Dr. Sarah Aiono
CEO & Co-Director
Ed.D. M.Ed. PG.DipEd (SNRT) Dist
B.Ed (Teaching Primary)
New Zealand Registered Teacher
About Sarah
Dr. Sarah Aiono is the CEO and co-Director of Longworth Education, and an internationally recognised advocate for play pedagogy. As a former classroom teacher, accredited PLD facilitator, researcher, author and speaker Sarah is known for combining deep educational insight with practical, actionable strategies.
Sarah holds a Doctor of Education from Massey University, alongside an MEd, PGDipEd, and BEd (Teaching – Primary). Her doctoral research focused on the impact of professional development on play practices in primary classrooms, and she continues to support teachers to implement play pedagogy with clarity, confidence, and curriculum alignment.
Sarah has taught across all year levels and has particular experience working with students impacted by trauma, neurodivergence, and complex learning needs. She understands the real pressures teachers face—and the power of professional learning that is respectful, relevant, and relational.
As a speaker, Sarah’s sessions are energizing and empowering. Whether she’s leading in-school coaching, presenting at international conferences, or hosting her Play Conversations podcast, her message is clear: play is powerful, and teachers deserve support to do it well.
Areas of Expertise
Guest speaking and keynote presentations
Practice-Based Coaching and teacher mentoring
Trauma-informed and Neuroaffirming play pedagogy
Evidence-informed teaching practices
Leadership support and team development
Curriculum and assessment integration
Media & Events
Sarah offers keynote presentations, team PLD sessions, leadership mentoring, and consultancy tailored to your school’s needs. Whether you're launching play pedagogy or looking to strengthen your current approach, Sarah brings insight, research, and a deep respect for the teaching profession.
Upcoming Events
Date | Event | Location | Topic |
5 April | Te Wānanga Arataki | Hamilton, New Zealand | Ko te Tākaro te Kauwaka e Pakari ake ai te Tangata |
28-29 April | Educator Training Workshop | Comox Valley, BC, Canada | Play-Based Learning Observation Tool Training Workshop |
1-6 May | Community & Educator Workshops | Tisdale & Praire South, SK, Canada | The Neuroscience and Value of Play Pedagogy: How Play Can Support Curriculum Implementation while Growing Future-Ready Kids |
7-9 May | Believe In Our Futures EY Conference | Moose Jaw, SK, Canada | Keynote: Guardians of Childhood: Championing Play, Resilience and Developmentally Appropriate Practice in a Rigorous World |
12-14 May | Community & Educator Workshops | Humboldt & Regina, SK, Canada | The Neuroscience and Value of Play Pedagogy: How Play Can Support Curriculum Implementation while Growing Future-Ready Kids |
23 May | Trauma Informed Educators Conference | Napier, New Zealand | Keynote: The Real Science of Learning: How Play Supports Children Impacted by Trauma At School |
7 June | Otago Literacy Association | Dunedin, New Zealand | Transforming Literacy In Play-Based Learning Environments |
16 June | Educators' Workshop | Adelaide, Australia | Bridging the Gap Between Policy & Practice In the Classroom |
19 June | Educators' Workshop | Perth, Australia | Bridging the Gap Between Policy & Practice In the Classroom |
25-27 June | IPA Asia Pacific Play Conference 2025 | Melbourne, Australia | Reimagining Play: Proving Its Power in Today's Classrooms |
13-15 November | Bright Start International Conference | London, United Kingdom | Bridging the Gap: Empowering Educators to Honour Play in a Policy-Driven World |
26 November | HundrED Innovation Summit | Doha, Qatar | Community Lead Representation: Oceania |