Celebrating Excellence: Janelle Schreiber’s Journey to Award-Winning Success at NZTC

Winning the award was more than just a moment of celebration for Janelle; it was confirmation that she was on the right path. "This recognition is a reminder that I’m on the right track, and that teaching is truly what I’m meant to be doing," she shares. "It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and sometimes doubt yourself, but moments like this bring everything into focus."

Janelle’s path to early childhood education took a few turns before she found her way to the classroom. She initially built a career in event management, though teaching had always been something she’d wanted to pursue. After some time for reflection, she decided to follow her passion for working with children—a decision she’s never regretted.

When it came to deciding where she would study her ECE qualification, NZTC was an easy decision, largely influenced by her sister’s positive experience with the college. The flexibility of online study through NZTC Online allowed Janelle to balance her studies alongside full-time work, even if it came with its fair share of challenges. "I’ll be honest, it was a struggle initially," she admits. "But I found a rhythm that worked for me and leaned on the epic support crew I had around me."

One of the most valuable lessons she learned through her journey was that progress doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. "When you're balancing full-time work and study, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and think you need to do everything at once," she explains. "But when I felt stuck or didn’t know where to start, I found that doing just a little—reading a page or writing a few sentences—helped me build momentum. Small, consistent efforts add up!"

Her studies at NZTC not only shaped her teaching principles but also reinforced the importance of values in the classroom. Her favourite course, The Ethical Teacher, helped her understand how personal values like compassion and love can create an environment where children feel seen, respected, and empowered.

Now working at a family-owned early childhood centre, Janelle leads mat times, activities, and excursions with passion and intention. She’s grateful for the support she has received from her team and management, and she’s excited to continue growing as a teacher.

Outside of teaching, Janelle is just as dedicated to her love for sports, leadership, and connection. Managing the New Zealand Universities Women’s Rugby team allows her to bring these passions together in a rewarding role that she juggles alongside her career in education.

From event management to award-winning teacher, Janelle’s journey is a testament to the power of following your passion. Her story is one of resilience, commitment, and heart—a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue the career that truly fulfils you.