Linda Smith

UK, Deputy Principal

“I chose to come to New Zealand because many people I knew had travelled here and said how beautiful the country was and how friendly the Kiwis were,” says Linda.

With 12 years maths teaching experience behind her, three of which were in Mallorca Spain, Linda was looking for a great place to bring up her children, then 3 ½ and 18 months.

“New Zealand seemed to fit the bill and the teaching adverts in the papers at the time gave me an idea of where I wanted to be. I applied for residency without a position lined up and once here, applied in person for a position.”

With maths as her main teaching subject, it wasn’t long before Linda secured her first New Zealand teaching job at Avondale College. This was soon followed by a management unit and then appointment to the year 9 dean’s position. Within a five-year period from her first maths position at Avondale, Linda was appointed Deputy Principal of Avondale College.

“It’s difficult to compare school management roles between the UK and here as I never had a senior managerial role in the UK,” says Linda. “However I do feel that in New Zealand the rapport between senior management and staff is great and there’s a sense of us both being on the same team. Principals and others in senior roles are very approachable.”

Linda feels the same towards New Zealand schools in general. “The staff are welcoming and work together harmoniously in most New Zealand schools. Teachers are very hard working and dedicated to their students and most schools are very supportive of their staff. It is great to be working with such a dedicated group of professionals.”

As part of her professional development, Linda is fortunate enough to be studying towards a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). “Some of the senior management team already have an MBA and have been particularly supportive as they know the benefits.”

Curriculum-wise, Linda says teachers from the UK are generally familiar with standards based assessment and the need for clear learning outcomes and criteria for assessment, so the transition is not difficult.

“There are so many opportunities for energetic and motivated teachers and the benefits of living in such a fantastic country are enormous,” says Linda. “I am thoroughly enjoying the country, the climate and the people.”