Shikha Wadhwa

Name: Shikha Wadhwa

Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

With a background in Engineering, Shikha found a new calling when she moved from India to Aotearoa New Zealand. Her passion for teaching and guiding children saw her take the leap and begin a new career in early childhood education.

“I love being with children, so I joined an ECE centre in Westgate, Auckland, which I believe was the best decision I’ve ever made.

“The love and passion that the entire team has for making learning meaningful for children is what motivated me to pursue a qualification in early childhood education.”

A friend recommended the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) at NZTC, which ticked all the boxes for Wadhwa who needed flexibility around her work and family commitments.

The combination of research assignments and practical experience gave her a new way of looking at the learning journey of children, especially those with additional or special needs.

“I learnt a lot during my studies, especially through the practicum, and how to follow a child’s interest, meeting them on their level.”

Now a qualified ECE teacher in Auckland, every day Wadhwa teaches is a chance to learn herself, with a keen interest in incorporating te reo and other languages in her classroom.

“I love the value Ngākau which embraces the cultural diversity and abilities of all learners. In my workplace, I try to include all the children’s cultures, and I love to use the home languages of the children through greetings.

“I feel that teachers have a big responsibility to do this, especially since we are living in such a culturally diverse nation.”

Wadhwa’s learning journey won’t stop, with plans to complete a Master’s qualification in the future. But for now, she enjoys each day she spends with her children helping them to learn and grow.

“Their laughs when I talk to them in a funny voice, their proud smiles when they accomplish something and come to me, and their thoughtful queries make me feel so honoured to be part of their learning journeys.

“Nothing, in my opinion, can give me the satisfaction I feel when I fall asleep at night smiling and thinking about the beautiful moments I have with my tamariki.”