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If We Want to Raise Thriving Children, We Need to Take Teachers Seriously

Updated: Jun 12

There’s something we don’t say often enough in early childhood education:

"The quality of a child’s learning environment is only ever as strong as the people in it."

And right now, the people—our teachers—are carrying too much, with too little.

I speak to kaiako every week who are passionate, intelligent, and deeply committed to tamariki. But behind their dedication is exhaustion. There’s pressure to meet documentation demands. To meet standards. To support children’s behaviour. To be all things, every day, for everyone. And many are doing this without meaningful mentorship or the support they truly need to grow.


💔 We have a problem.

  • Graduating teachers are entering the workforce without consistent guidance or coaching. This is exactly what our leadership mentoring addresses

  • Owners and managers are struggling to find qualified, experienced staff to fill roles—let alone invest in their growth.

  • Burnout is driving great teachers out of the sector or sending them overseas.

  • And for many, teaching has become more about surviving than thriving.

We cannot afford to ignore this. Not if we care about children. Not if we care about the future of our profession.


Teaching is not a job you can fake.

Early childhood education is relational work. It’s deep work. It shapes brains, beliefs, behaviours, and belonging. The way we show up—as teachers, as leaders—matters. If we want tamariki to thrive, their kaiako need to thrive too.

That means professional development can’t be treated like a tick box. It’s not just about attending a webinar or updating your appraisal folder. It’s about growing people. It’s about supporting teachers to rediscover their purpose, build confidence, and create environments that hum with intention and joy.

A group of four early childhood teachers, diverse in background, gathered around a table in a warm, naturally lit room. Two are seated and two are standing as they engage in a positive discussion about shared values, with a “VALUES” poster centered on the table. The atmosphere feels connected, collaborative, and inspiring.
When teachers come together to reflect on what truly matters, the whole centre culture shifts. Shared values are the foundation of connected teams and purposeful practice.

This is what mentoring makes possible.

At HeartLead NZ, I support teachers and centre leaders to find their why again. We reflect honestly on what’s working and what’s not. We build capability—not just compliance. We bring heart back into the work. And the results speak for themselves:

  • Teachers feel more confident, connected, and aligned with their values.

  • Centres see stronger teamwork, better documentation, and deeper learning.

  • Children benefit from being surrounded by emotionally present, empowered adults.


If you’re ready for real change—let’s talk.

I’m here to walk alongside teachers and leaders who want more than survival. Who want clarity, confidence, and joy in their work again.

If that’s you or your team, reach out. Let’s bring the heart back into teaching.


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