Meet the staff

Tutor talking with student in library

When you study at Taylors College Auckland you'll be supported by experienced, welcoming staff from the moment you arrive. Meet some of the staff and teachers who will be supporting you while you study at the College.

Miriam Bissett, Academic Director

Miriam Bissett, Academic Director

My work involves:

My role as Academic Director at Taylors College puts me in the privileged position of being able to watch our students arrive at the school, graduate and pass through into the university of their choice. It brings me such joy to see students succeed in their diverse fields including areas such as engineering, arts, technology, hospitality, business, science, and of course many others. All staff at Taylors are immensely proud of our current cohort and our alumni.

I help students to choose their subjects at Taylors to provide them with the opportunities they want to pursue, and then aid them with their application to the University of Auckland. Any information they may need on university courses or requirements I am happy to provide and I enjoy encouraging and advising students in their pursuit of their university qualifications and future careers.

I sometimes also teach Classical Studies; I completed my doctorate in ancient Greek art. Classical Studies is a subject which is relevant to everyone because it is focused on understanding and gaining empathy for people past and present. Greek tragedy and art, as well as Roman history are some of the popular and fascinating topics we cover in our Classical Studies course.

My top tip for learning:

Ask questions! Make an effort to really engage with the material, your teacher, and your classmates. The more you put into your lessons, the more you will gain in grades and enjoyment.

My top tip for enjoying life in Auckland:

Use the weekends for exploring Auckland’s beautiful parks, beaches, shopping precincts, and restaurants! We have some of the best food in the world here – it’s time to enjoy it!

Coralie Martin, English Teacher

Coralie Martin, Foundation Studies Certificate English Teacher

My work involves:

As well as teaching English, I have responsibilities as a Mentor Teacher and have been assisting with the Career Development programme as needed. My background is in Language and Literature, having studied these at the University of Auckland and taught them over a number of years.

Before coming to Taylors College, I taught English, French and Japanese in schools in New Zealand and Japan. I love the way the English course is focused on specific skill sets that the students will need in their university studies, no matter what they choose to major in. A good example of this is the Research Project, a major unit of work incorporating planning, research skills, preparing a written report and oral presentation. However, I think my favourite aspect of the course is the literature component, which gives students the opportunity to exercise critical thinking as well as widen their knowledge of different cultural experiences.

My top tip for learning:

My top tips for learning are mainly about attitude – know why you are here at Taylors, maintain your focus and be determined to achieve your goals. Also, take every opportunity to speak English.

My top tip for enjoying life in Auckland:

Get involved in your local community as much as you can. Make the effort to get out and meet local people: join a  club, or volunteer with an organisation. Not only will that help you to settle in to your new life in Auckland, it will also support your English learning.

Binh Nguyen, Mathematics Coordinator

Binh Nguyen, Foundation Studies Certificate Mathematics Coordinator

My work involves:

As head of the Department of Mathematics for the Foundation Studies Certificate, I manage the department and mentor/support the maths teaching staff. I taught Computer Science previously but now I only teach Physics as well as the two Mathematics courses, Statistics and Calculus.

My top tip for learning:

Regular class attendance is the first priority in any learning environment. Homework is attempted consistently and above all ensure that you understand what you are learning. Ask teachers for clarification of anything you are not clear about.

My top tip for enjoying life in Auckland:

Auckland offers many options for entertainment and relaxation as well as outdoor activities.

Richard Holtz, Classical Studies teacher

Richard Holtz, Foundation Studies Certificate Classical Studies

My work involves:

I was first exposed to providing support for students for whom English was a second language while studying history at university. I enjoyed it and, years later, when my partner and I decided to move to Japan, it was a natural skill to fall back on. When Taylors College offered me a chance to combine my English teaching experience with teaching the subjects I had studied (and taught) at university, I knew I had found a position that ideally suited my background.

Working with international students lets me teach two subjects concurrently (Classical Studies and English), while providing encouragement to people who are embarking on a brave project (Studying in a foreign language).

My top tip for learning:

Remember that what you are doing is very courageous. It won’t be easy, but life shouldn’t be. If it is easy, you’re not getting better.

My top tip for enjoying life in Auckland:

Auckland offers easy access to a good range of relatively unpopulated and unpolluted environments.

Programmes

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Begin your study experience in New Zealand at Taylors College Auckland. Choose from our study programmes and prepare for your degree at the University of Auckland.

How to apply

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Ready to join us in Auckland? Learn more about the application process to join us at Taylors College and begin your academic adventure with us.