Junior Toailoa Isara

From a young age, Junior found great joy in helping his peers with their studies. This passion led him to aspire to become a mathematics teacher, aiming to serve as a role model and inspire other Pasifika students to succeed in STEM subjects. 

Junior completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Auckland, with a major in Mathematics. Upon graduation, family responsibilities meant that Junior had to take on full-time work to support his family. 

Ten years later, Junior discovered the Teach First NZ Programme, which would allow him to realise his dream of becoming a Maths teacher and was accepted into our 2025 Cohort. What excites him about this opportunity is that it allows him to follow his passion for teaching and making a real impact by supporting students on their educational journey, all while continuing to care for his loved ones. 

“Ako Mātātupu has given me the opportunity to reignite my passion for education and to serve my community through teaching.”

Junior is a currently a participant of the Teach First NZ Programme, employed at Waitakere College as a Mathematics Teacher. 

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