Rate My Professor Hamish McDonald

Hamish McDonald serves as Academic Manager and Senior Professional Practice Fellow at the University of Otago College of Education. He holds a Master of Education (MEd), Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (PgDipArts), Bachelor of Education (BEd), and Diploma of Teaching (DipTch), all obtained from the University of Otago. McDonald began his career at the Dunedin College of Education, graduating with his teaching diploma in 1995. Throughout his over 25 years in the New Zealand education system, he worked as a kaiako (teacher) across various schools in Ōtepoti (Dunedin), progressed to Deputy Principal, and served as Principal for 12 years, including at Anderson's Bay School. During this time, he also took leave to lecture at the University of Otago College of Education. In 2022, he joined the College full-time as Director of Education Support Services, before moving into his current roles in 2024. His extensive practical experience informs his contributions to teacher education and professional development programs.

McDonald is pursuing a Doctorate in Education, focusing his research on ongoing professional learning and development for principals in Aotearoa New Zealand. His academic interests lie in educational leadership, with teaching responsibilities in equity in education. As a former Otago primary school principal and president of the Otago Primary Principals’ Association (OPPA), he has been instrumental in developing partnerships between the College of Education and local primary schools. These collaborations enhance communication, provide opportunities for professional growth, and support schools, principals, and kaiako in advancing beyond initial teacher education. McDonald regards his position as a privilege, working alongside talented colleagues to nurture the educational journeys of students (tauira) and children (tamariki), leveraging his deep-rooted expertise in primary education leadership and practice.