Ruby Moetara

Ruby Moetara is a dancer, a some-times dance teacher, and a Sir Edmund Hillary scholar who’s studying to be a teacher. She grew up in Hamilton, went to Hamilton Girls’ High School,  and her whakapapa is from the far north, near Hokianga. She says she’s “extremely proud to be Māori”.

It was through dance she gained a Hillary Scholarship, but her focus has always been on teaching.

“I was fascinated by the idea that children could go from seeing squiggles on the page to one day to letters and words! I wanted to understand this process and empower rangatahi through education.”

She says it was an easy decision to study at the University of Waikato.

“I believe the Waikato teaching degree is broad and relevant. I have learned so many useful skills modelled by awesome lecturers and teachers. We are taught relevant and up-to-date content to equip us for teaching in the changing world.”

She also likes the way each student’s personal voice is encouraged. “I have been blown away by the intensely introspective and reflective nature required of a teaching student, which I believe has not only made me a better student and teacher, but also a better person.”