Introduction
Rebecca Gibson leads Laidlaw’s Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) programme. Her background spans teaching, senior leadership, consultancy, research, and policy. Her master’s research focused on pastoral care systems in New Zealand secondary schools, shaping her commitment to student wellbeing and sustainable school-wide practice.
Quote
“I’m passionate about developing educators who are equipped to care well for young people through strong pastoral systems, thoughtful leadership, and whole-school practices.”
Something Personal
Rebecca loves cooking, sewing, and hospitality. She enjoys ocean swimming, biking, running, and spending time in nature.
Qualifications
MEd – Master of Education
GradDipTchng (Secondary)
BA – Social and Community Development
Professional Experience
Education Development Lead & Lead Lecturer, Laidlaw College
Secondary school teacher and Deputy Principal
Education consultant and policy advisor
Board Chair for school boards and a not-for-profit organisation
Conference Presentations
(2026, 4 May). Reimagining Critical Education: a critical realist critique and deepening of critical pedagogy. National Institute for Christian Education Symposium, Sydney.
(2026, 6 March). Leading Change. New Zealand Association of Christian Schools, Auckland.
(2026, 5 March). Yourself as a Christian Leader. New Zealand Association of Christian Schools, Auckland.
(2026). Forming Teachers with Christian Hope: A personal reflection. In Verdouw, J., Ireland, J., Rayner, C., & Partridge, F. Educating for Hope in this Cultural Moment. National Institute of Christian Education, Penrith.
(2025, 9 May). Clarifying Roles and Cultivating Communities of Flourishing in Christian Schools. Educating for Hope in this Cultural Moment. [Presenter]. National Institute for Christian Education Symposium, Sydney.
(2024, 5 September). Pastoral care for Self, Others & Community. New Zealand Association of Christian Schools, Auckland.
(2024, 27 August). Christ, Anthropology and Teaching. [Professional Development Facilitator]. Middleton Grange School, Teacher Professional Development, Christchurch.
(2024, 23 August). Pedagogical Leadership. [Professional Development Facilitator]. New Zealand Association of Christian Schools, Emerging Leaders Day, Christchurch.
(2024, 20 August). Christian Teaching. [Professional Development Facilitator]. Middleton Grange School, Teacher Professional Development, Christchurch.
(2024, 18 July). Visions of Education: Complexity, Change & Christian Hope. [Presenter]. National Institute for Christian Education Symposium, Perth.
(2024, February 27). The History of Educational Ideologies in New Zealand. [Professional Development Facilitator}. Middleton Grange School, Teacher Professional Development, Christchurch.
(2024, February 20). Education change: ideologies, philosophies, and the Christian teacher. [Guest Speaker]. Middleton Grange, Teacher Professional Development, Christchurch.
(2023, November 8). Ethics of Care. [Guest Speaker]. Hastings Christian College, Teacher Professional Development, Hastings.
(2023, August 18). Transformational Leadership and Discernment [Guest Presenter]. NZACS South Island Professional Development, Emerging Leaders Day, Christchurch.
(2023, June 30.) Pastoral care challenges and responses. [Workshop]. NZACS National Conference: Tuturu: Authentic and International, Christchurch.
(2023, June 30). Education policy and change in New Zealand. [Workshop]. NZACS National Conference: Tuturu: Authentic and International, Christchurch.
(2023, March 3.) Navigating change as a leader [Guest Presenter]. NZACS South Island Professional Development, Emerging Leaders Day, Christchurch
(2023, March 3.) Navigating change as a leader [Guest Presenter]. NZACS South Island Professional Development, Emerging Leaders Day, Christchurch.
Teaching & Expertise
Secondary teacher education
Pastoral care and wellbeing systems
Educational leadership and governance
Policy and strategic development
