Christchurch Tutor Richard Hope Named Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year

Richard Hope, an automotive trades tutor from Christchurch, has been honoured as this year’s Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year. The announcement was made during a ceremony in Wellington on October 8, 2023, where he received the prestigious award, which includes a prize pool of $10,000. Hope expressed his surprise at the recognition, stating, “I was quite stunned.”

Innovative Teaching Recognized

Hope received the award in recognition of his innovative and inclusive approach to teaching automotive engineering, particularly to learners who have been previously underserved. Derek McCormack, chairperson of the Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards panel, praised Hope’s profile, declaring, “He thoroughly deserves the award.” He noted that feedback from both colleagues and students highlighted Hope’s dedication to learner success.

The future of the award, however, is uncertain. Funding for Ako Aotearoa, the national centre for tertiary teaching excellence that oversees the award, was cut by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) in this year’s budget, raising concerns about its sustainability.

Achievements in Inclusive Education

Two significant achievements contributed to Hope’s recognition: his efforts in translating automotive trades assessments into te reo Māori and his support for a deaf student. Hope described his experience with the deaf community as transformative, stating, “I hadn’t had any experience with deaf people before… and it worked really well.” His proactive approach helped a previously isolated student become engaged and active within the classroom in just two months.

Hope also introduced a new assessment method based on professional conversations, acknowledging that traditional written assessments often posed barriers to success for trades learners. With 25 years of experience as an automotive mechanic, he began teaching at Ara Institute in 2019, despite having no prior teaching experience. Since then, he has completed a diploma in teacher training and participated in various professional development opportunities.

For Hope, the key to successful teaching lies in forming genuine connections with students. “It’s so rewarding. You see that spark light up in their eyes when they understand something they’ve been nutting out,” he said. He emphasized creating a sense of whanaungatanga, or family, in the classroom, which encouraged student involvement and responsibility for their learning environment.

As many of his students face challenges with literacy and numeracy, Hope’s inclusive approach has allowed them to discover their potential. “When they come here, they suddenly find something that they’re allowed to do,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of providing opportunities for skill development.

Darren Mitchell, executive director of Ara, commended Hope’s work, stating it is “a true celebration of Ara’s values and our commitment to equity and excellence.” He added that Hope’s vision and determination for inclusive education serve as an inspiration for others.

Concerns Over Funding Cuts

The future of Ako Aotearoa and its services is currently in question. According to Giselle Byrnes, provost at Massey University and host institution for Ako Aotearoa, the funding cuts were disappointing. She stated, “We are proud to have hosted Ako Aotearoa for the past 18 years… and we are deeply disappointed with the Government’s decision.”

In a recent update, Byrnes confirmed that all 25 Ako Aotearoa staff members have been notified that their roles will be disestablished by the end of the year. Without an organization willing to take responsibility for the centre, it may cease to exist in its current form.

A spokesperson for the TEC indicated that while funding for the Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards remains secure, decisions regarding future management of the awards have not yet been made. This uncertainty casts a shadow over the continued recognition of excellence in educational practices in New Zealand.