Our Tutors
Our tutors are committed to ensuring our students grow in confidence and accelerate in their learning.
OUR VALUES
EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE
We use diagnostic assessment tools
We employ evidence based techniques
We are committed to our craft and pursue professional development
QUALITY AND PROFESIONALISM
We strive for quality in all that we do
We are professional and kind in all our communications
We value experience and support our tutors to build on their strengths
EMPATHY AND INTEGRITY
We believe that all our students are capable of success
We listen and build relationships with the families we work with
We nurture and develop our students to reach their full potential.
Jenny Hunter
Literacy | Numeracy
I value excellence. As a teacher I seek to deliver quality learning experiences for my students where they can become as excellent as they are capable. My experience has taught me that this looks different for each person and I am skilled at adapting lesson delivery to cater for individual needs.
I have 10 years experience in New Zealand classrooms teaching students from year 1-8. I understand well where a student's learning begins and where it needs to go. Direct, targeted lessons that are snappy and to the point is my style.
Sophie Hansen
NCEA English
After completing a BA (Linguistics & English Literature), GCertTESOL (2013) and a BA(Hons) in Linguistics (2014), I was fortunate enough to be accepted on to the Ako Matatupu Teach First NZ training programme. Since then, I have taught English to students from years 9-13 in South Auckland, Remuera and Hawke’s Bay. I am currently on maternity leave from my teaching role at Taradale High School in Napier.
My expertise in linguistics translates into a passion for literacy and, as a reluctant teenage reader myself, I understand the importance of making texts not only accessible but enjoyable. Students find me approachable and understanding, and a teacher who creates engaging lessons to help learners of all abilities achieve success - whatever success may look like to them.
Simon Patel
nCEA Maths and Science
I have over 15 years of teaching experience specialising in Science, Chemistry, Physics and Maths. This has also involved being a national marking panel member for the NCEA examinations.
In addition to educational experience I have also put my science and math skills into practice whilst working for 15 years in the Biopharmaceutical industry.
Anna Chitty
Maths specialist
I'm originally from Germany and have been living in New Zealand for the past 15 years with my kiwi husband. We have 3 awesome kids and love going on adventures and exploring the outdoors. I have a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning and so far taught years 5-9 in New Zealand. We have recently returned from a overseas teaching experience in a private international school in Italy and now I am looking forward to providing quality teaching and education to students in New Zealand
Janelle Cochrane
Literacy| ESOL specialist
I graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching and Learning in 2003 and then went on to study and gain a Trinity Certificate of ESOL (English to speakers of other languages). This saw me spend two years in Japan, teaching English in junior and senior high schools.
Since returning to New Zealand 10 years ago, I have taught in a range of different settings including primary, secondary and at an English language school with adults.
I am passionate about relationship based teaching and feel that when a student feels safe and valued their learning will soar. I am encouraging, warm and strive to have every student see themselves as a successful learner.
Lavinia Faleola
NCEA Maths | Science
Mālō e lelei my name is Lavinia and I am a proud Tongan from East Auckland! I graduated with a BSc majoring in Environmental Science and I am currently a science and mathematics secondary school teacher. I have experience teaching maths, science and Level 2 biology.
I know everyone can achieve academic success. I believe there are no silly questions and that being a learner is a continuous process, which is why I love teaching! I am constantly learning from my students. I understand that everyone learns differently, which is why patience is a virtue I aim to use at all times.
My lessons are fun and informative. I love to get to know each student individually and help spark their learning in science and maths.
Kate Boyd
Literacy | Dyslexia Specialist
My belief as an experienced educator is that no student is the same and it is vital that you understand where your students are in their learning in order to support them to achieve success. I specialise in supporting students with their literacy and language development.
I have also completed training through the Orton Gillingham approach to teaching students with dyslexia. I have a degree from Waikato University and a postgraduate teaching certificate. I have recently returned to N.Z after living and teaching in international schools in Korea, Japan and Singapore. My role as an educator is to support students to achieve success.
Sophie Guthrie
Primary Literacy and Maths
I am an enthusiastic and innovative teacher with over six years experience in year 1-8 classrooms. I graduated with a Bachelor of Communications in 2013 followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in Primary Teaching. I moved to Nelson from Auckland four years ago with my husband and we now have a beautiful daughter and another one on the way in 2023.
Throughout my teaching experience, I have worked closely with students with high learning needs such as dyslexia and learnt how to cater to these needs through structured literacy programmes etc. I use a lot of positive encouragement to boost students’ self-esteem and growth mindset. I strongly believe that with a lot of patience and perseverance every student is capable of success, and small progress should always be celebrated. I work closely with whanau to achieve this and always look forward to seeing their child's confidence and happiness with their learning grow.
Sara Brewer
primary maths | Literacy
Working with and being surrounded by children from a young age developed my passion for teaching. I first began volunteering/working at my local dance studio where I discovered my passion for teaching children. I then made the first step to study and graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Specialisation). In my second year, I acquired a job as an English and Maths tutor. I have met some fantastic students along the way and have witnessed some incredible ‘light bulb’ moments. I now teach in a year 3/4/5 classroom. I have a strong interest in building relationships with the children I teach. My students find me approachable and easy to talk to.
I am incredibly passionate about catering the learning to the learner’s needs and will always strive to provide the best education for my students. I aim for success for all of my students – whatever that may look like.
Chantē Parker
Science specialist
Talofa lava, my name is Chanté. I am of Samoan descent born and raised in Otara, South Auckland. I graduated from a Bachelor Health Science in Paramedicine and worked in the ambulance service. During my time there, I found education was my calling so I applied for the Ako Mātatupu Teach First NZ programme hoping to be in the waka of aspiring, system-changing teachers with an ahi to fill the blanks in the education system and classrooms.
After this move, I knew I made the best decision and gained two years experience in a secondary school. I love teaching and pushing my students to expand their comfort zones. I do this by helping them think creatively in Science and Health by contextualising situations that some students find difficult and which may cause them to give up too easily.
This is what I gravitate towards: not letting students give up because they find it too hard. I look forward to working with you and your child.
Asha Jacob
Literacy Specialist Y7-Y10
I see my life's purpose to encourage and support students to achieve their goals, and help them develop into independent thinkers and learners.
I bring over 7 years of teaching experience from Australia and New Zealand, working predominantly in intermediate schools. I have a 4-year Bachelor of Education (primary) degree from University of Western Sydney.
In New Zealand I worked at Southern Cross Campus as a year 7 (across all curricula) and ESOL (English as a Second Language) teacher. I specialized further as an English teacher at Avondale Intermediate School as a Curriculum Leader for Literacy. Currently, I am a year 7-10 Kaimanaaki (specialising in literacy) and absolutely love it!
Doug Brooks
Numeracy| science
I bring more than 15 years of seasoned teaching experience in science, horticulture and drama, including six years of online NCEA teaching. I have experience in public, private, and one-on-one online and in-person tutoring.
At the core of my craft is a solid connection with students so they feel supported to take the risks needed to extend their learning.My interest and experience in screen presentation and production is a point of difference, enabling him to create highly engaging methods of online learning.
I am proudly of Scottish, Austro-Hungarian, Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Tuwharetoa descent. I have two children and live on two hectares in Nelson with my wife, dog, hens, and goats.
Chantel landman
Literacy | Numeracy
Literacy and numeracy are the fuel to my teaching engine. I enjoy being diagnostic and making sure I fill the gaps that I may notice students have. This way we also work quickly and efficiently towards the end goals.
I thrive on seeing students feel successful and proud of their efforts. I love building trusting and pleasant relationships and believe that once these are in place, happy kids can learn better.
I have also completed training through the Orton Gillingham approach to teaching students with dyslexia and look forward to making a difference, one lesson at a time.
Amy Johnson
Literacy | Numeracy
Since graduating in 2007 at the University of Glasgow (UK), I have worked extensively with students at all stages of learning. I have expertise in the fields of dyslexia, maths and structured literacy.
I love to meet new students and have experience working with students in the early stages of learning to read right up to preparing for final NCEA exams.
My style is nurturing and fun. I set high standards for both myself and my students. I employ a holistic approach to learning and strive to support my students to grow in confidence and develop transferable skills as well as experience accelerated learning.
become a tutor
Do you have a passion for making a difference in the lives of young people?
Are you a qualified teacher keen to make an impact on student learning without the limitations of the modern classroom?
Are you committed to providing quality, nurturing, learning experiences within a highly supportive team?
If so, you may be a great fit for our Boost Team!
We are always seeking vibrant, enthusiastic tutors to work with our students, both online and from our offices in Nelson.
Contact Us
Literacy, Numeracy