Debi is someone who leads with heart and depth—drawing on decades of experience in education, research and community to create learning environments where people feel safe, seen and empowered. As Director of Teaching and Learning at academyEX, Debi works closely with teams to shape academic innovation and design learner journeys that are anything but traditional. Her passion lies in creating spaces where inclusive, values-driven education is the foundation—not the exception.With a deep connection to the Pasifika region through family and whakapapa, Debi has long focused her academic and professional mahi in Pacific spaces. Her research interests include the health and wellbeing of children and young people, indigenous research methods, inclusive education, teacher education, and gender, sex and sexuality education. This cross-section of experience means she brings nuance, cultural understanding, and criticality to everything she does.Debi’s qualifications are as extensive as they are impressive—spanning institutions across Aotearoa and Australia, and including a Doctorate in Education from RMIT in Melbourne, a Master of Arts from the University of Auckland, and multiple specialist teaching diplomas. Across her learning and leadership, she remains grounded in one core idea: education should uplift.If you were to distill Debi’s approach into a superpower, it would be this—she nurtures people. With a warmth that immediately puts others at ease and a brilliance that challenges them to grow, Debi’s gift is creating transformative spaces for learners, educators and communities alike. She’s excited to bring that energy to academyEX, working alongside others who know that real change in education starts when you’re willing to think differently.

Director of Teaching and Learning

Meet Debi, Director of Teaching and Learning at academyEX—an inclusive education leader passionate about equity, Pasifika research, and academic innovation.

Debi Futter-Puati

Director of Teaching and Learning