Role

Alesha is a Lecturer within the Early Childhood Team, teaching across courses such as Infant and Toddler Pedagogy, Child Development, and Home-Based Care. Her approach is grounded in whanaungatanga, building respectful, trusting relationships with tauira as they develop their professional identity. Through teaching practice visits and ongoing support, she works alongside tauira to strengthen their confidence, reflect on practice, and grow as early childhood teachers.

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Education Background

Alesha began her career as an untrained teacher and progressed to becoming a qualified kaiako, moving into a range of leadership roles over nearly 20 years in the education sector. Her work has been shaped by strong relationships and a commitment to supporting others. She now work in tertiary education, walking alongside tauira as they develop their professional identity and confidence as early childhood teachers.

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Research Background

Alesha’s research background and interests are grounded in infant and toddler pedagogy. She has completed some postgraduate papers specialising in infant and toddler education and am currently undertaking a Master of Education, continuing to deepen her research knowledge and practice in this area.

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Teaching Interests

Alesha teaches because she values strong relationships and believe learning happens best when people feel connected, respected, and supported. Her approach is shaped by whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, and by a commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday practice. With a range of experience in the education sector, she enjoys working alongside tauira as they connect theory with practice and grow in confidence as early childhood teachers.

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Recent Publications

Thomas, T., & Chaston, A. (2022). There’s no place like home: Teaching te reo Māori in lockdown. He Kupu: The Word, 7(1).