He chose teaching over money
Leighton Robb left a good paying job at Auckland University to train to be a primary school teacher.
Given the low pay and long hours primary teachers endure, according to media reports during teacher industrial talks, the question is why.
Simply, Robb said he believed there was a need to improve tertiary outcomes and it was in the primary school years he could have the most impact.
A family man from Auckland, Robb has been appointed as the new principal at Takitimu Primary School in western Southland, and begins the job on Monday.
While working at Auckland University, in mentoring and project management roles, he had noticed some students weren’t adequately prepared for university learning.
He said he researched where the breakdown may have occurred and concluded it was in years 4 and 5 in their primary school years.
‘‘I decided if I am a person of integrity that’s what I need to do . . . I quit university and went to teachers’ training college and here I am, and I have worked mainly in the years 3 to 5 so far in my educational journey.’’
He began teaching at an Auckland primary school five years ago, but the wage did not fit with living in the big city.
‘‘Surviving in Auckland on a teacher’s salary was just impossible,’’ he said.
He moved to a new teaching job on the West Coast for three years before recently being appointed to his first principal’s job at Takitimu Primary School.
He has visited his new 85-student school in Nightcaps just once, for an interview with the board of trustees.
His first impressions were that Nightcaps township was small and the school grounds were large.
‘‘I am thinking I will need a good relationship with the school caretaker to make sure it’s looked after.’’
His aim was to create good relationships at the school and in the community, and to create problem solvers and lateral thinkers among the children so they could make a valued contribution to society.
"That’s why we get into education, we want to have an impact on our future society, and education is the vehicle.’’
Teaching was stressful and hard work but the rewards were great, he said.
‘‘You have the opportunity to seriously influence young people’s thinking and you can’t put a price on that.
‘‘Passion isn’t a word I use often but am I passionate about education? Absolutely.’’
Takitimu Primary School board of trustees chairman Peter van Miltenburg said Robb had a fantastic reputation for getting the best out of people.
Robb takes over the principal’s role from acting principal Sue Baird.
‘‘You have the opportunity to seriously influence young people’s thinking and you can’t put a price on that.’’ Leighton Robb