A Whangarei woman who has taught English to a hill tribe in Thailand and a "mature student" with life experience under her belt were among the diverse range of teachers who graduated last week.

Tessa Edwards and Debbie Lockett were two of 32 students from the University of Auckland's Tai Tokerau campus who graduated with education-related qualifications on Friday.
Ms Edwards, a Bachelor of Education graduate, was inspired to become a teacher in her childhood, particularly by her teacher Mr Fenton at Raumanga Primary School.
"I remember him as a larger than life character who strummed the guitar every day and created a fire in me for writing and computers.