She loved teaching English, helping those who struggled a bit, and getting involved in a variety of other stuff like debating, badminton, and fundraisers such as Relay For Life.
Some highlights included a study award to finish her Masters degree and a doctorate, as well as a Fulbright scholarship in the United States for a term.
Jeffries said she loved teaching and wanted to “finish while I still love it”.
She had had a “great year with great students” and next year would have been 40 years since she started teaching [at Taita Central Primary School].
“There were a whole lot of numbers that were falling into place so it was time to move on.”
She was looking forward to international travel with her husband, playing more golf, and generally “living the dream”.
Braddock, who next year would have been in the teaching profession for 30 years [starting in Aotea College], has taught English, and learning support, was the special education needs co-ordinator, and was involved in careers pathway education.
Also asked what she enjoyed about her college time, she pointed to the students.
“They’re at the centre of what I love. You form connections and feel like you’re making a difference.
“You have a responsibility to make things better, and it’s a great collegial school − a real feeling of community.”
Some highlights included co-curricular involvement.
“You see another side to students. I took a debating team, helped run an autism support group, took kids running, and jumped in on school events like Relay For Life. You see another side to students which is lovely.
“Even in the electives which we run at the end of the year, there were some students who blew me away.
“They were kids I would never have picked to have shone like they did.”
While she loved her time at the college, the “time was right to pursue something else”.
