Rachael Murphy - 2022 Grantee Spotlight Interview

We are delighted to see our funding and resources are helping Rachael Murphy  to pursue a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology through Massey University.

1. Tell us a bit more about yourself?

I am a kindergarten kaiako (teacher) and mother of two teenaged daughters living in Tauranga. After working within early childhood education for over a decade, I was keen to explore new learning and career possibilities with further study.

2. What are you doing? 

I am completing a Masters in Educational & Developmental Psychology through Massey University. This programme looks at the multiple dimensions of learning in a variety of formal and informal contexts and explores ways that educational settings can be more inclusive of individual differences.

3. What inspired you to do what you’re doing?

In my work with young children, I have wanted to better understand the additional needs that many learners present with. I wanted to learn how to support these learners and their families and teachers to improve learner experiences and outcomes.

4. Why did you choose to focus on this topic?

As a kindergarten kaiako, I have felt frustrated at times with our inability to access timely support for learners with additional needs. It was clear that there is a need for more learning support specialists.

5. What made you decide to apply for an HealthCarePlus Grant for Good? (where did you hear about it)

I had been researching grants but hadn’t found any supporting a return to postgraduate study in the field of educational psychology. I learned about HealthCarePlus Grants for Good through the New Zealand teachers’ union (NZEI). 

6. How was your experience in Appling for the grant?

The application process was easy to follow. It took me quite a bit of time to carefully consider how my studies align with the HealthCarePlus values, however I found this process to be affirming of my goal. 

7. How has funding from HealthCarePlus helped?

It has made it financially possible for me to take the leap into postgraduate studies and explore new career possibilities! It means that I am able to work part time which provides time for study.

8. What does this grant mean to you?

As I approach middle age, it is validating of my goal to study and move into an area of work where there is a need for more specialists to help provide support for all learners to succeed.

9. What would you say to others considering but hesitant in applying for a grant?

Give it a shot! If you are successful in receiving a grant, the time spent in applying will be extremely well spent.

10. What advice would you give to future Grants for Good applicants?

Allow yourself plenty of time to consider your responses. Make sure you follow the advice given by HealthCarePlus Grants for Good to save your responses as a separate document then paste them into the application at the time of submission. 

11. What are you hoping to achieve?

I am hoping to gain the professional knowledge and skills to contribute to making educational settings places that support all learners to be the best they can be. 

12. In what way will your course help make a positive impact on others?

I hope to support diverse learners to feel respected, valued and empowered to access learning in a way that is meaningful and effective for them. For this to happen, I hope to provide knowledge and strategies to empower the kaiako and whānau of these learners.

If you are interested and want to know more this year's Grants for Good and how to apply for one then click below.