How Emma is helping to shape the future of online learning

If you’ve been part of IYM over the past few years, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Emma Stoddart.

Warm, energetic and endlessly passionate about supporting young women in STEMM, Emma spent more than two years as IYM’s Programme Manager, helping shape the experiences, opportunities, and connections that so many students still talk about today.

Since leaving IYM, Emma has continued to follow her love of teaching and science. She is currently at Chanel College in Masterton, but in January she’s stepping into an exciting new chapter as a teacher at Aotearoa Infinite Academy, New Zealand’s newly announced online charter school.

Emma will teach biology while also leading the school’s work on using technology and AI to make learning more engaging. Her formal job title is a tongue-twister - Pedagogical Enrichment Lead.

The school will operate fully online, and there will be live weekly classes, so students still see and collaborate with teachers and peers. It’s a model Emma believes that opens doors and opportunities for students who might otherwise slip through the cracks.

“Hands-on learning doesn’t have to disappear just because the school is online,” she says. “It’s about finding new ways to spark curiosity.”

This is very much IYM’s view, too, which is why IYM hosts its own online programme for students.  The programme is for Year 11 and 12 female students from all over New Zealand and the Pacific, and is delivered entirely via Zoom and Google Classroom over four half-day weekday sessions.

And while Emma has stepped into new roles, her connection to IYM remains strong. She still believes deeply in its mission and sees huge opportunities ahead. “IYM is doing amazing work,” she says.

“With a few tweaks, especially around communication and staying connected with teachers, the programme can keep growing and inspiring even more young women.”

It’s clear Emma hasn’t stopped championing STEMM pathways. She’s simply found a new classroom - and a new way - to help young people thrive.