Inspiring education through passion and innovation
Massey alumna Joy Kitt has carved a remarkable educational path, earning recognition such as the prestigious Fulbright Distinguished Teacher Award. From her modest beginnings in Hastings to her innovative teaching methods, Joy’s passion and compassion have left an indelible mark on her students’ lives.
Embracing the path of education
Joy’s academic journey at Massey University began in 1983 when she pursued her Bachelor of Arts degree. Although her initial dream of becoming an archaeologist did not materialise, Joy believes her degree taught her invaluable skills such as critical thinking, effective writing, and the ability to back her opinions confidently.
Driven by her love for education, Joy transitioned to teaching by enrolling in Massey’s Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching programme in 2001. Her diverse knowledge of the human condition enabled her to embrace her role as an educator, eager to introduce her students to the world and help them find their place within it.
Throughout her 20-year career in primary school teaching, Joy experienced numerous standout moments. At Russell Street School, she developed the Seed2Table programme - an innovative initiative teaching year 5/6 students how to grow vegetables, cook nutritious meals, and appreciate the biology of plants. This endeavour earned her recognition, including the esteemed Edna Joyce Howe Distinguished Award 2009.
Joy’s commitment to science education led her to apply for a place on the Science Teaching Leadership Programme from the Royal Society in 2010. Her efforts in a leadership role in developing science teaching and learning at her school were acknowledged with the Alumnus Award two years later. The training and experiences she gained from the programme solidified her commitment to inquiry-based learning. She also attended the renowned “Science in the Rockies” conference in Denver, USA, led by influential educator Steve Spangler.
A transformational experience
In 2020, Joy’s dedication and accomplishments culminated in her being honoured with a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching. This recognition not only acknowledged her outstanding commitment to enriching student learning and supporting colleagues but also provided her with the opportunity to explore integrated curriculum practices overseas. Through this award, Joy spent time in Pennsylvania in 2022, teaching in local schools and gaining insights into the US education system, and studying at Indiana, University of Pennsylvania (IUP).
Joy’s Fulbright experience profoundly influenced her teaching practices and beliefs. “My key takeaway from the experience is that we are very lucky in New Zealand that our curriculum and the design of our education system are responsive to the local needs of schools, communities and the students within them,” Joy says.
Her experiences in Pennsylvania highlighted the significance of resources, access, and technology in supporting students to make the progress they need to meet their potential. These realisations continue to shape her teaching style, fostering inclusive and student-centred education.
Fostering holistic learning
Alongside her teaching, Joy developed the THREADS integrated planning framework, empowering teachers to create comprehensive, cross-curricular unit plans. .
This approach empowers students to connect their learning across different subjects, promoting a holistic understanding of concepts and real-world applications and developing essential skills for future success.
Beyond her teaching endeavours, Joy’s personal hobbies and creative pursuits, such as sewing, knitting, and gardening, have greatly influenced her teaching style and curriculum design. Joy recognises the importance of offering students tangible, real-world experiences to enhance their learning. She cultivates a rich and engaging learning environment by incorporating hands-on activities, place-based projects, and social action into her teaching.
Reflecting on her Fulbright experience, Joy exudes passion and enthusiasm and encourages fellow educators to seize the opportunity. “This experience was genuinely life-changing and life-enhancing. Not only did we have the chance to study, research and teach, but we were also part of the university community.
“I was able to share knowledge and insights about New Zealand, and meeting and getting to know the rest of the Fulbright award recipients in the group at IUP has brought me new friends, I will have forever. I have grown personally and professionally in ways I didn’t expect. I am more confident and sure of myself as a professional,” Joy shares.
About Fulbright
Fulbright New Zealand offers a range of exchange awards, facilitating study, research, teaching, and work presentations between New Zealand and America. Since its inception, the Fulbright Programme has become one of the largest scholar exchange initiatives, operating in over 155 countries and funding over 8000 exchanges annually. This international reach has resulted in a diverse alumni network that includes 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 78 MacArthur Fellows, and thousands of leaders and experts across academia, private, public, and non-profit sectors worldwide.
Applications for the 2023 intake are now open. The application deadline is 1 August 2023. Find more about recipients' stories here: Scholar receives Fulbright to teach in Slovenia