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

Richard Hope, an automotive trades tutor from Christchurch, has been awarded the prestigious title of Prime Minister’s Educator of the Year for 2023. The announcement came during a ceremony held in Wellington, where he received a prize pool of $10,000 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to teaching automotive engineering, particularly for under-served learners.

“I was quite stunned,” Hope remarked, reflecting on the accolade. The award, presented by the panel chairperson of the Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards, Derek McCormack, acknowledges his innovative and inclusive teaching methods. McCormack noted, “Richard’s profile was simply outstanding; he thoroughly deserves the award.” Feedback from Hope’s colleagues and the positive outcomes of his students reinforce his commitment to learner success.

Despite this honour, the future of the award and its host organization, Ako Aotearoa, remains uncertain. Funding cuts from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) in the latest budget jeopardize the continuation of the national centre for tertiary teaching excellence. Hope’s recognition may mark the last iteration of the award in its current form.

Innovative Approaches to Education

Hope’s dedication to education is evident in two significant achievements that contributed to his recognition. He has played a pivotal role in translating automotive trades assessments into te reo Māori, ensuring accessibility for Māori learners. Additionally, he has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity by successfully integrating a deaf student into his classroom.

“I hadn’t had any experience with deaf people before, so I reached out across the campus and found people with experience and different ideas and strategies to put into place, and it worked really well,” Hope said. His efforts resulted in the student becoming an active participant in class within just two months, transforming his educational experience.

Hope also pioneered an assessment method that utilizes professional conversations rather than traditional written tests, addressing barriers faced by trades learners. With 25 years of experience as an automotive mechanic, he transitioned to teaching at the Ara Institute of Canterbury in 2019, despite having no prior teaching background. Since then, he has completed a diploma in teacher training and engaged in various professional development opportunities.

The key to Hope’s success, he believes, 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 noted. By fostering a sense of whanaungatanga, or family, within the classroom, he encourages students to take ownership of their learning environment.

Future Challenges for Ako Aotearoa

The announcement of Hope’s award comes at a time when the sustainability of Ako Aotearoa is in jeopardy. In a statement, Giselle Byrnes, provost of Massey University, which hosts Ako Aotearoa, expressed disappointment over the funding cuts. “We are proud to have hosted Ako Aotearoa for the past 18 years and are deeply disappointed with the Government’s decision,” she stated. The cuts have led to concerns about the continuity of services that promote teaching excellence across the tertiary sector.

A spokesperson for the TEC confirmed that while funding for the Te Whatu Kairangi – Aotearoa Tertiary Educator Awards remains intact, decisions regarding the future administration of these awards have yet to be made. In recent updates, Byrnes indicated that all 25 Ako Aotearoa staff members had been notified that their roles would be disestablished by December 31, unless a new entity takes over the centre.

Hope’s recognition as Educator of the Year highlights the importance of innovative and inclusive teaching practices in higher education. As the landscape of tertiary education faces funding challenges, the impact of dedicated educators like Richard Hope on student success cannot be overstated.