Former international student finds fulfilment in leadership role

Working as a Centre Manager in a busy Auckland-based ECE centre, former international student, Amrita Kaur, says studying with NZTC has allowed her to successfully grow her career from a student to a leader in the ECE field.

With a lifelong love of learning, after studying NZTC’s Graduate Diploma in Teaching (ECE), Kaur was motivated to pursue postgraduate study with the college, going on to complete the Master of Education (ECE).

Passionate about early childhood education research and leadership, and wishing to further contribute to the sector, Kaur is now pursuing her PhD in Education.

“By growing myself as an active researcher, I would like to support ECE facilitators in achieving the best outcomes for young children.

“I have a special interest in supporting immigrant children and their families by considering their cultural and linguistic needs in order to design suitable programs.”

Kaur, originally from India, says the diverse background of tamariki and whānau represented at her centre are celebrated daily by acknowledging and respecting identities, languages and cultures.

“Our environment shows huge respect for the multiculturalism of our community in every aspect. Children are encouraged to bring in their culture and language to the centre, and families are invited to enhance our understanding of their culture also.”

She says international student teachers undergoing Field Experience at her centre offer a unique perspective.

“With the increasing population of immigrant children in ECE settings, it is good to have student teachers from different backgrounds supporting our children and enriching the environment with their diversity.

“International students bring in new and fresh perspectives which adds to our understanding as well. Their innovative ideas not only drive them in this profession but it also re-energises other staff too.”

Kaur is proud of the career she has paved out, and encourages other international students interested in pursuing either undergraduate or postgraduate studies with NZTC to give it a go.

“NZTC gives students an environment that allows them to grow at their pace and in their individual ways. The lecturers’ diverse approach suits international students really well and considers different styles of learning, as well as their personal and professional identity.”