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TE KUAKA
ISSUE 1 2014
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The vision and the image to what we aspire to achieve as a faculty has recently
been reviewed. We were looking for a simple, inclusive and memorable phrase that
captures in as few words as possible the essence of our purpose and our position as the
internationally highest-ranked education faculty in New Zealand.
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We have chosen:
Leading Learning, Changing Lives
We aim to lead learning:
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By advancing the boundaries of knowledge as researchers in the fields of education
and social work.
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By working collaboratively with our practitioner communities to address real
problems of practice and to disseminate for the benefit of others the outcomes of
this work.
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Through teaching that challenges, engages and inspires our students; and in a
high expectation learning environment that is welcoming and inclusive.
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By innovating and experimenting as teachers to improve the educational
experience of our students, and evaluating and publishing the results of these
practices.
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By graduating students who themselves aspire to be leaders of learning in the
communities within which they work.
As will be evident from these ambitions we see the value of our work being realised in the
difference it makes to people’s lives – in particular:
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Being an active voice for, and contributing to, the building of a more socially just
and equal society.
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Stimulating an enjoyment of the experience of learning that fuels an interest in
continuing to learn.
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Enabling a personal sense of accomplishment for our students and those whom
our graduates ultimately influence.
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Supporting the enhancement of practice that benefits those engaged in that
practice and the recipients of that practice.
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Informing and improving policy.
And also changing our own lives. We are no isolated “ivory tower”. We know our work
benefits from sustained and constructive engagement with our students and communities
of practice. These relationships create mutual advantages, which change us in rewarding
ways as researchers and teachers, every bit as much as it changes those with whom we
work.
We will continue to refine this vision and I welcome comment on its inclusiveness, focus,
value and relevance.
This edition of
Te Kuaka
celebrates teaching and the nation’s teachers – our leaders of
learning who are changing lives for the better. The profession of teaching is seldom in the
public limelight yet there is always reason to celebrate. Every day teachers are working
to build our future – our future surgeons, entrepreneurs, rugby players, educators, artists
and politicians – and that ought to be recognised. As one of our tamaraki say on pg. 16
of this issue: “Teachers help you learn whatever you want to know.”
Professor Graeme Aitken
Dean, Faculty of Education
The University of Auckland
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2014 QS World University Rankings by Subject -
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Te Kuaka
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What’s in this Issue
Te
Kuaka
Te Kuaka
is a publication of the Faculty of Education
at the University of Auckland.
The magazine title relates to the migrating Kuaka,
or godwit. In this context, the Kuaka’s journey is
used as a metaphor for our own students’ journeys
and the hope that they may return to the University
from time to time to gain new knowledge and
understanding in their profession.
Te Kuaka
was the name of a newsletter first
published in 1990 by the former Auckland College
of Education (prior to its amalgamation with the
University). We retain this title for our faculty
magazine in recognition of our proud history and
heritage of excellence in teacher and social services
education.
We are pleased to be able to keep our wider
community up to date with news of the work the
faculty is engaged in and to share our successes
with you. We hope you enjoy reading this issue of
Te Kuaka
.
Editor:
Samantha Perry
Writer and researcher:
Chloe Johnson
Designer:
Craig Berry
Contributors:
Anna Kellett
The value of education
Te Kuaka Magazine
The University of Auckland
Faculty of Education
Private Bag 92601, Symonds Street
Auckland 1150
New Zealand
Website:
Email:
Phone: +64 9 623 8899
Editorial
