1984 graduate shares her story
To celebrate New Zealand Tertiary College’s 35th anniversary as a leader in early childhood teacher education, we’ve caught up with some of our past graduates to see what they’re up to now.
Trish Robbins (nee Wilson) was one of NZTC’s first students, receiving her Kindercare Early Childhood Teachers Certificate at the inaugural graduation ceremony in 1984.
What motivated you to pursue a career in early childhood education?
My school counsellor suggested it as she had observed my nurturing side. The next day I was enrolled in the Kindercare Early Childhood Teachers College based in Northcote, Auckland. That was the original name and location of New Zealand Tertiary College.
What was it like to be in the inaugural intake of the first qualification offered by the college, the Kindercare Early Childhood Teachers Certificate?
I was very excited to be one of the first students and as the years have passed, the significance of how special that occasion was, really has been huge. It was great to be able to continue my relationship with NZTC, to become a tutor at the college, and then an Associate Teacher to many other students. NZTC and Kindercare Early Learning Centres will always hold a special place in my heart.
Share with us your study experience in the college’s first years?
I really enjoyed the small classes, the great friendships that I made and the constant contact with the owners Glennie Oborn and Allan Wendelborn throughout my study. Rebecca Corona-Jones, my tutor, was really inspiring and supportive. Her kind and caring approach was a great transition from school to adult learning.
What did you do once you graduated and how did your certificate help you?
My first position after graduating was at Glenfield Kindercare, and then I helped open a new Kindercare in Belmont, Auckland. I then went on to complete a Diploma of Teaching (ECE) at the Auckland College of Education. The knowledge that I gained from my certificate certainly helped me to successfully gain my diploma.
You became a member of NZTC’s academic staff in 1995 – how had the college changed since you had attended as a student?
Firstly, the name change from Kindercare Early Childhood Teachers College to New Zealand Tertiary College, and the fact that graduates didn’t necessarily have to work at a Kindercare. There were a lot more study options as well, such as field based study, face-to-face study and then the introduction of distance learning.
You were a member of staff for over five years – tell us about your time as an educator at NZTC.
I really enjoyed my time as a tutor and it was an honour to be working alongside some very educated and highly skilled professionals. A very different skill set is required to teach adults and my colleagues were supportive of this. I enjoyed the balance of working in early childhood as well as tutoring young adults, providing a balance of academic learning with the practical aspects of teaching.
Tell us about your career progression after your time at NZTC.
I have been an early childhood manager, head teacher and early years consultant for over 14 years. Prior to moving to the Coromandel region I owned and operated an early childhood franchise called Gimbal and gained extensive knowledge in movement programs and the correlation between early learning experiences and brain development.
I have worked as an early childhood educator in Auckland and overseas, in the private and public sectors of education. My love of facilitation, mentoring and support grew from my time lecturing with NZTC and supporting the many teachers that I have worked alongside with provisional registration and studying towards their early years qualifications. My working experience in early childhood education has spanned over 30 years.
Where are you currently working?
I am a relieving centre supervisor for Whenuakite Country Kids in the Coromandel Peninsula. I left Auckland to work at this centre when it had just opened 15 years ago.
What advice would you give somebody starting out in this profession?
You need to have a genuine passion and commitment towards making a difference to the lives of children and their families/whānau.