Nurturing the Next Generation: Dian Fisher’s Commitment to Developing Teachers

Nurturing the Next Generation: Dian Fisher’s Commitment to Developing Teachers

January 31, 2025

Dian Fisher brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to education to her role as Programme Manager at The Teachers’ Institute (TTI). With a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Auckland and having trained to teach Geography, Social Studies, and English at the Teachers Training College, Dian has dedicated her career to the field of education. She also holds a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Auckland and has extensive experience with NCEA examinations in various roles. Dian became a Deputy Principal at Diocesan School for Girls in 2017, where she played a pivotal role in overseeing trainee teachers.

Dian’s journey in education began at Diocesan School for Girls, where she has been a teacher since 1999. “As a Deputy Principal, I have had oversight of trainees from Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes and their placements at our school,” Dian shares. Her responsibilities include professional development, teacher professional growth cycles, and working with Provisionally Certificated Teachers (PCTs). This extensive experience equipped her with the skills and insights necessary to support and mentor new teachers.

In November of last year, Dian joined TTI as one of the Programme Managers. In this role, she works closely with trainees in workshops and observes their progress in the classroom to provide valuable feedback. ‘Being part of something in its first year is exciting,” Dian says. “I know that in years to come, as the programme and Institute grow; I will feel incredibly proud of being part of bringing it to life.”

Dian believes the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary, School-based) programme offers significant benefits to trainees and the broader secondary education sector. “Trainees can take the time necessary over the course of a whole year to develop a deeper understanding of the core teaching practices,” she explains. This comprehensive approach ensures that trainees are confident and well-prepared to enter their own classrooms as provisionally certificated teachers.

What sets TTI apart from other ITE initiatives is the authentic relationship trainees build with schools. “Trainees work alongside teachers in the classroom and are taught by subject teachers who are still actively teaching,” Dian notes. This hands-on experience provides trainees with practical insights and real-world teaching skills.

Dian sees TTI as playing a crucial role in addressing the teacher supply issues in New Zealand. By training teacher trainees in schools, they gain a clear understanding of the role from the outset, making them better prepared for their first year of teaching and more likely to stay in the profession. The recruitment and selection process also ensures that trainees are genuinely suited to the role, subject, and school, ultimately reducing recruitment challenges and increasing retention.

Dian’s hopes for the future of TTI are clear. “I hope that our trainees will be truly classroom ready to ‘hit the ground running’ in their own classrooms next year,” she says. She envisions TTI growing to become a leading institute for education and learning across the country, providing ongoing support for educators through professional development.

For those considering a career in teaching, Dian offers this advice: “The role is too important to be in the classroom with the wrong motivation. Consider the realities of the job and ensure you want to do it for the right reasons.”

Dian is passionate about growing great people, whether they are students, teachers developing their teaching practices, or trainees embarking on one of the most rewarding professions. “Being a part of education is a daily joy and privilege,” she reflects.