Rachel has led the development of Kōtui Ako VLN as primary ePrincipal for a number of years. She is passionate about equity and access to education for all learners and the potential of the internet to connect learners. Rachel is a primary trained and NZ registered teacher.

I think technologies can be a great enabler for all students to gain access to learning opportunities. Online learning can break down the walls of the classroom, level the playing field and provide opportunities where previously there were none. This is particularly the case for many of our students in rural or remote areas and students with special needs and interests. I am very excited about the possibilities a faster connected schools network will bring to our schools abilities to collaborate and provide these opportunities for our students. 

Rachel's areas of expertise are in blended and online learning, project planning and developing online learning communities.  She is particularly skilled in supporting school leaders with online pedagogies and curriculum planning.  Rachel regularly presents at conferences and writes about online learning.  She devotes considerable time advocating at a national level for equitable access to online learning opportunities for all learners.

Email: rachel.whalley@kotuiako.school.nz

LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/rachelwhalley