Rate My Professor Ange Spears

Ange Spears serves as Professional Practice Fellow and Kairuruku Ritenga Utua at Kōhatu, the Centre for Hauora Māori, part of the Raukaha – Māori Health Workforce Development Unit within the Health Sciences Division at the University of Otago. Originally from Dunedin, she completed her Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Diploma in Teaching (DipTchg) at the University of Otago. She began her career teaching at a local primary school before taking positions overseas. These international experiences inspired her commitment to working with diverse groups of students. Spears values the contribution of wraparound support services to enhance the student experience and improve academic outcomes. Her career at the University of Otago encompasses a range of student support and leadership roles focused on equity and success.

Prior to returning to Kōhatu, Spears was Deputy Warden at University College, a residential college, Team Leader of Student Support at the Pathway programme, and Senior Student Support Officer at the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year. She contributes as a Smoke-free Campus Champion, promoting healthy campus environments, and is a team member of the Socioeconomic Equity Project. Spears co-authored the 2021 article 'Striving for socio-economic equity in the Aotearoa New Zealand health workforce: Aiming for success', published in The Clinical Teacher. In her current role, she supports students in securing equitable opportunities to apply for and enter health professional programmes, fostering a health workforce that represents New Zealand's diverse communities.