Jen Gaylard

Name: Jen Gaylard

Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Jen Gaylard has always had a talent for mentoring and uplifting others, inspiring a love for learning and growth. During university and college, she gravitated towards supporting younger students in their success while also sharing her passion for dance as a teacher. Since moving to New Zealand at 16, Jen’s career has been shaped by her dedication to education, her family and her commitment to nurturing others.

Following the birth of her first son and the completion of her BSc in Psychology, Jen transitioned into early childhood education. She is now a Centre Director at a busy ECE centre in Tauranga. Throughout her ECE journey, Jen has expanded her knowledge immensely with three NZTC qualifications supporting her career progression.

With a degree behind her, Jen began by studying the college’s Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) before progressing to postgraduate study and completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE) and then a Master of Early Childhood Education.

Balancing full-time work, study and raising five children has been challenging but Jen is supported by her family, friends and colleagues, who encourage her to invest in herself.

“The amazing, passionate kaiako I have had the pleasure of working with over the years have inspired me to continue learning and growing to become the best early childhood educator and leader I can be,” Jen explains.

“NZTC’s online component kept me focused and provided direction, whilst allowing me some flexibility around my busy life as a manager, and mum to five kids!”

For Jen, completing her Master’s degree was particularly meaningful, as it enabled her to extend her knowledge to be the best leader she could be, while supporting her kaiako.

“I found that study and work complemented each other,” states Jen. “It allowed me to see and practice what I was learning, solidifying the concepts and giving me a chance to use them in real life situations.”

We asked Jen a few more questions about her study experience completing three qualifications with NZTC:

How was your experience studying online through NZTC Online?

“It has been both amazing and a challenge, especially when assignments are all due at once. However I found the lecturers to be so supportive and willing to answer any questions in order to support you through it all.”

Do you have a favourite lecturer?

“I had Devika Rathore for two of my courses and she just blew me away! I felt like I really mattered, that I was more than just a name on the screen, but an actual real person! Devika was able to add value and depth to my online discussion posts, encouraging me to delve deeper and explore further. And she also provided extra readings and videos to compliment the course readings which made the content more accessible and real.”

What was your favourite course and what is one key takeaway from it?

‘MR612 Working with adults: Participating in dynamic relationships’ was one of my favourite courses, as I found everything so applicable to my role as a centre director. But through all of my courses, what has stuck with me is the need to remain true to my values, utilising my emotional intelligence and empathy to build authentic relationships with everyone I meet and interact with.