Teresa Nothnagel always dreamed of teaching in New Zealand. Now, as Primary Teacher and Student Support Co-ordinator at OneSchool Global Hamilton (NZ), she knows she made the right decision to embrace the opportunity to start a new life.
“The process of emigrating to New Zealand was a really big decision, but one that I would do over and over again.” 
Teresa says originally the safe, outdoor lifestyle attracted her to the country, especially with her young daughter in tow.
“It’s really rewarding to be able to go on walks and see a different side of what life can be like.”
She says she loves New Zealand’s flexible teaching approach, which is refreshing compared to South Africa’s highly structured educational environment.
“When you come to New Zealand learning is very differentiated to suit students’ needs and you are able to break that down into a more creative way.
“I feel like the students [at OSG] are a lot more willing to learn, they are inspired to learn, they feel confident to give things a go, and it really brings back the joy for teaching when you are working with students that actually love to learn and want to learn.”
Teresa says she values the way OneSchool Global nurtures and supports teachers’ professional development.
“I’ve grown a lot as a teacher. The campus and regional leadership, really inspire you, they push you and they really support you to be the best you can be.”
She says South African teachers considering the move should “give it a go.
“OSG is a great place to work where you are actually extended to develop yourself.”
When thinking further about how OSG educators help each other, Teresa added: “The support you have from other South African teachers working at OSG will always be there, so you’ll never be alone. They’ll understand and be able to support you further.”
For teachers looking for a supportive environment where both students and teachers are encouraged to thrive, Teresa’s journey shows that New Zealand’s educational landscape offers exactly that.
