Two smiling women sitting at a table with cocktails.

The Heart Behind the Market

We started Educators Market Aotearoa with a simple, heartfelt mission: to look after our education community after hours. Rach from the Waikato and Luisa from Auckland, both full-time primary school teachers, saw a gap in the space for educators to connect, celebrate, and recharge. What began as a single Instagram post in January 2026 has grown into a thriving community hub, driven entirely by our voluntary passion for supporting those who dedicate their lives to teaching.

Rach

@teachingwithrachnz_

Hi, I'm Rach!

I'm a primary school teacher of 10 years, currently teaching Year 3 and 4 at a small rural school in Auckland. I also spent a year and a half as a technology trainer — so I bring a little bit of both worlds to everything I do.

I'm a passionate advocate for educator wellbeing and balance. Teachers give so much of themselves every single day, and I believe wholeheartedly that they deserve to be looked after in return.

I love meeting new people — especially the incredible educators I've connected with through Instagram. Those communities have meant more to me than I can put into words, and they're a big part of why I wanted to create something like this.

On top of co-organising Educators Market Aotearoa, you'll find me organising the drive, creating the vendor and feedback forms, replying in the comments on Instagram and TikTok, and mostly — coming up with the creative ideas to market what we do. 😂

I'm a creative digitally, so the reels, the captions, the graphics — that's all me. And I'd like to think I bring a little humour along with it. 🧡

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Who are we?

Any why are we doing this?

Luisa

@edtechwithlu

Hi, I'm Luisa!

I'm a Team Leader and STEAM teacher for Years 5 and 6, with 20 years of teaching experience behind me. I'm also a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) and have organised MIE events — so when it comes to bringing people together and making things happen, I've had a little practice.

I'm innovative by nature and love finding new ways to do things — which makes co-organising Educators Market Aotearoa feel like a very natural fit. And it's not my first rodeo — I've organised my own craft markets before, so I came to this with a little market experience up my sleeve!

I'm heavily involved in the organisation side of things — from email coordination with vendors and sponsors, to managing our incredible volunteers and keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. You'll also find me resharing content on socials when Rach sends me a script.

And at our last market? I also had my own stall — because of course I did.

I believe deeply in the power of educator community and connection, and I'm so proud of what Rach and I have built together. This is only the beginning.

Woman with curly hair wearing a St. Olaf sweatshirt