Helen Brunner (Owner/Tutor)

My name is Helen Brunner. Originally from the Waikato, I have called Southland home since 2003. In addition to tutoring with SWIRL Literacy, I currently work part-time for Talklink Trust as a Teacher/Trainer.

I completed my teacher training in 2006 and taught in the secondary school environment and for Te Kura (The Correspondence School) until 2018, much of that working with learners with complex needs. Over the past few years, I have become increasingly interested in supporting literacy development for all learners – it has been quite the learning journey!

Being literate is essential in today’s world. I am passionate about ensuring all learners have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge they need to become skilled readers and writers, enabling them to be more active participants in their world.

I am a lifelong learner and recognise the importance of staying current with the research in literacy instruction – both reading and writing. Whilst we now have a much clearer understanding of how the brain learns to become literate, the science of ‘how’ to teach to best support those processes continues to evolve. My aim is to use evidence-based practices and be open to continuing to learn.

My Qualifications

Master of Education (Massey University, Graduating May 2023)
Postgraduate Diploma Specialist Teaching – Complex Educational Needs (Massey University, 2014)
Graduate Diploma of Teaching – Secondary Education (Dunedin College of Education, 2006)
Bachelor of Arts (Waikato University, 1994)

Certified Sounds-Write Practitioner (2023)
Fully Registered Teacher (since 2009)