When Auckland mums and passionate educators Jenny Jefferson and Kelly Haysom went on maternity leave – they sparked a movement.
What began as a nap-time hustle has quickly grown into The Teacher’s Connections, a thriving nationwide network that’s redefining how families connect with trusted educators.
As both teachers, and mums, Jenny and Kelly understand firsthand the challenges of balancing work, parenting, and the need for reliable support. They were constantly asked, “Do you know a great tutor?” or “Can you recommend a babysitter you trust?” That’s when the idea took shape. They saw an opportunity to create something deeply meaningful: a platform grounded in trust and care where families could connect with qualified, police-checked teachers.
What sets The Teacher’s Connections apart is its foundation in relationships. Every educator in the network is a qualified teacher – someone who chose the profession out of a deep commitment to nurturing tamariki and helping young people thrive. Whether it’s tutoring, babysitting, or enrichment lessons like music and swimming, the focus is always on building meaningful, trusted relationships between families and educators. Whether it’s a tutor helping a child gain confidence, a babysitter who understands how children grow, or enrichment lessons that spark joy, every connection is focused on building meaningful relationships between families and educators.
At a time when record numbers of teachers are heading across the Tasman, we’re proud to be creating opportunities that keep educators inspired and connected,
“As teachers, we know that children flourish when they feel safe, seen and supported,” says Jenny. “We’ve built The Teacher’s Connections with heart, and that same philosophy guides everything we do.”
Since launching last year, the network has grown to include over 90 teachers across Aotearoa, with a core community right here in Tāmaki Makaurau. They’ve supported hundreds of Auckland students from Puhoi to Papakura, helping them grow in confidence both in and out of the classroom. Many of the teachers are, like Jenny and Kelly, also women balancing professional aspirations with family life. Jenny and Kelly are proud to be creating flexible, purpose-driven opportunities that allow educators to stay connected to their passion for teaching while prioritising their own whānau.
“At a time when record numbers of teachers are heading across the Tasman, we’re proud to be creating opportunities that keep educators inspired and connected,” adds Kelly. “We’ve seen so many educators rediscover their love for teaching through work that fits around their lives. It’s about more than just jobs – it’s about relationships that uplift everyone involved.”
Jenny and Kelly believe that one of the things that makes The Teacher’s Connections unique is the way wahine in business naturally prioritise relationships and people. Their approach is grounded in empathy, trust and connection – values that feel distinctly Kiwi. Their vision is simple but powerful: to support teachers, empower families and strengthen local communities, one meaningful connection at a time.
Learn more at theteachersconnections.com
