Meet Our People & Partners!
We are a values based organisation and we work with partners who share the same vision for equitable education in Aotearoa NZ. Our partners are self employed educators who:
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Demonstrate exceptional professionalism as Ministry of Education attested Professional Development Consultants
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Are across the research and ensure their work is always evidence based
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Demonstrate a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and work tirelessly to see Te Tiriti enacted through our education system
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Enjoy and actively participate in collaborative practice
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Have high expectations for all ākonga and Kaiako
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Live and work in the spirit of reciprocity and manaakitanga
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Del Costello
Director
I work with leaders, facilitators, staff and teams in schools, ECE and Kāhui Ako where I can facilitate the development of sustainable professional learning communities and improve outcomes for learners.
I'm proud to be the Founder and Director of Coactive Education, and provide our suite of services to Aotearoa's education sector.
Dr. Melissa Derby
Professional Development Consultant
I'm a Senior Lecturer in child development, specialising in early literacy. I work with ECE centres and communities to support children’s learning, focusing on local curriculum, bicultural frameworks, and families as first teachers.
Find out more about Melissa's work:
Rebecca Bishop
Professional Development Consultant
Based in Te Tai Tokerau, I have 16 years' experience in the education sector as a teacher, leader, education consultant and more recently a school counsellor.
I've supported many schools with curriculum development and creating sustainable shifts in teacher practice. I love to work collaboratively with Kaiako to set and realise their goals.
Trudy Francis
Professional Development Consultant
My work focuses on personalisation and co-construction of professional goals.
I work with schools on assessment for learning, local curriculum, Backward by Design UBD, Inquiry, Assessment, Coaching, Professional Growth Cycles, Agency. Learn more about Trudy's work here:
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Nikki Joyce
Leadership & Governance Consultant
With over 20 years' experience in leadership, and as a certified coach, I work with both existing and aspiring leaders to reach both their and their team’s goals.
I have experience in ECE, primary and the secondary sectors and can also support ECE businesses in the area of governance, regulations and ERO evaluation preparation and response.
Learn more about Nikki's work:
Yolanda Soryl
Teacher Literacy Training
As one of NZ's foremost trainer of teachers and teacher aides, I also assist in learning about phonics, word recognition, and early literacy teaching.
As a still practicing and fully registered teacher, my methods are solidly grounded in the practicalities and realities of daily classroom teaching.
Learn more about Yolanda's work:
Iris Connect
Video-Enabled Professional Development
Video enabled professional development for teachers.
Iris Connect delivers teaching observations, reflections, coaching and mentoring, sharing of practice and
inter school, Kāhui Ako collaboration.
We advocate for its use within professional development settings.
Learn more here:
Elin Petterson
Professional Development Consultant
I have 15 years experience in the Early Childhood Education sector and I work across a range of educational settings. I have passion for supporting leaders and Kaiako on their learning journeys.
I have a broad range of experience in developing curriculum, policies and procedures with the ability to implement these collaboratively. I believe that bringing kaiako together and supporting practice growth is what brings me the most joy.
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Louise Dempsey
Professional Development Consultant
I'm an experienced teacher, consultant and trainer who has worked in NZ and the UK. Over the past 25 years, I have facilitated literacy training and school-based professional learning in Aotearoa and internationally. I am the co-author of The Writing Book, The Oral Language Book, The Reading Book, and The Poetry Book.
I strive to improve literacy outcomes for students by providing teachers with quality training and resources.
Learn more about Louise:
Selena Hinchco
Professional Development Consultant
I am an experienced Education Consultant and PLD Regional Manager, having worked with many school leaders and teachers, both in Aotearoa and internationally.
I have a deep understanding of effective pedagogy, and love working alongside school leaders to co-construct PLD that focuses on teachers practice and leads to improved outcomes for learners. I enjoy supporting schools to use evidence and inquiry to meet their goals and raise student achievement.
Get in Touch!
