Kirsty Hodge

I have had along and interesting career in teaching. Having initially trained as a primary teacher I have taught in NZ schools and in Papua New Guinea.   I have a keen interest in marine biology and am an enthusiastic scuba diver,  when an opportunity arose in the education department at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World  I jumped at the chance. While there I worked with all age levels from early childhood to university level . It was there that I first encountered language schools and groups. I  found them to be a lot of fun and always so keen to learn.  After 10 yrs at ‘KT’s’ and as well doing additional studies in environmental management I was offered a position in the Education department at the Auckland Zoo. Again I worked with a very wide group people within the Zoo but also in the public area. It was during this time I had the opportunity to design a teaching program specifically for language schools. I was at the Zoo for another 10 years after which my husband and I decided on a change of lifestyle in Central Otago NZ. While there I worked part time at Arrowtown Museum in the education department.  Once again I had the opportunity to work with a lot of visiting language groups.    On return to the North Is.  we bought a Kiwifruit orchard in Katikati. I, at last, had the opportunity to attend a recognised TESOL course.  Once completed one thing led to another and now I have the pleasure and honour of running sessions  at the Katikati Resource Centre, where I hope the students enjoy the classes as much as I do.