Early childhood education profiles

Early childhood education profiles

New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

Pyara Singh

Pyara Singh shares how NZTC’s flexibility has helped him to pursue study while working full-time in an ECE centre, and his goals for the future.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Christine Rizon

Christine Rizon shares her career change from physical therapy to pursuing early childhood education and music, following in her mother’s footsteps.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Chloe Burgess

Chloe Burgess is pursuing a passion for early childhood education, inspired by her own children.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Shikha Wadhwa

Shikha Wadhwa is on a journey to incorporate the diverse needs and cultures of tamariki into her early childhood practice.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Mikayla Sycamore

From hairdressing to early childhood education excellence.

Master of Early Childhood Education

Shuchita Jain

Master of Early Childhood Education graduate, Shuchita Jain, shares how her NZTC studies have propelled her into a teacher-leader role.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Karunya Ravikumar

Karunya Ravikumar shares her inspiring story, her experiences with NZTC, and her vision for a rewarding career in early childhood education.

Master of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Amrita Kaur

A lifelong love of learning leads to postgraduate study for BestStart Centre Manager.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Janeta Tiatia

Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) graduate, Janeta Tiatia, believes a focus on whakamana (empowerment) and manaakitanga (mutual respect) are keys to a successful career in early childhood education.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Tina Bradley

Support from the college has provided Tina Bradley with the tools to immerse herself in NZTC’s flexible workplace learning.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Charnel Coetzee

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) graduate thrives on seeing her daily practice have positive and empowering outcomes in little learners.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Samantha Hansen

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) student, Samantha Hansen, weighs in on balancing weightlifting and study.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Kayla Ching

A casual position as a reliever encouraged Kayla Ching to forget her business school plans and instead set her sights on the early childhood sector.

New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

Julie Mairs

New skills and experiences have inspired Julie Mairs to pursue a rewarding goal for the future.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Breeanna Lubbers

Breeanna Lubbers is thriving in a sector where demand for qualified teachers continues to increase.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Bronwyn Walker

Bronwyn Walker’s creative background has supported her to explore important educational pedagogy through her NZTC studies.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Amber Leech

Amber Leech says gaining an understanding of New Zealand’s bicultural nation has enhanced her identity as an educator.

Master of Early Childhood Education

Shannon Nearey

After completing postgraduate qualifications with NZTC, Shannon Nearey has developed the skills and knowledge to pursue an important area of interest.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Rachel Pay

After an extensive medical career, Rachel Pay was ready for a new challenge.

Master of Early Childhood Education

Marianne Gardener

Having thoroughly enjoyed her undergraduate studies with NZTC, Marianne Gardener decided to embark on a new challenge.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Simon Fraser

Online learning has provided a welcome relief for Simon Fraser during a challenging year.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Debbie Fordyce

From primary to early childhood, Debbie Fordyce has a love of teaching.

New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

Telele Peleti Koteka

Telele Peleti Koteka is proud to inspire children to achieve socially, academically and confidently in life.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Kacie McKay

Studying a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) has helped Kacie McKay develop closer relationships with children and whānau.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Sue Tung

Sue Tung has relaxed into her new role as an early childhood teacher after learning the importance of giving young children independence.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

David Mos

Early childhood teacher David Mos believes men are a vital ingredient for all ECE environments.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Leadership and Management)

Pip Deazley

Centre leader Pip Deazley has become more confident in her ability to lead since studying with NZTC.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Pelenaise Taufu’i

Pelenaise Taufu’i is determined to show the children, parents and teachers at her centre in Otara that they can pursue higher education.

Master of Early Childhood Education

Tania Van Niekerk

Tania Van Niekerk has grown to become a more confident leader since studying with NZTC.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Aaron Wright

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) graduate Aaron Wright is determined to make a positive difference in the communities he serves.

Master of Early Childhood Education

Engela Leevers

Engela Leevers changed from primary school teaching to early childhood teaching after seeing firsthand the impact pre-school education has on new entrants.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Sarah Field

An ability to think critically and question the status quo led NZTC graduate Sarah Field’s Associate Teacher to describe her as the “best student she ever had”.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Janice Pennells

NZTC graduate Janice Pennells is appreciative of the skills and knowledge she gained from her Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education).

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Simon Baker

For Simon Baker, it was his aspiration to follow in his father’s footsteps that led him to his dream career working in early childhood education.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Edward Ashton

Edward Ashton’s decision to pursue a career in early childhood education allowed him to live out a life-long dream to teach, inspire and support younger generations.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Malinda Williams

Malinda Williams enrolled to study a Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) after discovering her true passion – teaching young children.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Lou Guinares

A career in sport evolved to include a career in early childhood education for Olympic weightlifter Lou Guinares.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Tereapii Aniterea

A turning point in Tereapii Aniterea’s NZTC learning journey was attending the fortnightly kōrero talanoa support nights available for Māori and Pasifika students.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Kate Pooley

Graduate Kate Pooley decided to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) 19 years after studying for a previous qualification.

Master of Early Childhood Education

Sacha Cherrington

The NZTC graduate has landed her dream position as an Education Adviser for the Ministry of Education in the Te Tai Tokerau region.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Leadership and Management)

Zahra Herrmann

NZTC celebrates our first Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Leadership and Management) graduate.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Tamlyn Moore

Nervous about studying online at first, Tamlyn Moore has excelled in her early childhood education studies.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Jolene Stadler

Jolene is thrilled with her NZTC Home Centre placement, where she has been inspired to go above and beyond in promoting biculturalism.

Master of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Joanne Beaumont-Bates

After completing Bachelor and Postgraduate qualifications, Joanne is now inspiring others in her centre as she pursues a Master’s in early childhood education – the final leg of a life-changing journey.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Marion van Acker

Studying with NZTC has helped Marion van Acker attain and thrive in leadership roles.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) Upgrade

Bev Book

With an impressive work history in early childhood education, Bev Book believes that her NZTC degree is a selling point on her CV.

Certificate in Early Childhood Education (Level 5) 

Danielle Jones

Danielle Jones shares her experience with NZTC and how she balanced her study commitments with an elite sporting career.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Rebecca Warnock

For Rebecca Warnock, the flexibility of studying online meant that she could use her learnings in her everyday teaching practice.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) 

James Lochead-MacMillan

Enthusiastic and enterprising, New Zealand Tertiary College has been honoured to help this former health and safety advisor find his place in early childhood education.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)  

Gemma Stevens

Gemma is using her qualification to empower deaf and hearing impaired children.

Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

Lisa Englebretsen

Head Teacher Lisa is the driving force of her Taupo centre.

Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) 

Annie Tikaram

Annie is flourishing at her centre – and so is her beautiful new project.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Ramona Millen

Ramona is a 26 year old Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) student whose love of art and the environment is proving to be a real asset to the newly-established Morepork’s Preschool in Blenheim.

Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

Chelsea Plumridge

Chelsea started studying her Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) straight after her final year at Sacred Heart College. She shares her thoughts on her experiences as an online student in this interview.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)

Sarah McKenzie

“This program has allowed me to consider the way I teach and lead through a lens that I had not looked through before.” Sarah shares her experiences of studying the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE).

Bachelor of Teaching (ECE)

Andrew Thornburrow

Andrew’s perception of early childhood teaching has changed dramatically since completing his Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) program. In this profile he considers the complexity of the role of early childhood teacher and his influence as a male teacher.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Bhawna Gakhar

Bhawna Gakhar is on her way to becoming a qualified early childhood teacher with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education).

Master of Early Childhood Education

Gursharan Boparai

Gursharan Boparai is preparing for leadership opportunities with a Master of Early Childhood Education.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Mokshita Sobti

Indian Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) student passionate about instilling children with a love for learning.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE) 

Noppamast Sae-Tang

Thai student shares her passion for nurturing young minds.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Jing-Hao Kuan

Taiwanese student’s teaching approach reshaped through NZTC studies.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Zijie Li

Zijie Li was excited to pursue full-time employment so soon after graduating.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Nick Liu

Chinese graduate excited to gain New Zealand teacher registration.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Ramandeep Kaur

Indian graduate finds ‘love, enjoyment and encouragement’ in teaching tamariki.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Swe Zin Soe (Sandra)

Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) student, Swe Zin Soe, came to New Zealand three years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a fully qualified teacher.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Sherry Guo

When Covid-19 closed the door on the tourism industry, Sherry Guo found a silver lining in an exciting career change to early childhood education.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Toru Yuasa

While Covid-19 closed the door on Toru Yuasa’s job in tourism, the NZTC student is grateful for a new beginning in early childhood teaching and the joy it brings.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Xiaoxia Yang

Xiaoxia Yang was drawn to NZTC’s 40-year history of empowering students to care, educate and serve.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Rosanjela Dias

A love of working with babies prompted Rosanjela Dias to pursue a new path.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Geethu Pottekkatt

With NZTC’s flexible modes of learning, Geethu Pottekkatt was able to enjoy a positive work-life balance for her undergraduate degree.

New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 6)

Ashley Bong Jing Wen

Ashley Bong Jing Wen has big plans for the future once she becomes a fully qualified educator.

New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

Yi Zhang

Since finishing school in 2020, Yi Zhang is already well on her way to becoming a qualified early childhood teacher.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Meichenlu Wang

Meichenlu Wang followed her heart and is now loving life as an ECE teacher in the South Island’s largest city.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Hiten Jayaseelan

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) student Hitender Jayaseelan is thriving in his role as a student teacher, where his marketing and engineering experience give him a professional edge.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Qimeng Zhang

With a teaching qualification from NZTC, Chinese student Qimeng Zhang has the opportunity to become a fully qualified educator.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Nan Li

Nan Li is able to gain a qualification, work full-time and raise a family with the college’s flexible modes of learning.

Master of Early Childhood Education

Shuchita Jain

Shuchita Jain now plans to complete a PhD so she can continue developing her knowledge.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Yuee Chen

After graduating from NZTC, finding work, and gaining residency, Yuee Chen is living her dream!

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Dawei Wei

After teaching English for six years in China, Dawei Wei decided to come to New Zealand and follow his passion for early childhood.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Lingxiao Wang

Chinese student Lingxiao Wang wants to inspire Kiwi children to learn New Zealand’s native language through song.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Devuni Wickramasinghe

Devuni Wickramasinghe’s Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) has taught her that the smallest things can have the biggest meanings.

New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5)

Ashleigh Yong

Studying with NZTC has enabled Malaysian student Ashleigh Yong to embrace her love for music and learn about the different perspectives, cultures and beliefs of students from across the globe.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Yuriko Ishikawa

Yuriko Ishikawa wants to remind Japanese students considering moving to New Zealand to study with NZTC that “nothing is impossible!”

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Huilin Chen

NZTC’s partnership with the Fujian Preschool Education College enabled Huilin Chen to follow her passion for teaching from China to New Zealand.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Mani Singh

Since graduating with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) from NZTC, Indian student Mani Singh has secured a full-time teaching role and is loving her life in New Zealand.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Frank Yan

Frank Yan was inspired to pursue a career in early childhood teaching so he could make a difference early in children’s learning journeys.

Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Irene Yong

After two years working within a teacher-led curriculum in Korea, studying the Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) enabled Irene Yong to develop her own teaching philosophy.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Stéphane Zhang

Chinese student Stéphane Zhang aspires to make a global impact in early childhood education.

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Kishanthi Pushparaja

Kishanthi Pushparaja’s dream to graduate is closer than ever as she enters the final year of her Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education).

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education)

Pallavi Rawat

Pallavi Rawat designed children’s books, early childhood centres and billboards before finding her “dream role” as an Early Childhood Centre Administrator.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Eddy Wang

If you’d asked twenty-year old Eddy Wang what he’d be doing in ten years, he would never have predicted the life he is living now.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Orlene D’Cunha

Former software developer Orlene D’Cunha reached the high point of her study journey when she was called on stage at NZTC’s Auckland graduation ceremony to receive an award for Academic Excellence.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Pearl Madan

NZTC Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) graduate Pearl Madan shares how gaining practical experience while studying has supported her learning and practice.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)

Saranya Thyagarajan

When Saranya Thyagarajan was promoted to Centre Manager at KiwiLearners, she decided to pursue a postgraduate qualification to upskill in areas that would support her new role.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Michael Wong

NZTC student Michael Wong enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) to pursue his dream of guiding small children on their learning journey.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)

Shweta Prabhakar

After meeting with an NZTC representative in India, Shweta Prabhakar made the decision to move to New Zealand to further her studies with the college.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)

Kethmini Liyanage

Kethmini Liyanage shares the triumphs and challenges she has faced while moving from Sri Lanka to New Zealand to study with New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC).

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Sonia Handa

From studying and working in the UK to living and studying in NZ, Sonia Handa shares her experiences of moving to a new country and learning about Māori culture.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE) 

Teena Thomas

Teena shares her study experiences at the NZTC Christchurch Campus and the opportunities she has discovered after moving to New Zealand from India.

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Education)

Madhavi Shilpi

2016 Bachelor of Education (ECE) Commendation Award recipient, Madhavi Shilpi, shares her NZTC India study experiences.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)

Subing Xuan

New Zealand’s natural beauty, high-quality education and extensive ECE employment opportunities make it an ideal study destination for Subing Xuan.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Binumon Thanangattu

With support from the College’s international student services, Binumon Thanangattu quickly adapted to Kiwi living after his move from India and now feels at home in New Zealand.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE)

Angeline Chettiar

For Angeline, studying at NZTC was a way to earn an international qualification to support the work experience she had already gained overseas.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) 

Cloyd D’Mello

For musician and former Mumbai resident Cloyd D’Mello, a desire to take his skills in a new direction led him to the life-changing decision to study early childhood education in New Zealand.

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) 

Priyanka Mathur

“Watching children grow and question things is so rewarding. No two days are ever the same. I could never have an office job!”

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE)

Devika Rathore

Devika opens up on studying the Postgrad in New Zealand, making friends and learning online.

Bachelor of Education (ECE)

Pihu Kapoor

NZTC supported Pihu to complete her qualification despite moving countries halfway through her study.