Teacher Spotlight

Ms Anneliese Brown

Biology, Science

• Tell us about your background and what you did before joining Whitby Collegiate

  I started my Science journey at Tip Top Ice Cream company as a lab technician, then went and taught English in Japan for 5 years and then summer school in China. I completed my teaching diploma at Massey. After that, I worked at Upper Hutt College for 12 years before moving to the UAE and teaching Science for 5 years. Then, after a brief stint at Heretaunga College, I moved here!

• What inspired you to become a teacher?

  I loved working with the students in Japan - my youngest student was 2 years old and my oldest was 75. I had never thought about teaching as a career before that, but exchanging knowledge with the students was so much fun.

• What are the differences between Whitby Collegiate and Whitby students compared to other places you’ve taught?

  As it is a smaller school, you get to know the students faster. There are less issues with uniform and access to devices. The students are polite and friendly. And I love having the stream and park nearby as a teaching resource.

• What is the one thing outside school that you’re most passionate about?

  Travelling - meeting new people and learning about their cultures.

• When you’re not teaching, what other hobbies or interests do you have?

  Making pottery, exploring NZ’s native forests with the dog, DIY on the house.

• If you could go back and give your high school self three pieces of advice, what would they be?

  1. Don’t be afraid of failing

  2. Give everything a go

  3. Don’t sweat the small stuff