Swe Zin Soe (Sandra)
Name: Swe Zin Soe (Sandra)
Qualification: Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Graduating in just a few months, Swe Zin Soe (Sandra) reflects on the support she received during her studies, helping her grow from a student to a teacher.
“I continue to complete my studies with NZTC as I feel that I’ve received so much support as an international student, especially from the lecturers, Pastoral Support Team and International Team, helping me on my professional journey.”
Sandra was inspired to educate the future generation, journeying over 10,000 km from her home in Myanmar to New Zealand to begin a career in early childhood education.
“I see young tamariki as confident and capable beings, having mana to be the agents of their own lives and I would like to support them by nurturing, guiding, and caring for them to become the best version of themselves.”
With her studies nearing completion, Sandra believes her program has prepared her for a rewarding career in ECE as it “extensively covers what a teacher should know and uphold”.
“The expectation of NZTC towards its students to uphold the highest standard and integrity helps me a lot in my own professional practice. I reflect and implement those standards back into my own teaching and I have seen much growth in my practice because of that.”
A highlight for her has been Field Practice, where she enjoys the guidance from NZTC lecturers and Associate Teachers and seeing the children under her care grow.
“This is the time where I can have the lecturer assess and make comments based on the professional and ethical standards and guidelines, allowing me to grow into a better kaiako.
“I love seeing tamariki learn, form relationships with others and grow to become more confident and competent in their own world.”
She says engaging in discussion forums via NZTC Online has been a great way for her to keep involved and maintain a work-life balance.
“The online platform allows me to go through my course at my own pace which is quite important when juggling studying, living and working as an international student. Those conversation threads provided me so much insight on many other perspectives as well as teaching strategies.”
With NZ teacher registration just around the corner, Sandra now has set her eyes on another goal.
“I aspire to be a centre manager one day so my professional journey would include ongoing professional development and perhaps an ECE master’s degree in the future.”