The Adaptable Educator with Laura

Send us Fan MailTeaching in a new country comes with its fair share of challenges—but also incredible rewards. In this episode, UK-born educator Laura shares her inspiring journey from the classrooms of East London to an all-girls college in New Zealand, revealing how adaptability and an open mind shaped her career. Laura's path to teaching wasn’t a straight line. A sharp-eyed English teacher first spotted her knack for engaging others, setting her on a journey from training as a primary teacher to working in London’s vastly different schools—from low-decile Tower Hamlets to the well-resourced Holland Park. But it was the bold leap to New Zealand that truly tested her resilience and adaptability. The differences between the UK and NZ education systems are striking. Laura unpacks the intense, high-pressure Ofsted culture that governs British schools and contrasts it with New Zealand’s more holistic, student-centred approach. While the UK system dives deeper into academic content, she appreciates how Kiwi education focuses on growing well-rounded learners rather than just academic success. One of Laura’s biggest surprises? Teaching outside her comfort zone. Hired primarily as a PE teacher, she soon found herself leading drama and dance classes—subjects she’d never formally trained in. Instead of shying away, she embraced the challenge, discovering that stepping into the unknown led to some of her most rewarding moments in the classroom. For teachers considering a move abroad or stepping into unfamiliar teaching roles, Laura shares hard-earned wisdom about setting boundaries, finding support, and remembering the heart of teaching: "You literally see kids progressing in front of you every single day, and knowing you’ve played a part in that is just so incredibly rewarding." Tune in for an honest, uplifting conversation that proves the best professional growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Hosted by Debbie RossFind us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducatorsFor more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities or to chat, please email: [email protected] or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nzThanks for listening!