Helen Villers has been a teacher in the primary sector and later, a senior lecturer in the School of Curriculum and Pedagogy, within the Faculty of Education, University of Auckland. She has continued to engage in the academic and professional fields of language(s), literacy and children’s literature. Helen’s academic teaching and research has focused on sociocultural and pedagogical issues and practices in language and literacy. This includes theory and processes for teaching reading and wrtiing, TESSOL, critical literacy and children’s and young adult literature.

Her commitment to Storylines began with a passion for reading with her own, now adult, children. This passion has recently been reignited with the arrival of two grandchildren. Although they live in Australia, they are receiving and enjoying regular crates of picture books (so far) from Aotearoa New Zealand!

Helen has been involved for many years in the Management Committee of the Friends of Storylines: Ngā Pou o te Whare Waituhi Tamariki o Aotearoa. Representing Storylines on the Story Tours has allowed Helen the privilege and opportunity to share and promote Aotearoa New Zealand children’s and young adult literature, as has her work with undergraduate and returning teachers.