Role

Rhandell was once the Pouako for the Heretunga takiwā ako - now she has re-joined us a kaiako!

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Education Background

Rhandell has 10 years experience, teaching in both private and public ECE settings. She was brought up in Te Kōhanga Reo when the movement was at it’s peak. Her aroha towards ECE and Kōhanga has gone full circle and she has made it a priority to advocate for our most vulnerable, including young tamariki and their whānau. She is an avid lifelong learner and has developed a genuine aroha towards research, it has become a huge passion of hers. She enjoyed her time working at the Ministry of Education as a Regional curriculum advisor, supporting kaiako across the Te Tairāwhiti region with strengthening their understanding of Te Whāriki, planning, assessment and evaluation.

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Research Background

Rhandell’s Masters Thesis is focused on the transition of tamariki from Te Kōhanga Reo to Kura Kaupapa Setting. Her PhD will carry on this study and explore the lived experiences of tamariki who have transitioned from Te Kōhanga Reo all the way through to Kura Kaupapa. The research will shape itself as sure as she begins the Ethics part of the process.

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Teaching Interests

Rhandell’s own tamariki motivate her. They are all grounded in environments that ensure they develop a strong sense of cultural identities. This is how her own whānau raised her and this is what she values as central to a tamaiti standing affirmed as Te Whāriki.

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Recent Publications

Ways of knowing, being and doing when transitioning from Te Kōhanga Reo to Kura Kaupapa Māori