Changing the System from Outside the Box

Today we connect with Jase Williams, the Principal of Henry Hill School in New Zealand. Jase begins the episode by honoring his Māori culture and acknowledging his ancestors that are a part of him and his journey. He highlights four specific things he did to change his classrooms and school and says that for us to change this archaic system of education, we must step away from the system and move outside the box. Jase talks about the importance of helping all students find their identity and the importance of understanding the neuroscience behind the why. Jase Williams is the Principal of Henry Hill School - a decile 1A (Lowest socio economic rating in NZ schools) Primary School in Napier, Hawke's Bay. In 2021 he and his school were the winners of the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards - Wellbeing category. Jace is the only Māori male certified trainer in the Neurosequential Model in Education. He facilitates Men's and Women's Hui (meeting) as a place of healing for families in the community, which are focused on mental health and wellbeing from a 'keeping it real' perspective and grounded in neuroscience. Intro song: Poet's Row, Young Bones