Pam Moodley
Name: Pam Moodley
Qualification: Master of Early Childhood Education
Pam Moodley always dreamed of working in early childhood education.
After completing a Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) at New Zealand Tertiary College, she wanted to further her impact within the sector and enrolled in a Master of Early Childhood Education.
Staying with the college made sense to Pam, who says NZTC’s reputation for excellence and comprehensive curriculum aligned with her professional goals.
“It was the ideal choice for advancing my career and leadership skills.”
Her goal in completing postgraduate study is to expand on what she learnt during the Bachelor of Teaching (ECE), and develop her understanding of more complex topics.
“Through the Master of Early Childhood Education program, I’m hoping to gain knowledge that will enable me to better support and inspire fellow educators, while also making a significant impact on the children I work with,” she says.
Working as a head teacher at an early childhood centre in Auckland, it’s also important to Pam to improve her leadership skills and create a collaborative and supportive environment for her team.
“My favourite course has been "Authentic Leadership in Early Childhood Education’, where I’ve learnt the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment among staff.”
She’s already planning to take on more leadership roles to further her leadership practice, and explore an interest in culturally responsive teaching in the future.
“I aspire to influence policy and curriculum development to better support both educators and the children we serve, ensuring that every child’s cultural identity is valued and nurtured.”
Find out where Pam’s inspiration comes from:
Why did you choose a career in early childhood education?
From a young age, I was passionate about nurturing young minds. Before embarking on this career, I took time to raise my three children, which deepened my appreciation for the formative years of a child’s development. This period of focusing on my family reinforced my desire to make a difference in ECE.
What moment in teaching inspires you the most?
Witnessing the moment when a child grasps a new concept or skill and seeing their excitement and growth. The joy and curiosity that young children bring to learning are incredibly rewarding and reaffirm my passion for early childhood education.
Do you have an interest in a particular area of early childhood education?
I have a strong interest in integrating cultural practices and languages into early childhood education. This interest stems from my belief in the importance of respecting and celebrating diverse cultural identities to foster a sense of belonging and identity in young children.