David Williams
Senior Academic Staff Member
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What do you love about your job?
I love that I get to combine my work and my passion. I get to explore some of New Zealand’s most beautiful wilderness and use it as a classroom.
How would you describe your approach to teaching?
I use the concept of ako in my teaching approach. I like to go on the learning journey with our tauira and share my knowledge in an organic way to encourage students to contribute to our learning environment. I am also a strong advocate of experiential learning and when appropriate, learning through play.
What is your experience in the industry?
After studying outdoor education and teaching at AUT, I became a secondary school teacher. I have run the outdoor departments at three different schools as well as taught health and PE. While growing and promoting outdoor education at a variety of schools, I have also developed many resources, run workshops and been a part of a team redeveloping the outdoor unit standards at levels 1-3. Aside from my school life, I am currently on a challenge to be the first person to climb the highest peak on the seven continents from sea level to raise awareness for mental health (sea2summit7.com). I am supported in this journey by our industry leaders, Bivouac Outdoors, The North Face, and Radix Nutrition.
What are your qualifications and educational background?
- Diploma in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership (Level 6), AUT, 2006
- Bachelor of Sport and Recreation, Outdoor Major (Level 7), AUT, 2008
- Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching (Level 7), AUT, 2009
- AUT Significant Student Scholarship Award recipient (2006-2008)
- Certificate in Adult Tertiary Teaching (Level 5), Wintec, 2020
- NZ Outdoor Instructor Association Awards
Bush 1, Sea Kayak 1, Alpine 1, Rock 1, Canoe 1 - NZ Trampoline Team Coach (2007-2010)
- NZSC Surf coach level 1
