A mature husband and wife team looking for adventureWhat type of job are you looking for? We are looking at work together using skills and talents that we have developed over the last 40 years. Russell is a very creative sheep and cattle farmer. He works has farmed commercially using biodiversity technics for 20 years. I am a primary school teacher specializing in multi class teaching situations. We are looking for an adventure, to share our love of farming, and teaching in different cultures. What nationality are you? WE are both Kiwis ( New Zealanders) and proud of it. We both travelled a little before our children came along, working on short term mission trips into India and the Philippines. What languages do you speak (and at what level)? We both speak english and only english. What country or area are you looking to work in and why? We are open to travel anywhere where I can teach and Russell can work or advise in pastoral farming. What countries have you worked in? We have been to India, and the Philippines. Russell has travelled and worked in Europe. What field do you currently work in? Primary Teaching (until recently, I was a teaching principal in a small primary school in rural New Zealand. At present I am working in a six teacher school working at several age levels, in all areas of the curriculum. We own a 200 acres sheep farm which Russell manages What qualifications do you hold? I have a teacher diploma ( not a degree ) in primary teaching, Russell's qualifications are experience, experience and more experience . He is an avid reader and has completed a diploma in farming using biodiversity principles. Which do you consider more valuable? Formal education or skills and why? There is definately room for both however, we are offering a mixture of both. Our experience in teaching and farming are our strengths, we have both many years experience and are both innovative in our respective fields. Describe the benefits of working with others We enjoy working with people of all ages, We had children a little later in like and it keeps you young. We are both keen to work and live with people who can challenge our values and beliefs, who have different priorities and life focus. Describe the benefits of working alone Learning to be at peace with yourself and your partner is a vital component in enjoying and accepting who you are. We live on a remote farm and are used to being independent and do not emotionally rely on others for our emotional security. We both enjoy having thinking time, just space to enjoy our own thoughts and the wonderful view outside our lounge window. What was your worst working experience? Working with a Principal in a small country school who was not interested in working in a collaborative style, who belittled, put down his staff ( including me) and demoralised the children to such a degree we no longer worked in a caring sharing environment. What is the most important lesson you have learnt throughout your career? That everyone matters, that we all need to be valued and respected What unique skills do you have? In a funny way my most unique skill would be that "I get people" I have an ability to understand and read people, I can support and motivate them. This is also a skill I bring to every child in my classroom. Russell has a huge range of skills but his strength is his ability to get along with anyone, any age and his willingness to research and study topics of interest from music, arts to farming techiques. What would you consider as your 'dream job'? At our age a job where we can work together, support each other in our respective fields. I guess I would love to work in a small country school where the staff work together to bring education to the child. My husband is 63 and is looking for an advisory type job, he is still able to do physical work but not as much as he used to. What are the most interesting aspects of your field? OPening children's minds to learning. Showing children that education is a vital part of our every day lives. My husband is very keent on developing sustainable farming system, respecting the soil and carry for stock in a way that in economic but still respectful. What are the least interesting aspects of your field? The paper work involved in teaching in New Zealand is enormous!!! and I don't enjoy it or always see the need for it. Russell has crutched more sheep than he cares to remember and has been happy to hand this aspect of farming over to our children. Why should we employ you? We are a mid ages couple keen to explore the world in a very real way. Meeting with, working with like minded people in different cultures is a dream we have had since we we got married 25 years ago. We put these dreams on hold while we brought up our children but it is time to move on and look to you for this opportunity How can potential employers contact you? email: Phillipa.mclachalan@xtra.co.nz ph 064 03 4157438 Russell and Philippa McLachlan 623 Slopedown Road RD Clinton New Zealand | 
