Stephanie graduated with a Masters degree in Ancient History from the University of Auckland in 2016 and subsequently went on to complete a Masters of Teaching (Primary). Throughout her studies she held positions as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Lecturer.
Since then she has been a primary school teacher. In this role she has seen first-hand how many children are struggling in our education system. She served as a University Liaison Lecturer and contributed to ongoing innovations to the Masters of Teaching before it was suspended in 2019. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology in 2022.
At the Initiative Stephanie builds on her work in the classroom. She develops evidence-informed policy advice to improve teaching and learning in our schools, especially for those who are not currently thriving.
Stephanie Martin talked to Simon O'Connor on Reality Check Radio about Auckland University's attampt to limit academic freedom and free speech. Listen below. Read more
Stephanie Martin talks to Sean Plunket on The Platofrm explaining why the Free Speech Union welcomed Auckland University's rejection of a problematic academic freedom policy that could have restricted speech. The policy, despite its intentions, contained clauses about well-being and health and safety that might have enabled "cry bullying" and chilled academic discourse. Read more
Stephanie Martin talked to Rhema discussing the University of Auckland's overwhelmingly rejected freedom of expression and academic freedom policy, which was four years in the making. The policy was criticised for potentially inhibiting rather than protecting academic freedom, with concerns raised about its focus on subjective concepts like "well-being" that could restrict open discourse and debate in university settings. Read more
In the 2024 budget, substantial funding was announced to move teacher education towards an in-school, apprenticeship-style model. The injection of funding is intended to address the shortage of teachers currently facing our schools. Read more
Dr Michael Johnston and Stephanie Martin talk to Dr Ursula Edgington about the effects of technology education, what teachers are taught vs. the realities of the classroom, and how the addictive nature of technology impacts students. Read more
Dr Michael Johnston talks to Maryanne Spurdle, Researcher at the Maxim Institute, and Stephanie Martin, Adjunct Fellow at NZ Initiative, about teacher education. To listen to our latest podcasts, please subscribe to The New Zealand Initiative podcast on iTunes, Spotify or The Podcast App. Read more
Imagine the outrage if it were revealed that our medical schools ignored scientific research in the training of doctors. Yet, when it comes to training teachers, ignoring science seems acceptable. Read more
The most important component of any system of school education is its teachers. But, New Zealand’s teacher education programmes do not ensure that new teachers are well prepared for the classroom. Read more
Dr. Michael Johnston is joined by Adjunct Fellow Stephanie Martin and Dr. Kevin Knight, founder and owner of the New Zealand Graduate School of Education in Christchurch, for a discussion about the issues currently facing the training of our teachers. The New Zealand Initiative · EPS. Read more