Kia Ora, My name is Suz Cruse, director and founder of Teacher Empowerment. My decision to set up Teacher Empowerment is based on a strong drive to make a difference for children by supporting teacher learning and growth. My teaching career of 20 +years has provided me the opportunity to work in a variety of philosophical settings including kindergarten, playcentre, Montessori and private childcare as a teacher, team leader and curriculum leader.

Whilst adult education I have experience working in the initial education sector as a visiting tutor and lecturer and within professional development as a facilitator for UC Education Plus and Teacher Empowerment. I am passionate about sharing and extending skills, knowledge and attitudes to support teachers and leaders to offer challenging and inspiring opportunities. I am committed to building leadership within the ECE sector and beyond and would appreciate any opportunity to work with you.

Kia Ora, my name is Sharon Tipene and I have been involved in education for over twenty years, initially training as a primary teacher then moving into many different settings, as a teacher, alongside my three children. These include playcentre, whare kohungahunga (maori language preschool), Kura Kaupapa Maori (total immersion primary school), home schooling, small rural community schools, high school and adult teaching.

My passion is Treaty based bicultural practise- why this is important, what it is and how we make this real and practical today in our personal and professional lives

Kia Ora my name is Jo Creagh and I have been  involved in early childhood education since the early 1990’s. My husband and I have 3 children and a growing number of grandchildren. My experience in ECE include management as well as teaching and working with parents. I facilitated The Incredible Years Parenting programme, lead the Parents as First Teachers team and worked alongside young parents within a social service agency.

I am passionate about quality teaching and learning and sharing knowledge and understanding about Te Whariki and how to use this tool to enhance practice. I especially want this to be shared with parents to support teachers in ECE centres. Social Competency and supporting teaching teams with this is another strong area of interest as is supporting leadership development, committee and board knowledge.

Kia Ora, my name is Stacey Wojtas and I have been in Early Childhood Education since 2001.

I am the Mum to two wonderful daughters.  Being a Mum alongside my ECE qualifications and experience has seen my ECE journey from teaching to management to working with the ECE community.

I am dedicated to ensuring a quality care and education for all tamariki, their families and whanau. My areas of interest is around teacher development, parent knowledge and creating sustainable meaningful systems and procedures within ECE.