For Auckland Park Preparatory School teacher Gill Haggis, education is about far more than lessons and textbooks.
It is about connection, imagination, and helping children discover their own sense of possibility. Haggis says one of the greatest challenges that has shaped her as a teacher has been learning to meet every child where they are. “Each child is different, so I’ve had to work with flexibility and creativity.”

Like many teachers, there have been moments of self-doubt along the way, yet she says it is often the smallest moments – a breakthrough in learning or a meaningful connection with a learner – that reminds her why she chose the profession. Teaching has also changed her personally. “It’s kept me open-hearted and helped me stay in touch with the curiosity, wonder, and imagination of my inner-child.”

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At the heart of her classroom is a belief that children should know their voices matter, and that mistakes are an important part of learning and growth. She hopes her learners leave her class understanding how powerful reading and imagination can be.

Haggis says the school’s library plays an important role in nurturing curiosity and a love of reading. One tradition her learners particularly enjoy is her weekly book tastings, where children explore different genres, authors, and new arrivals in the library. “I always encourage them to step outside their comfort zones and try books they may never otherwise have chosen.”

One of the experiences that left the deepest mark on Haggis came during her first year of teaching, when a learner in her class died. She still remembers the brightly coloured clay necklace he made for her and says the experience taught her profound lessons about grief, compassion, and supporting children through loss.

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Despite the emotional demands of teaching, Haggis remains hopeful about the future of education. “The children themselves give me hope. Their curiosity, resilience, delight, and imagination are extraordinary.”

For Haggis, the greatest reward comes years later, when former learners remember the small moments that made them feel loved, inspired, and truly seen.

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