Travelling Teacher is the brainchild of Jase – a kiwi kid at heart – who grew up on a large sheep and beef farm on the outskirts of Huntly, in the North Island of New Zealand. Born in Te Kuiti, in the heart of the King Country, Jase is of Ngati Maniapoto and Tainui tribal decent with strong connections to his Ngati Rora hapu (subtribe).
Horseback or motorbike was the common form of transport on the farm, but if Jase and his cousins were lucky a sledge ride over the airstrip behind the old Land Rover was always a thrilling ride. Adventure was a part of everyday life. These innocent years of growing up on the farm are ones he looks back on with fond memories.
Being instructed to “go outside and play” was a phrase that he and his cousins heard all too often. There was always plenty to do outside but it took a good imagination to keep them interested.
Jase studied a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts before deciding he wanted to teach. After some time pursuing a career as an actor he jumped into a Post-Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Primary) and quickly discovered his calling as a teacher.
While a classroom teacher, Jase worked hard to dream up and plan innovative learning experiences for his students. Being a self proclaimed ideas man, Travelling Teacher is his most ambitious idea yet.
After some memorable years teaching in the classroom, Jase decided he wanted to combine his love of travel, film and education into one package. So, he zipped up his pencil case and dusted down the blackboard one last time. Adventure was on his mind.
Under the role of Travelling Teacher, Jase’s mission is to provide a platform for educators and parents to access interesting content that can support their young people’s learning. Whether it be a film or a project all content is created to support teachers and engage learners.