Qualifications
Doctor of Philosophy in Education – University of Auckland
Diploma in Teaching – Christchurch College of Education
Bachelor of Arts (Hons first class) – University of Otago
Professional profile
Pam began her career teaching history, social studies, and mathematics at Aranui High School, developing strong instructional skills. After relocating to Wellington in 2000, Pam led the professional development division at Learning Media, overseeing national projects in literacy and assessment that improved teaching practices and learner outcomes. Her doctoral research focused on sustaining educational gains through changes in teacher and school practices.
Pam has contributed to national and international education initiatives, including co-designing an iwi-led education response with Whanganui Iwi, emphasizing equitable curriculum development and the application of tino rangatiratanga. Recent roles include senior management at the Teaching Council and chief adviser at the Ministry of Education, focusing on system design and sector capability-building. Since joining Tātai Aho Rau in 2020, Pam has led research, evaluation design, and quality assurance, with expertise in kaupapa Māori and cultural capability facilitation.
Expertise
Pam has deep knowledge and experience to share with others.
- Evaluation and research and PLD design
- System change
- Application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in education, NGO’s and local government
- Culturally sustaining teaching practices
- Multi-agency impact design
- Workforce development, mentoring and coaching
- Education sector policy and strategy
- Business strategy
Selected publications
- O’Connell, P. (2010). Is sustainability of schooling improvement an act of faith or can it be deliberately crafted? Doctoral thesis, University of Auckland.
- O’Connell, P. (2010). Coherence and Inquiry as key dimensions of sustainability of professional learning. Learning Media, Wellington.
- O’Connell, P., Rubie-Davies, C., Bridges, S., & Mactier, D. (2024). A rapid review of grouping practices for equitable outcomes. Ministry of Education, New Zealand. "https://www.education.govt.nz"
Personal statement
Like many educators, it is important for me to know that together we make a difference in the lives of our tamariki and their whānau. Certainly, my career as a teacher, writer, adult educator, researcher, chief adviser and manager has been shaped by that endeavour.
I better understand now how Te Titiri o Waitangi can be embedded in learning settings and organisations. There is much to do to get this right. In any role, I thrive on collaboration, where many different strengths can be recognised, accessed and employed to solve enduring issues that remain in our system. Mauriora!
