Christine Rizon
Name: Christine Rizon
Qualification: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Christine Rizon changed career after realising how much she enjoyed teaching her young children.
Inspired by her own mother who was an early childhood and music teacher, Christine swapped a degree in physical therapy for a New Zealand Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) at NZTC, studying while raising her young family.
“Being at home with my children made me realise that perhaps I could study early childhood education, and I pursued the Diploma while they were still young,” she says.
A few years later, she decided to return to New Zealand Tertiary College to complete a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education), choosing NZTC once again because of the flexibility of the program.
“I like to learn following my own schedule, and since I have commitments other than my studies, I need to prioritise which comes first at any given time.
“NZTC is the only institution that gives me the possibility to study amidst my other life commitments.”
We asked Christine a few questions about her favourite parts of studying and practicing ECE:
What has been your favourite course?
So far, my favourite course is Growing Teachers as Leaders. I like the reading where it mentioned that as teacher leaders, we should have a growth mindset where we don’t say ‘I’m not good with this or that’. As leaders, we should strive to learn the things that we aren’t good at. Also, looking after our wellbeing and the wellbeing of others is important in being a teacher leader.
Do you have an interest in a particular area of early childhood education?
I love initiating learning activities that focus on performing and creative arts, and music. I am so amazed when children are able to express themselves in different ways and I witness how creative and confident they are, especially when I play live music on my guitar.
What’s next for you?
I just finished my second year of the degree, and I’m looking forward to finishing it. With God’s grace and strength I would love to study more about early childhood, or any courses that focus on music, so I can enhance the mana or gift I have and use it in my teaching practice.