Teaching: A gift that keeps on giving

Salote Panapa was on her way to study law at Victoria University when a plea from her church for more educators led her to change her career path.

After graduating, her drive to create a better future for children and families led to various roles across the education sector, including early childhood, primary, and secondary schools.

After almost 20 years in schools, a colleague encouraged her to try something new – teaching adults wanting to pursue their teaching careers. And that’s exactly what she did.

Salote has been a kaiako for He Korowai Ākonga – Bachelor of Education (Primary Teaching) in Tāmaki Makaurau since 2019.

Salote describes her approach to teaching as intentional and holistic, focusing on creating learning that benefits the spirit, soul, and body of tauira. This is an approach she strives to help her tauira incorporate into their future teaching.

Salote credits her faith and the kaupapa Māori environment at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa for keeping her feeling inspired to teach after so long – alongside the highlight of seeing her tauira walk the stage at He Puāwaitanga (graduation) to receive their tohu (qualification).

After almost 2 decades in education, Salote still describes teaching as a gift.

“Teaching to me is a taonga; with it, I can help the next generation of children and adults realise their potential, reach up, and take hold of opportunities that otherwise might have been unreachable,” Salote explains.

To those feeling drawn to teaching but unsure about the commitment of full-time study, Salote offers the following advice:

“This degree can take you and your family anywhere in Aotearoa and the world. The study will require focus, perseverance, and sacrifice for 3 short years, but the benefits you will receive at the end of your degree will far outweigh the cost, tears, and frustrations of being in full-time study.”

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