Stéphane with children from his centre

Name: Stéphane Zhang
NZTC Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

For NZTC student Stéphane Zhang, it was his love for learning and a ‘thick psychology textbook’ that spurred his interest in early childhood education.

“Following my graduation with a degree in biology, I spent two years reflecting on what I’d learned and came to realise the vital importance of the early years of our lives and their impact on adult life,” said Stéphane.

The Christchurch-based student, who already has a master’s degree from the French University of Maine, found his passion for education continued to grow through his experiences tutoring children as he became more aware of the strong connections between teaching and psychology.

“I worked in a private Chinese-French library in Paris where I helped the library owner’s young son prepare for school. The boy’s family were experiencing troubles at home, and one day he innocently asked me if I would take his father’s place if he left,” said Stéphane.

“I realised that the boy had subconsciously sensed the similarity between his adult teacher and his father and simplified this as a symbol of male authority. Through this experience I came to better understand the ways in which children establish a solid and reliable way of understanding the outside world.”

Before arriving in New Zealand, Stéphane spent time living and working in France, Tunisia and Gabon, where he noticed a global shift in the public perception of early childhood education.

“These days, ECE is getting more and more attention in every country. Parents are spending a vast amount of time and money on children, schools are doing all they can to attract students and educationalists are working hard to create diverse and elaborate modern courses,” said Stéphane.

Stéphane has been touched by the caring nature of New Zealand society, with areas dedicated to children in public spaces such as libraries.

“People here care a lot about animals as well. Last week I saw a man stop his van to escort a duck with ducklings across the road. A real life ‘Facebook footage’ just happened in front of me!”

By studying NZTC’s Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education), Stéphane hopes to gain knowledge and insight into New Zealand’s teaching philosophies so he can return to China and help to improve their education system.

“I plan to contribute my own part, though it may be slight, when I return as a qualified teacher,” said Stéphane.

“I want to be a part of this tide and make my own contribution. Later in the future I plan to study a PhD in education or psychology and become an all-round professional educationalist.”