Sherry Guo

Name: Sherry Guo

Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

Transitioning from working in the tourism industry to early childhood education has helped Sherry Guo reach her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.

After trying other industries and getting frustrated as they weren’t quite right for her, Guo, originally from China, says her new career as an early childhood teacher is the perfect fit.

“I wanted to be a teacher since I was a child and do something that contributes to society. I also believe a career in ECE is one that can develop in the long term.”

Guo recently completed the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) and is well on the way to fulfilling her dream, with a full-time ECE teacher contract signed and an application for teacher registration underway.

Sharing her appreciation of the college’s support during her Field Practice placements, Guo believes that NZTC’s balance between theory and hands-on learning has helped prepare her for her current teaching job.

“I think for an ECE teacher, theoretical knowledge should be applied in practice. NZTC's teaching programs attach great importance to this. Through workplace learning placements, I have grown from a student to a teacher.

“The practical requirements of the program pushed me to devote myself to teaching practice, giving me the opportunity to experience what it's like to be an ECE teacher from the first day of study.”

Participating in Block Courses during her studies helped Guo gain an understanding of the early childhood curriculum in Aotearoa.

“When I was thinking about the learning outcomes relating to specific curriculum for Field Practice, I got a lot of inspiration.

“For example, I used to think that children under the age of two had nothing to do with mathematics learning. But after reflecting on the mathematics curriculum, in particular children's height and size, I realised this is still considered part of mathematics and my horizons were broadened.”

Guo reflects on her new career and the role she plays in young children’s lives.

“I think it's a very rewarding job as I have influence on children during the most important period of their life, and I am proud to be able to use what I have learned in my studies to help them grow.”