Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) student encourages males into the sector

For Bachelor of Teaching (ECE) student, Saul Gaylard, the decision to pursue a career in early childhood education was a fortuitous one.  

“It was completely by chance I ended up working and now studying ECE. My background is in management, and I was between work, when during COVID, I was asked to help in what is now my home centre, and I never left. 

“In the time between then and starting to study, I worked in the centre as an Educational Support Worker for a boy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and as a non-qualified teacher.” 

When seeking a tertiary provider to take the next steps towards becoming a qualified teacher, NZTC was the obvious choice. 

“My wife completed her Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE) with NZTC a few years back, so I was aware of what the college offers in regards to flexible workplace learning. Then came the scholarship offer that was advertised, so I applied.” 

Partway through his studies, Gaylard finds the learning mode via NZTC Online, along with communication from the college, to be supportive and responsive. 

“I have five children, so being able to study around their schedules is extremely important.  

“Having just started my first Field Practice placement, I’ve found the support and communication from lecturers has been fantastic. I had a phone call on the first day, with a follow-up email that afternoon, and in the week since, we communicated via email whenever I had a query.” 

He encourages other males on the fence about entering the early childhood field to step up with confidence. 

“For other males thinking of pursuing a career in early childhood – do it! While there may be some stigmatism around male teachers in ECE, the tamariki love the interactions and different perspectives a male kaiako can offer.”