BTI is delighted to announce that Gayle Te Kani will be our next Head of School of Teacher Education, from the end of July.
Te Taiurungi Principal of BTI, Dr Andrew Butcher, says, “I am very pleased that Gayle has agreed to be our next Head of School of Teacher Education, as her strengths in forming and developing respectful relationships will be valuable in this role. Her mana in our local community and our learning community is also recognised and welcomed through her contribution to BTI’s leadership.”
Gayle has been involved in Christian education for nearly 20 years, starting at Bethlehem College and then as an educator in BTI’s Secondary Teacher Education programme in 2018. Her extensive teaching experience and knowledge give her a unique perspective to enrich BTI’s students’ learning and our wider community.
Identifying with Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa ki Waikato, Ngāpuhi me Ngāti Ranginui, Gayle says that her teaching philosophy is underpinned by both a Christian and a Māori world view, which enables her to actively support BTI in expanding our tikanga Māori. “It is important to me that we build strong relationships as reconciled treaty partners, which honours God,” Gayle says.
Gayle will start as Head of School of Teacher Education at the end of July, when the current Head of School, Dr Marion Sanders, retires. Gayle acknowledges that following after Dr Sanders will give her “big shoes to fill”. “Marion has been an inspirational mentor, colleague and friend and it is a privilege to follow in her footsteps in preparing student teachers to be relational, responsive and transformational in their teaching practice. I look forward to this new season,” Gayle says.