Saran Read, Learning and Design Manager

Saran Read is our new Learning and Design Manager

Ngati Kahungunu ki te Wairoa/ Rongowhakaata

The latest addition to our core Upskills team is no stranger to workplace literacy. Saran Read has been our Hawkes Bay tutor for the last six years. We have now convinced her to come on board in a more permanent capacity. We’re excited to welcome  Saran as our Learning and Design Manager. It’s a newly created role which involves course and curriculum design both online and paper-based, alongside supporting our tutors through our Upskills Tutor Development programme.

Saran has come on board with Upskills to be part of the team, after independent contracting for some time.

“I feel like it’s time to jump on the waka with a provider I really believe in and feel well supported by.”

Passionate, fun and practical

‘Passionate about learning’ is how Saran describes herself and it informs every piece of work she does. From sessions facilitating our programmes with her dynamic approach to teaching to designing a tailor-made curriculum for a new workplace literacy and numeracy contract.

“I’m responsible for making sure that the programmes are full of life with fun and practical value rather than stock standard coursework.” says Saran of the design process.

After 20 years working in adult education, her values and purpose in doing the mahi are still clear.

“My passion is probably seeing people’s potential and getting people to believe in themselves.”

Saran has a background in teaching English as a second language, as well as literacy and numeracy. She is originally from Gisborne and is now following in the steps of her mum; a champion of literacy and numeracy teaching.  Te Tiriti o Waitangi informs her work by weaving in cultural responsivity.

“It is important to me that all teaching and design work I do is relevant and respectful of individuals needs and values.  Cultural responsiveness means acknowledging each person’s past, present and future in an environment of reciprocal learning (ako) and inclusiveness,” says Saran.

Financial literacy

Saran’s other area of interest is in financial literacy. She is actively involved in delivering the Commission for Financial Capability workshops via the Sorted platform.

“Knowledge in this area is power.  People often get into strife financially because they don’t understand the language of financial contracts.  Good financial management is a mix of knowledge, attitude and behaviours.” She says.

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View Saran’s profile