Source: Eastern Institute of Technology – Tairāwhiti
3 minutes ago
EIT Tairāwhiti’s 2025 Valedictorian, Heather Glover (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti), never expected to be in the spotlight.
The 30-year-old recently completed her Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) and is now eight weeks into her teaching career at Mangapapa School.
Despite preferring to stay behind the scenes, she is embracing this moment of recognition.
“It’s truly an honour, and I am incredibly grateful to my tutors for recognising something I didn’t have the confidence to see in myself.”
Originally from Tolaga Bay, Heather discovered her passion for teaching while working at Te Pūtake Whakatupuranga Kōhanga Reo for several years.
“My passion for teaching was sparked by a remarkable woman who created a structured routine with care and consistency. More than the learning itself, it was the foundational elements—routine, structure, and a diverse curriculum—that laid the groundwork for success.”
EIT student Heather Glover (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti) is the Valedictorian at the Tairāwhiti Campus graduation ceremony at the War Memorial Theatre in Gisborne on Friday.
EIT Tairāwhiti proved to be the perfect place to study. The combination of face-to-face learning, hands-on experience in schools, and a strong support system helped her thrive. Throughout her degree, she worked in both rural and local schools, gaining experience with students from new entrants to Year 8.
“The mix of on-campus learning and practical placements gave me the ideal environment to succeed.”
Balancing study with motherhood was one of her biggest challenges, but EIT’s supportive environment made it possible.
“EIT made it possible for me to achieve my goals. One tutor, in particular, was there for me in my first year before I took a break to have my son, and she was still there when I graduated. That kind of support made all the difference.”
Now teaching Year 2 students, Heather is adjusting to the challenges and joys of being a new educator.
“The support from the school staff has been incredible. Teachers provide helpful resources, thoughtful advice, and valuable information that make each day a bit smoother. There’s been so much new learning—not just for my students, but for me as well.”
As she prepares for her valedictory speech, Heather admits the process has been both exciting and daunting. While she is still shaping the final version, she knows her speech will be centred around gratitude and the collective journey of all graduates.
“Every day brings something new for my speech, and as the ceremony approaches, I think I’ll surprise myself with what I end up saying. But at its core, it will be about the people who helped me get here. Completing assignments and attending classes took personal effort, but my achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support I received. My speech will celebrate not just my own journey, but the collective contributions of every graduate and those who helped us reach this point.”
Her partner, son, parents, and siblings will be there to witness the milestone with her.
Heather believes achievements are often recognised through certificates and speeches, but the foundation behind them deserves acknowledgment too.
“We’re often recognised for our achievements with a piece of paper or a speech, but what’s often overlooked is the foundation we’ve built and carried with us through life. That deserves its own recognition. For me, that foundation is te ao Māori—a culture rooted in kotahitanga, whanaungatanga, and aroha. It’s the world my mother nurtured us in, and now, I’m fortunate enough to share that same world with my own family and the students I teach.”
Primary Education Lecturers Storm Dunn, Megan Kanz and Emma McFadyen say they will proudly watch and listen to Heather as she delivers her valedictory speech.
“She has never lost sight of the end goal of becoming a teacher and steps out to make a difference for young people in Tairāwhiti having genuinely worked hard to achieve the Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) degree.”
