Stephanie Morgan website

Stephanie Martin

Adjunct Fellow

Stephanie graduated with a Masters degree in Ancient History from the University of Auckland in 2016 and subsequently went on to complete a Masters of Teaching (Primary). Throughout her studies she held positions as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Lecturer.

Since then she has been a primary school teacher. In this role she has seen first-hand how many children are struggling in our education system. She served as a University Liaison Lecturer and contributed to ongoing innovations to the Masters of Teaching before it was suspended in 2019. She completed a Graduate Diploma in Applied Psychology in 2022. 

At the Initiative Stephanie builds on her work in the classroom. She develops evidence-informed policy advice to improve teaching and learning in our schools, especially for those who are not currently thriving. 

Email: stephanie.martin@nzinitiative.org.nz

Recent Work

2024 11 07 michael and steph auckland uni website

Podcast: Defending academic freedom on NZ university campuses

In this episode, Michael talks to Stephanie Martin about the concerning state of academic freedom policies being developed by New Zealand universities. They examine how several universities' draft policies might actually restrict rather than protect academic freedom, with particular attention to the University of Auckland's Senate recently rejecting their proposed policy, whilst highlighting the need for better legislative guidance and cultural change to protect open discourse in academia. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
1 November, 2024
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The Platform: Stephanie Martin Auckland University’s rejection of academic freedom policy

Stephanie Martin talks to Sean Plunket on The Platofrm explaining why the Free Speech Union welcomed Auckland University's rejection of a problematic academic freedom policy that could have restricted speech. The policy, despite its intentions, contained clauses about well-being and health and safety that might have enabled "cry bullying" and chilled academic discourse. Read more

The Platform
10 October, 2024
Stephanie Morgan website square

Rhema: Stephanie Martin on flawed academic freedom policy rejected by Auckland University

Stephanie Martin talked to Rhema discussing the University of Auckland's overwhelmingly rejected freedom of expression and academic freedom policy, which was four years in the making. The policy was criticised for potentially inhibiting rather than protecting academic freedom, with concerns raised about its focus on subjective concepts like "well-being" that could restrict open discourse and debate in university settings. Read more

Rhema
8 October, 2024
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Podcast: Teacher education

Dr Michael Johnston talks to Maryanne Spurdle, Researcher at the Maxim Institute, and Stephanie Martin, Adjunct Fellow at NZ Initiative, about teacher education. To listen to our latest podcasts, please subscribe to The New Zealand Initiative podcast on iTunes, Spotify or The Podcast App. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Maryanne Spurdle
6 October, 2023

Podcast: Issues With Teacher Training

Dr. Michael Johnston is joined by Adjunct Fellow Stephanie Martin and Dr. Kevin Knight, founder and owner of the New Zealand Graduate School of Education in Christchurch, for a discussion about the issues currently facing the training of our teachers. The New Zealand Initiative · EPS. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Dr Kevin Knight
14 September, 2023

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