Resource Teacher of Vision - Alison Prskawetz

Her background

Alison Prskawetz is a Resource Teacher of Vision and centre manager based in Wellington at the Blind and Low Vision Education Network New Zealand (BLENNZ).

She has a teaching diploma, a teaching degree and a post-graduate diploma.

After six years as a primary teacher, Alison decided to switch careers. In 2003, she took up a role with BLENNZ and began teaching children and young people who are blind and visually impaired. Centre management is also part of her role nowadays.

“I always loved being a classroom teacher. But I also liked the idea of developing a long term relationship with a child and their family, which is very difficult when you’ve got a class of 25.”

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Her story

Alison’s main aim is to improve a child’s ability to learn. At times, that involves working closely with teachers to adapt the way they teach and identify and set up the technology and equipment to make the classroom work well.

At other times, it involves planning and liaising with the range of specialists such as an orientation and mobility instructor to help a young person navigate their way around school property.

Resource Teachers of Vision also work closely with families and with children and young people one-on-one to support their learning and teach them Braille.

“As Resource Teachers of Vision we follow a child’s journey through life. We’re very privileged in that way.”

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The rewards and challenges

Developing strong teams who support a child is one of the big rewards of the job, says Alison.

Right now, she’s part of an outstanding team, comprising mum, teacher of the deaf and a teacher aide. Together they’re really making a difference, she says.

“Our mum is really the most tremendous mum. She always wants what’s best for her son. And she’s confident and adventurous in the way she supports her child. Meanwhile, our teacher aide is absolute gold. We’re really a tight team.”

Alison says one of the job’s challenges is to change people’s perceptions of what blind and visually impaired children can do.

“Plenty of our students have really bright futures ahead of them. I keep telling one of my students that he’s going to be a taxpayer. That’s the aim for all our students really. It’s another way of saying that we want them to be part of society and to be independent.”

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Her future aspirations

For now, Alison’s enjoying the challenge of combining management and case work.

“I love that I have a significant opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life and that it’s central to what I do.”

Want to speak to someone like Alison about a career as a Resource Teacher of Vision? Give us a call on 0800 622 222 or send us an email special.education@minedu.govt.nz [no spam]