Tony Arrol

Primary Teacher

“Primary teaching is fantastic – I enjoy all of it. It’s a job where you see results for your efforts. It makes you feel good to see how much children progress in a year and know you’ve had a part to play in that development.” 

When Tony was at secondary school he thought he might want to teach but decided to see a bit of the world first and earn enough money so he wouldn’t have to take out a student loan. “I did lots of outdoorsy work, building, horticulture, labouring, for about four years.”

Tony then went to Auckland College of Education to complete his Bachelor of Education degree. “I knew I wanted to work with primary age kids.”

Sport is a major interest and getting to coach and play favourite sports is a bonus. “I’m out on the field every lunchtime playing cricket or rugby with the kids. When the fields’ too wet we play gutterboard – a great game for developing fine motor skills.”

Manurewa is Tony’s home ground and he is pleased to be able to teach in the area. “It feels as if I’m giving something back to my community. I’m interested in a wide variety of things and I love to share my experiences with the children.”

Tony feels strongly that more men should consider teaching. “There are not enough male primary teachers and there should be a balance of numbers. More men should consider primary teaching – it’s exciting and rewarding. No two days are the same – it’s full of variety and action.”