30 Years in ECE, now teaching the teachers

After three decades of shaping young minds in early childhood centres, Vanessa Pauley has stepped into a new role with NZTC - this time, guiding future teachers

In March this year, NZTC welcomed a new lecturer whose career in ECE spans over 30 years. With 17 of those years spent in leadership and management, including her most recent role, Vanessa Pauley brings a wealth of practical knowledge and heartfelt dedication to her new academic position.

Her teaching journey began straight out of high school. “Back then, you only needed 80 licensing points to work in a centre,” she recalls. “After 1,000 hours, I earned 40 more points and became a Centre Supervisor.”

Vanessa later completed her Diploma of Teaching and in 2019 finished her Master of Education with an endorsement in Inclusive and Special Education from the University of Canterbury.

Her passion for inclusive education has been a guiding force throughout her career, especially in her work with children under the age of three. “I’ve worked with all age groups, but I have a special place in my heart for our youngest tamariki,” she says.

Now four months into her role as a lecturer, Vanessa sees this new chapter as a way to give back. “I’ve gained so much from this profession—lifelong friends, incredible colleagues, and cherished memories with whānau and tamariki. Some of the children I once taught are now teachers themselves. That warms my heart.”

At NZTC, she’s committed to sharing her knowledge and supporting the next generation of Kaiako. “I teach to make a difference,” she says. “A difference in the lives of children, their whānau, our community, and society.”

When Vanessa is not lecturing or mentoring students, you’ll likely find her immersed in a book or building intricate LEGO sets. “I have a love of learning that never stops,” she says.

To those considering a career in early childhood education, Vanessa’s advice is simple but profound: “Treat each day as a learning journey. Advocate for children. Enjoy it. You are part of an amazing profession. Go out there and embrace it!”

And she leaves them with a powerful whakataukī:

“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!”
“What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!”

As Vanessa continues to inspire future teachers, her compassion, dedication, and lifelong learning is already taking root in classrooms yet to come.