Jo
Barr

Qualifications

Teaching Council registration: Tuturu/Full 1 #205271

Ministry of Education Accredited Facilitator #ACC1422
(Structured Literacy Approaches; Mathematics; Assessment)

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Mathematics Education) – Massey University

Certificate of Educational Management – Dunedin College of Education

Bachelor of Education – University of Otago

Diploma in Primary Education – Dunedin College of Education

Structured Literacy:

• Sounds-Write Practitioner; Sounds-Write for Y3-6
• Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) Writing to Learn
• Rollins Centre Structured Literacy (IDA approved)
• Institute for Multisensory Language Education (IMSLE) associate

Professional profile

Jo is dedicated to education with an unwavering commitment to equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Over a 24-year teaching career in both primary and secondary settings, she has built deep pedagogical content knowledge and highly effective teaching practices.

Her expertise includes:

• Structured literacy: Including oral language, reading, and writing, and the pedagogies and practices that support high-impact learning.
• Mathematics and statistics: Applying structured approaches to pedagogy and assessment
• Assessment: Using diagnostic, formative and progress-monitoring to inform teaching decisions and to accelerate learning.
• Change leadership: guiding school-wide improvement and sustaining instructional innovation
• Learning design: Developing coherent, evidence-informed professional learning experiences
• Facilitation, mentoring, and coaching: Supporting educators to grow their practice and lead with confidence.

Jo has held senior leadership roles for 18 years, where she demonstrated a deep understanding of school development, engaging students as active participants in their learning, and accelerative practices.

Her passion for literacy and mathematics is evident; she has dedicated years to accelerating student learning and implementing school-wide initiatives, focused particularly in literacy and mathematics. 

Jo continues to refine her practice through study and collaboration to ensure equity in learning.

Recent mahi includes:

• Structured literacy project lead and lead facilitator at Tātai Aho Rau
• Mathematics facilitation (MoE PLD; independent support for schools)
• Assessment facilitation
• Coaching and mentoring
• Te Poipoi Kaiako | Mentor support programme for provisionally registered teachers, and mentors

Personal statement

I am a highly relational practitioner who values listening deeply to understand the perspectives of those I work with. I believe that meaningful learning and growth occurs when everyone feels heard, respected, and supported.

By creating open, trusting, and collaborative spaces, I empower people to share ideas, reflect honestly, and grow their practice with confidence.

My approach centres on genuine connection and clear communication, and working alongside others to achieve their goals,and equitable and impactful outcomes.