Teaching Council by secondary teachers
• a secondary principal elected to the Teaching Council by secondary principals
• a teacher educator elected to the Teaching Council by teachers working in the fields of initial and ongoing teacher education.

The elections process and timeframes are governed by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa Election Rules 2018 which means key dates will fall close to the end of Term 4 2024 and early in Term 1 2025. We understand and appreciate these are busy times for teachers so we're going to share all the information and key dates here over the coming months. This is to ensure the process is easy to follow and that you have plenty of time to nominate and vote. You may find it helpful to put some of these dates in your diary.   

Key dates:

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