Meet the Teacher - Ivan Davis

Ivan Davis is the incoming Principal of Western Springs College - Nga Puna o Waiorea.

How did you come to be a teacher?
I always say to students that the reason I became a teacher is that I loved school and was pretty successful at it, and wanted to share that with others.

Where did you train?
Waikato University, where I completed a Masters degree with honours in Social Sciences majoring in geography. Then I went to Auckland Teachers College for teacher training.

What brought you to your current school?
A real interest in what this school was doing in breaking down traditional notions of secondary school in New Zealand. I have always spoken of Springs as being a 'teachers’ school'. It attracts and keeps the best teachers because the ethos here is about education not control.

What are your favourite things about being a teacher/principal?
During my career I have done so many amazing things that I wouldn’t necessarily have been able to do in other fields. Day-to-day classroom experiences are always different, and I have been able to participate in fieldtrips within New Zealand and overseas - things that will remain with me for life.

Highlight of your teaching career?
Being appointed Principal of Western Springs College last month. The degree of staff and staff support for me has been humbling.

Low point of your teaching career?
Action required to secure decent pay for teachers always irks me. We see it now with young doctors too. Why does it have to be like this?

How would the chair of the board describe you?
Enthusiastic, supportive of staff and students. Energetic. Passionate about the new build and opportunities it will bring to create a truly great school and community facility.

How would other teachers describe you?
Easy to approach, talkative, caring, supportive of the challenging work that they do. Compassionate.

How would your students describe you?
Fun, approachable, interested in them. Fair and reasonable. One who listens to them.

If you could wave a magic wand in your school?
The rebuild would be finished tomorrow.

Five tips for mums and dads of high school kids/for parents who want their children to achieve at high school.
1. Talk to your children about what they are doing at school.
2. Get involved. Sport, clubs, etc.
3. Take time to spend with them. The best thing you can spend with kids is time.
4. Establish contacts with key people at school who are involved with your child.
5. Listen, listen, listen.

www.westernsprings.school.nz