Nurturing Educators

Debbie Ross
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Welcome to Nurturing Educators, the podcast that brings you inspiring and insightful conversations with teachers who are passionate about education and well-being. Join host Debbie Ross as she explores the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of educators from diverse backgrounds, sharing practical tips and strategies for thriving in and out of the classroom. Whether you're a teacher looking for support or just curious about the world of education, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on what it means to teach and live well. 

  1. Teaching through life with Lisa

    27 APR

    Teaching through life with Lisa

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Debbie sits down with Lisa, a passionate and energetic PE teacher with over 25 years of experience in education. Lisa shares her journey into teaching, a path that began almost by accident, and reflects on a career that has spanned PE, health, technology, food and fabrics. Her love for learning, people, and practical, hands-on teaching shines through as she talks about the value of reflection, adaptability, and staying curious. Lisa also opens up about navigating motherhood alongside teaching, returning to work part-time, and finding balance during different seasons of life. She speaks candidly about time management, well-being, setting boundaries with work, and the small habits that help her recharge, from reading before bed to prioritising what really matters. This conversation is a powerful reminder that careers don’t have to be linear. Change, growth, and new opportunities can arrive when you least expect them. Lisa shares thoughtful advice for teachers considering a shift in roles, stepping back for family, or trusting their gut when it’s time for something new. An honest, encouraging episode for educators at any stage of their journey. Hosted by Debbie Ross Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities  or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!

    26 min
  2. Teaching in Japan with Elaisha

    13 APR

    Teaching in Japan with Elaisha

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Debbie sits down with her friend and performing arts colleague Elaisha, who spent eight unforgettable years living and working in Japan. Together, they explore what it’s really like to pack up your life and move overseas, from learning a complex new language and navigating cultural differences to teaching across kindergartens, high schools, and language schools. Elaisha shares hilarious, heartfelt, and eye-opening stories from her time in Japan, including spontaneous adventures, classroom moments that stayed with her, and the realities of integrating into a new culture. They discuss the Japanese education system, respect for teachers, festivals and traditions, and how learning even a little of the local language can completely transform your experience abroad. This conversation is packed with honest reflections, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone considering teaching overseas, immersing themselves in a new culture, or simply saying yes to adventure. Hosted by Debbie Ross Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities  or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!

    27 min
  3. Lights, camera, classroom with Jaymee

    30 MAR

    Lights, camera, classroom with Jaymee

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Jaymee, a vibrant fourth-year media and performing arts teacher whose journey into education began long before her teaching degree. From playing “school” as a child with whiteboards and worksheets to discovering the power of creative expression in high school, Jaymee always knew teaching was her calling. She shares how her love of musical theatre and media studies shaped her path, eventually leading her to teach everything from dance and drama to senior media classes. We talk about her unforgettable entry into the profession during COVID—completing her practicum online with cameras off and minimal engagement—followed by the shock of stepping into a real classroom with just six weeks of face-to-face experience. Jaymee opens up about the joy and weight of academic deaning, supporting 230 students through data, pastoral care, and personalised planning. She speaks honestly about the challenge of balancing high-energy creative subjects with leadership responsibilities and what she’s learnt about setting boundaries, teamwork, and knowing when to stop. We explore her passion for performing arts, the magic of school productions, and how community, friendship, and collaboration make the long nights and big emotions worthwhile. Jaymee also shares invaluable insights for early-career teachers—especially those in small departments—about the power of connection, networking, and not reinventing the wheel. Finally, we look toward the future of media studies, the importance of media literacy, and how AI is reshaping the learning landscape. Jamie’s reflections remind us why teaching, despite its challenges, remains a profoundly meaningful profession. Hosted by Debbie Ross Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities  or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!

    19 min
  4. From Burnout to Balance with Laura Alpe

    16 MAR

    From Burnout to Balance with Laura Alpe

    Send us Fan Mail Today on Nurturing Educators, we’re joined by the wonderful Laura Alpe, founder of Aura Wellbeing. Laura is a te reo Māori-speaking educator, remedial massage therapist, yoga lover, and new mum, who brings authenticity, warmth, and wisdom to everything she does. In this honest conversation, Laura shares how her journey into teaching began through her deep love for te reo Māori and how early burnout completely redirected her path. She talks about the moment she realised she wasn’t okay, the courage it took to step back, and how massage therapy and yoga became powerful tools in her healing. We explore the well-being challenges teachers face today: constant emails, digital overload, and blurred boundaries. Laura offers practical advice on switching off, setting limits, and tuning into what your body needs throughout the day. She also shares how motherhood has reshaped her routines, encouraging more flexibility, creativity, and self-compassion. We dive into the power of community, why asking for help is a strength, and how mindfulness supports teachers to reset, reconnect, and show up with more presence. Laura also talks about her te reo Māori yoga offerings, her YouTube channel, and the simple practices educators can use to find calm between classes. Finally, Laura gives us a glimpse of what’s next—returning to massage therapy from her glamping-tent studio, future plans for a sleepout, and continuing to support her community in a way that aligns with her values and whānau. If you’d like to learn more or book a massage, visit https://www.aurawellbeing.co.nz/, and teachers, enjoy a special discount. Settle in and enjoy this beautiful, encouraging kōrero. Hosted by Debbie Ross Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities  or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!

    27 min
  5. Wild education with Sam

    2 MAR

    Wild education with Sam

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Debbie talks with Sam, a former student who has blended her love of teaching with her passion for animals to become a primate keeper at Wellington Zoo. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a biology minor, Sam now spends her days caring for tamarins, capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and lemurs, while also teaching visitors and school groups about conservation. Sam reflects on the teachers who inspired her, the lessons she loved during her degree, and how learning about human development now helps her read her audience and create meaningful learning moments at the zoo. She shares her path into zookeeping, including the resilience it took after being rejected from the certificate course the first time, and how volunteering opened the door to her dream job. Listeners get a glimpse into her daily routine—from feeding and enrichment to talking with visitors and running close encounters. Sam also speaks honestly about the realities of the job, the joy of working with primates, and the strategies she uses to look after her wellbeing. Her story is a powerful reminder that an education degree can open many pathways, and that following what you love can lead to unexpected, fulfilling places. Hosted by Debbie Ross Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities  or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!

    23 min
  6. Family, faith and teaching with Candice

    16 FEB

    Family, faith and teaching with Candice

    Send us Fan Mail Today I sit down with Candice, a business studies and accounting teacher in her eleventh year, to explore how faith, family, and community shape her approach to life and teaching. She shares the surprising moment that led her into the classroom, how humour helps her build genuine relationships with students, and why adopting her “good enough” principle has been key to keeping balance and joy in the job. We also talk about the hobbies and travel that keep her grounded and her advice for teachers who are feeling overwhelmed or finding their footing. This is a warm and encouraging conversation filled with practical wisdom for anyone wanting to thrive—not just survive—in teaching.  Hosted by Debbie Ross Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities  or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!

    32 min
  7. A Principal's perspective with Sandy

    2 FEB

    A Principal's perspective with Sandy

    Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring conversation, Debbie sits down with Sandy, an experienced educator, former principal, and current leadership adviser with the Ministry of Education. We congratulate Sandy, as she has been recognised in the New Year's honours list as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to education. Sandy shares the remarkable journey that took her from growing up on a farm in Ōamaru to leading schools in Auckland and now supporting principals across the region. Sandy reflects on how she entered teaching almost by accident, the years she took off to raise four children, and the unexpected opportunities that led her into senior leadership. She offers a candid look at the realities of principalship, the pressure of decision-making, the importance of strategic thinking, and the weight of responsibility that comes with leading a school community. Throughout the episode, Sandy highlights the power of relationships, trust, and culture within a school. She speaks openly about the challenges leaders face, the need for support networks, and how principals can manage the complexities of change while keeping student well-being and learning at the centre. Now working as a leadership adviser, Sandy shares how meaningful it is to stand alongside school leaders, offering guidance, clarity, and a listening ear. Her reflections are grounded, wise, and full of heart, a valuable listen for teachers, aspiring leaders, and anyone passionate about education. Hosted by Debbie Ross Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities  or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!

    29 min
  8. Teaching & Health Coaching

    15/09/2025

    Teaching & Health Coaching

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Nurturing Educators, we’re mixing things up! Instead of me hosting, my dear friend Catie takes over the mic and interviews me about my journey as a teacher, the struggles I’ve faced with burnout, and how I’ve found a new path in health coaching.  As we celebrate Mental Health Week at school, I thought it was the perfect time to open up and share my personal story with you. From starting out as a PE teacher to discovering a love for teaching Spanish to reaching breaking point with stress, and finally finding balance and renewed purpose through health coaching — this conversation goes deep into the highs, lows, and lessons learnt along the way.  Together, Catie and I talk about:  What inspired me to become a teacher and how my career has evolvedThe challenges of burnout and how it impacted my well-beingThe small, practical lifestyle changes that helped me feel betterWhy I’ve launched Nurturing Educators to support teachers everywhereMy vision for creating a safe, supportive community where educators can thrive This is also a special episode because it’s the finale of Season One. I’ll be taking a break to connect with more inspiring teachers and prepare a fresh season full of conversations, insights, and strategies to help you thrive in teaching and in life.   Thank you so much for joining me on this journey so far. Your support, listens, and feedback mean the world. I can’t wait to return with Season Two, but for now, I hope my story offers encouragement and a reminder that even small steps can make a big difference.   If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow educators. Let’s keep the conversation going.   Hosted by Debbie Ross Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities  or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz Thanks for listening!

    23 min
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About

Welcome to Nurturing Educators, the podcast that brings you inspiring and insightful conversations with teachers who are passionate about education and well-being. Join host Debbie Ross as she explores the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of educators from diverse backgrounds, sharing practical tips and strategies for thriving in and out of the classroom. Whether you're a teacher looking for support or just curious about the world of education, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on what it means to teach and live well. 

Information

  • Creator
    Debbie Ross
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nurturing Educators
  • Show Website
    Nurturing Educators