International student teachers valued by the ECE sector

International student teachers are highly valued in early childhood centres around New Zealand, bringing unique cultures, diverse languages and new perspectives to their individual ECE settings.

Centre Manager Kashmira Sheth is proud to support educators from around the world at Happy Turtle Childcare in Auckland.

“In our centre, we appreciate all the different cultures that create a dynamic learning environment. We’re thrilled to have welcomed student teachers from India, Sri Lanka, Fiji and the Philippines, and we encourage them to draw on their backgrounds in daily practice.

“This enriches our learning environment with a range of cultural perspectives, allowing for diversity which is extremely important in a classroom. I personally believe that interacting with individuals from around the world is a great way to learn about the experiences of others.”

Kashmira has participated in many wonderful learning opportunities with international student teachers and the children in her care.

“We’ve learnt Fijian action songs, performed a beautiful butterfly song in the Sinhala language from a student teacher who was from Sri Lanka, cooked a range of delicious cultural dishes, and celebrated festivities such as Diwali and Fijian Language Day.

“Student teachers have a lot to bring to centre life, and it’s important they feel their knowledge and experience is welcomed and respected. We always include them in our event and celebration planning, and strongly value their ideas.”

In Kashmira’s eyes, international student teachers help us better understand the diverse range of communities we engage with in Aotearoa.

“This results in better learning outcomes as the holistic development of both kaiako and student teachers is further enhanced, and allows for more positive engagement and communication between our parents and communities.

“By introducing international student teachers to our centre, we challenge ourselves to look at different contexts of learning, discover new cultures and languages, and better understand the expectations and social contexts of the communities we serve.”