Week 7 Term 2 - TAPAPSA: To navigate the Tapasā from a Pasifika lens. (Jun 13 - Jun 17)

Tapasā: The Tapasā framework brings Pacific perspectives to effective and quality teaching practice at different stages of a teachers’ journey in key areas and transition points for Pacific learners in early learning, primary and secondary education.

Tamaki College started the Tapasā journey in 2021. This year we have had three sessions during our Monday morning PLD sessions (x1 in Term 1 and x2 in Term 2) unpacking what Tapasa is and how we can apply it to our practice. We have had the privilege of having Mr Karl Vasau (Principal of Rowandale Primary School in Manurewa) speak to us about 'carrying the tapa' which highlights how we need to start "looking at who, what, where and why Pasifika are important and beginning a journey focussed on how we can lift our game to better cater for their needs and connect with them and each other." At our most recent PLD session, our Tapasā leaders (Mrs Mele Suipi Latu + Ms Dorothy Apelu) presented a PLD where Pasifika teachers from Tamaki College shared their experiences as past Pasifika students and what strategies have worked for them now as Pasifika educators. I was asked to be part of the panel and at first, I was extremely nervous to share my experience. But as I prepared for the panel discussion, I understood that regardless of what I think, my experience and my story as a Pasifika learner could help other teachers (Pasifika and non Pasifika) understand what they can do support our Pasifika students. Even more so, my story could highlight what they are already doing and in turn reinforce the positive teaching practice that is already in place. The panel discussion was guided by four key questions and we were asked to share our thoughts and provide some insight into what we think works for our Pasifika students, from our ethnic specific lens. Here is what I shared during the panel discussion on Monday June 13. 

Q.1 - As a past Pasifika student, what did success look like to you?

Success was (and still is to some degree) finishing school, get a qualification, get a good job, serve your family, church and love GOD. Success was passing School Certificate (year 11), Six Form Certificate (year 12), and Bursary (Year 13) to get University Entrance. Also being recognized for my leadership in becoming the deputy head boy at Rutherford College was big, since it was during a time when there weren't too many Pasifika students at the school. For context, in year 9 they actually placed me in a learning support class for reading, so to achieve what I did in my senior years was really important and validating for me.

Graduation 2007 (Bachelor of Arts Double Major, UoA) with my Grandmother + Uncle

Q.2 - How did your ethnic-specific cultural values contribute to your success? If so, What and How?

Samoa has several values, but the three that I want to point out are tautua (service), faaaloalo (respect) and alofa (love).

Tautua (service) is something that I have been exposed to from a young age. For years, and even to this day I watched how my parents and grandparents served in whatever capacity they were in. My late Grandfather Alapati and nana Sarai were long-serving Reverend Ministers in the EFKS and LMS Churches, My late Grandfather Taulealeausumai Faasiu was a long-serving Session Clerk and Lay Preacher for the PIC Church and My late Grandmother Viola earned a Queens Service Medal for services to nursing. Some of you have met my Mum who works for ERO. Both my parents serve as Elders in the Church. Regardless of their field, what I have seen in their service is a drive to do well but also a genuine drive to use their service to help lift the achievements and success of those around them. It's these examples that I look to in my own service to this school, to my church and to my family.

With faaaloalo, regardless of how old I am I will always be faaaloalo to those older or more senior than me. It's something that goes without saying in Pacific cultures.

Alofa is another very important one. Love is the foundation of respect and service but more importantly for me - it is the basis of my faith. All things start and end with God and any success I have is because of God.

My father, Taofiga Afoa Tu'uga Stevenson, presenting his lauga at my Grandfather's funeral

Q.3 - Now as a Pasifika teacher, how do you use your cultural values in your teaching?

I use every opportunity to serve/teach with love and respect and in doing that I hope that I am showing the students another example of that. I also believe that cultural values can transcend beyond your own culture and if you are comfortable and confident in them, students (regardless of their culture) will catch on. 

Tamaki College Samoan Group 2021

Q.4 - What other strategies have you found effective in teaching Pasifika learners?

Relationships: Create and foster strong connections with them and their families. I find that they're more receptive to what you have to say when you have a connection with them on an individual level. This could be as simple as having a one on one conversation to understand them, their family and how the two interact.
Expectations: Have high expectations for them. If you go in with mediocre expectations, they won't know that they can do so much more.
Meaningful feedback: One of the challenges of faaaloalo is that a student be so respectful to the point where they've trained not to have an opinion, not to challenge. This means that a student doesn't know to challenge respectfully and you might find that if they're not completely silent, they are completely disrespectful. We should teach them how to speak critically, but with respect.

My tutor class in 2015 - 9TSt