Teaching Shapes What Matters Most
Teachers and leaders across Aotearoa – we stand with you.
Setting young brains up to take the next leap in their learning.
Each day, as a child questions, explores, and makes sense of the world, a teacher is there — not just watching, but shaping.
With expertise and intention, teachers build the brain pathways that support learning, confidence, and resilience. Growth, guided by skilled professionals who understand how young minds develop.
The Teaching Council of Aotearoa invites you to see teaching in a new light.
Because teaching shapes what matters most.
It’s time to change the conversation.
In 2023, we asked New Zealanders what they thought about teaching. 90% said they value it.
Yet too many teachers still feel undervalued, underpaid, and undermined. Teaching continues to be seen as low-status and focused mainly on care.
This message helps close that gap — shifting from appreciation to real understanding and respect.
Because teaching is expertise. It’s skilled. And it has a lasting impact. And when society recognises the true value of teaching, everyone benefits — learners, whānau, communities, and the future of Aotearoa.
Teaching shapes what matters most.
Related links
See teaching in a new light
Discover the science that shows why teaching shapes what matters most, backed by leading neuroscience and educational research. Explore how teaching literally builds the brain - from early childhood to adolescence - and see the evidence behind every story, voice, and moment.
5,000,000
impressions generated by the Teaching Shapes What Matters Most campaign across all digital platforms
1,300,000
million video views
36,281
website visits (33,524 unique)
183%
in public conversation about teaching expertise
51%
of online discussion focused on professional expertise (up from 4%)
