Associate Teachers supported with virtual professional development opportunities

Each teaching student at New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) is supported throughout their study program by an experienced Associate Teacher (AT).

ATs work in early childhood education centres across New Zealand, providing valuable guidance to student teachers during the hands-on Field Practice component of their studies.

NZTC has been honouring its ongoing commitment to ATs by hosting virtual Associate Teacher Professional Development (AT PD) events via ZOOM.

Increasing access, reach and flexibility for ATs across New Zealand, online workshops eliminate the need for travel and enable greater engagement with ATs around the country.

The college acknowledges that ATs are busy, hard-working professionals - many of whom are juggling work alongside family life and other personal commitments.

These evening workshops have been welcomed by ATs, who have voiced their appreciation of being able to learn from the comfort of home once daily responsibilities have been taken care of.

“I loved that I could attend the AT PD event at home during a time that suited me. After a busy day at work it was wonderful not to be travelling”, shared one AT. Another described the workshops as highly “informative”, “relevant” and “empowering” for their practice.

A range of engaging topics have been explored to date, including enhancing an AT’s leadership and role as a mentor, and the importance of being culturally responsive to enrich the mentoring and learning partnership for priority students.

AT Support Lecturer Chelsea Bracefield reflects on the value of providing ATs with flexible and interactive learning opportunities.

“Conducting our AT PD events online has supported us to connect and engage with a large number of ATs.

“It is brilliant to see familiar faces as well as meet new ones, and so inspiring to see wonderful levels of engagement and discussion happening within these workshops.”