Our new teachers have now settled into life at Trident so it is time we got to know them a bit better! The teachers have kindly shared a bit of information about themselves with our Trident community. Make sure you say hi and make them feel welcome when you see them around.
Mr Sam Barr - Mathematics teacher
Where have you come from prior to starting at Trident?
I have just graduated from Teacher College at Waikato University. Prior to gaining my teaching degree I gained a bachelor of commerce in Accounting and worked as a tennis coach.
What inspires you in your teaching practice?
Seeing students make progress and watching them get a sense of satisfaction out of the improvement in their learning.
Most memorable teaching moment?
Relief teaching drama - Way outside my comfort zone.
Who is your role model and why?
I really look up to people who have the ability to inspire, empower and bring out the best in other people.
What is a fun fact our students might like to know about you?
I represented New Zealand in tennis.
If you could invite 3 people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would they be?
Roger Federer, Will Ferrell, Donald Trump
What's your favourite movie?
Gladiator
Dr. Nishanthan Rabeendran - Science teacher
Where have you come from prior to starting at Trident?
I was teaching Physics and Science at Orewa College in Auckland before I started at Trident.
What inspires you in your teaching practice?
Knowing that education can change the outcome of a person's life-such as bringing someone out of poverty.
Most memorable teaching moment?
I bumped into a student who was working at Warehouse, and he told me how he remembered my zombie analogy in his physics exam. He was not even in my class but learned the zombie trick through a friend who was.
Who is your role model and why?
Jesus- I admire his servant leadership, that he was powerful yet he was meek.
Bob Hurst - one of my supervisors at University, he had a vast amount of knowledge in his field yet he didn't use it for his sole benefit, and he was kind and supportive to his students.
What is a fun fact our students might like to know about you?
I have built lasers, I can do Kung-Fu, I have flown an aeroplane, and we have 3 different last names in my family (my wife, myself and 2 kids).
Mr Te Manaakitanga Pryor - Te Reo Maori teacher
Where have you come from prior to starting at Trident?
I have been the head of Maori studies at Maunganui College for the past 8 years.
What inspires you in your teaching practice?
I have been privileged to have been taught by my elders, when knowledge is given to you, you have a responsibility to share that knowledge and ensure our language, our customs and the teachings of our ancestors are kept alive.
Most memorable teaching moment?
Hearing about past students using some of the skills they have acquired in my classes to make positive contributions to their Iwi, hapu and Marae.
Who is your role model and why?
People who up hold the mana of their Marae whether it’s preparing food for manuhiri, speaking on the Paetapu or cleaning the toilets while also getting on with their day to day activities.
What is a fun fact our students might like to know about you?
My favorite movies are The Godfather part 1 and 2.
Miss Alex Howe - PE teacher
Where have you come from prior to starting at Trident?
Prior to Trident I lived in America for 4 years where I attended Delta State University. I was lucky enough to gain a full sporting scholarship (for tennis). During that time I was able to travel a lot for my university competing and I also finished my degree and came out with a Bachelor of Science (exercise science). When I finished my 4 years I decided to move back home where I jumped into the teaching field and completed my teaching qualifications through the University of Waikato.
What inspires you in your teaching practice? -Seeing students grow and strive to achieve their goals. I hope to inspire students where they as well believe that they can go and achieve anything they put their minds to.
Who is your role model and why?
I would have to say my parents. Just looking at what they have achieved throughout their lives, how they overcame obstacles and gave up so much for me so that I could pursue my dreams is amazing. They've truly influenced my life the most and pushed me to where I am today so I hope I can influence others as they have.
Fun fact
A couple of things I still have to cross off my bucket list are; visit every continent, go sky diving and paragliding, see the northern lights & get my motorbike licence :-)
Ms Jackie Simoes - Mathematics teacher
Where have you come from prior to starting at Trident?
I have spent a good part of the last ten years in Australia, working in tertiary education at a first year level for around four years.
What inspires you in your teaching practice?
Small breakthroughs inspire me and make my heart sing! There is something very special in seeing the 'penny drop' and being witness to that aha moment.
Most memorable teaching moment?
Setting up the Indorayon Expatriate School in Indonesia back in 1995 for around fifteen expatriate families living in Porsea.
Who is your role model and why?
My parents are my role models, they have always worked hard and long hours to provide for my siblings and I and they would often stay up till late at night assisting us in our 'rote learning', which was considered the way to retaining information back in the day.
What is a fun fact our students might like to know about you?
Many years ago I entered a Ceroc dance competition which was held in Auckland and managed to get into the semifinals.
If you could invite 3 people (dead or alive) to dinner, who would they be?
Geraldine Cox; Nelson Mandela and Freddy Mercury.
What's your secret talent?
Pottery.