Reduced fees opened the door for Sheryl to continue her teaching dream in New Zealand

Reduced fees opened the door for Sheryl to continue her teaching dream in New Zealand

When Sheryl arrived in New Zealand from the Philippines in 2023, she brought with her nearly two decades of passion for early childhood education — and a dream to continue shaping young minds in her new home.

“I’ve always been passionate about teaching young children,” Sheryl shares. “The early years are the most formative, and I want to help build a firm foundation for their holistic growth — supporting not only their learning, but their emotional, social, and cultural development too.”

Now working as a Transition to School Programme Kaiako at Whippersnappers Early Learning Centre in Lincoln, Sheryl spends her days creating fun, engaging learning experiences for four- and five-year-old tamariki. From group sessions inspired by Kōwhiti Whakapae to playful explorations alongside her preschool team, no two days are the same. “Each day is filled with laughter, discovery, and those beautiful little ‘a-ha’ moments that make teaching so special,” she says.

At the time Sheryl applied to study, she learned about NZTC’s Reduced Fees Offer, she saw an opportunity not just to study — but to thrive.

“The reduced fees have truly been a blessing for me and my family,” she explains. “As a mum, balancing work, study, and family life can be challenging. Having that financial support took a big weight off my shoulders and allowed me to focus on learning and growing as a kaiako.”

This support empowered Sheryl to pursue her Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE), a qualification she describes as perfectly combining theory with practice. “It’s not just about gaining a qualification; it’s about growing professionally and personally,” she says. “I can immediately apply what I learn in my everyday teaching, connecting my experience from the Philippines to Aotearoa’s unique early childhood philosophy.”

Sheryl’s journey with NZTC has strengthened her resolve to become a fully registered early childhood kaiako and to continue weaving te reo Māori and bicultural practices into her teaching.

“I’m so grateful to NZTC for the chance to keep pursuing my dream,” she says. “The reduced fees made that possible.”

For aspiring teachers like Sheryl, NZTC’s Reduced Fees Offer is more than financial support — it’s a gateway to a meaningful, rewarding career helping tamariki grow into confident, capable lifelong learners.