Unteach Racism
Empowering teachers to address racism so that every ākonga thrives.
What is Unteach Racism?
Unteach Racism is a shared journey of reflection and learning. It recognises
that racism is learned - through experiences, systems, and social norms - and
creates space to unlearn those patterns. By acknowledging the past and
supporting change, it helps move toward equity, belonging, and collective wellbeing.
Supporting your practice
Unteach Racism is professional learning that supports kaiako and leaders to grow cultural understanding and strengthen professional judgement in everyday practice. Through reflection and values-based approaches, it helps teachers notice bias, question assumptions, and respond in ways that create more inclusive learning environments.
This professional learning has evolved from the Unteach Racism app into a broader suite of online modules and downloadable resources.
Growing professional confidence
Aligned to the 2026 Standards for the Teaching Profession and grounded in the Code of Professional Responsibility, Unteach Racism brings these expectations to life.
It supports teachers to navigate complex, real-world situations with clarity and confidence - strengthening their ability to make fair, informed decisions that support all learners.
Strengthening belonging
Teachers play a powerful role in shaping how young people understand themselves and others.
Unteach Racism recognises the leadership teachers carry in classrooms, kura, and communities. It supports practice that interrupts unfair patterns and builds learning environments where every learner feels seen, valued, and included.
What you’ll learn
Introductory Module
- This introductory module opens a journey toward awareness, restoration, and transformation. It invites educators to pause, reflect, and step into the shared responsibility of addressing racism within education.
Modules One - Two
- These modules examine racism as a systemic and historical issue in Aotearoa, tracing its roots from colonisation to its presence in institutions and everyday practice. Grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and professional responsibility, they invite educators to reflect critically, recognise hidden histories, and centre diverse voices to restore balance and equity.
Modules Three - Five
- These modules examine how racism is internalised and sustained through bias and stereotypes, and how colonial narratives shape self‑belief and learning outcomes for diverse learners. Through reflection and culturally grounded practice, educators are supported to recognise and challenge bias, restoring dignity, mana, and belonging.
Modules Six - Nine
- These modules centre on restoring belonging and equity through action. They explore how culturally grounded practice challenges racism and privilege, and invite educators to turn reflection into courageous, everyday action grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and justice.
Our co-authors and cultural experts
This resource has been shaped by cultural experts Vasa Fia Collins, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist, and Whare Isaac‑Sharland, Mātauranga Māori Practitioner. Their knowledge, lived experience, and commitment to Te Tiriti‑honouring practice bring authentic insight to the stories, values, and histories woven through Unteach Racism, ensuring each module is reflective, respectful, and connected to the diverse realities of teaching in Aotearoa.
Whare Isaac-Sharland, Mātauranga Māori Practitioner
A dedicated education leader and Mātauranga Māori expert, Whare Isaac-Sharland champions culturally-grounded leadership, Māori language revitalisation and transformative learning pathways.
Vasa Fia Collins, Diversity & Inclusion Specialist
Vasa works alongside leaders, schools, and organisations to strengthen culturally responsive leadership, challenge systemic inequities, and create environments where diverse communities are empowered to thrive.
Why this matters
By supporting teachers to meet the Code and Standards with confidence and care, Unteach Racism contributes to safer learning environments, stronger professional practice, and reinforces public trust in the profession while enabling teachers to exercise sound professional judgement in complex, real-world situations.
This work reflects the Teaching Council’s role in setting clear expectations for professional practice and supporting the profession to meet them.
Explore Unteach Racism resources
Designed for kaiako
Unteach Racism modules build cultural confidence and support safe, inclusive learning environments.
Start your journey in My Rawa and work through the learning modules at your own pace.
Practical tools & resources
Kick-start your own journey by downloading the tools and resources to support you and your colleagues.
School leader stories
Frankley School actively questioned what could be done to further support Māori ākonga to reach their full potential. The story is one that includes many voices in the community.
Whakapapa: Our journey
This page dives into the journey of Unteach Racism — a professional learning kaupapa within Rauhuia | Leadership Space.
Rauhuia | Leadership Space
Rauhuia is the Teaching Council’s leadership space for the profession - a virtual tūāpapa (foundation) that supports every teacher, regardless of role or setting, to grow their leadership capability.
Stay connected: My Rawa
My Rawa helps you deepen your practice with tailored professional learning and reflective tools. It’s your space to grow, stay inspired, and lead with confidence.
