New resource will lift Māori student success through more effective teaching - Sharples

A new resource launched today will help improve Māori student achievement by strengthening the cultural awareness and skills of teachers in schools and early childhood education services, says Associate Education Minister Dr Pita Sharples.

‘Tātaiako’ recognises the relationship between teachers and students as the all-important foundation for learning, and it provides a cultural competence framework for teachers engaging with Māori students, their whānau and communities,” said Dr Sharples.

“’Tātaiako’ challenges and encourages teachers to see how their own culture has shaped them, and to recognise the importance of understanding the identity, language and culture of Māori students. That way teachers can engage better with Māori students, their whānau and iwi, and build a better basis for more effective teaching.

“Tātaiako is not so much a set of standards for teachers, as guidance for professional development in an area of teaching critical to the success of New Zealand’s education system. It encourages teachers to continue to develop their understanding, knowledge and skills in relation to Māori students.”

Tātaiako was developed by the Ministry of Education, with the assistance of the New Zealand Teachers Council and an invited group of academics and iwi representatives involved in education.

The Ministry and Teachers Council will work with principals, teachers, school trustees, unions and professional development providers to ensure Tātaiako is well understood and widely used.

The resource is available at www.minedu.govt.nz/tataiako