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Senior AdviserHitchcock, Denise cropped
Professional Learning and Development Facilitator (Specialisation: Literacy) ACC 288
PhD, MMgmt, Higher Dip Teaching, B. Ed

Wellington |  Te Whanganui a Tara
Tel | Waea +64 21 912 947
Email | Īmēra denise.hitchcock@otago.ac.nz

Professional Profile

I enjoy working collaboratively with tumuaki, kaiako and other leaders to address a wide range of professional learning and development needs aligned with Te Mātaiaho.

I have considerable experience and expertise in working with kaiako and leaders to embed effective literacy practice across the curriculum. This includes understanding and using assessment data, engaging with evidence-based pedagogical approaches to support literacy, and designing tailored responses to support literacy progress and achievement.

My expertise also includes mentoring middle and senior leaders, Mātaioho | School curriculum design and review, and supporting culturally responsive teaching and learning.

Within Kāhui Ako, I have worked with lead tumuaki, and across-school and within-school kaiako to critically examine and reflect on the direction of the Kāhui Ako for the benefit of all community members. This work included data analysis, strategic planning, and developing capabilities within the various leadership roles.

At a national level, I have played an active role in the review and development of secondary literacy initiatives, professional learning, resource development and assessment, including NCEA literacy.

As a member of the Contributors Group for the development of the Common Practice Model designing the pedagogical approaches, practices and guidelines for Literacy and Communication, I have a deep understanding of this work.

My expertise includes

  • Linking research and practice to support evidence based professional learning
  • Working collaboratively to embed literacy across the curriculum, including disciplinary literacy at secondary level
  • Working collaboratively with kaiako to build and enhance cultural capabilities
  • Local curriculum design that is responsive and unique to each school setting
  • Assessment for learning, with a particular strength in literacy
  • NCEA Literacy:  Supporting in-depth understanding of effective literacy pedagogy, and the literacy requirements for NCEA
  • Supporting the implementation of the Common Practice Model
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