NZTC chosen for practical learning opportunities

Natasha Joel is working towards registration as a qualified early childhood education teacher.

The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) student from India has always been interested in working with young children, volunteering as an after-school tutor while studying a qualification in science.

“As I was working with them, I saw the importance of early childhood experiences in a child’s life and how these experiences form foundations for the rest of their lives.”

Natasha says that when she researched a career in early childhood education, New Zealand stood out for our renowned ECE curriculum.

She was encouraged to look into the different colleges and qualifications New Zealand offered, with NZTC coming out on top.

“I loved everything that the college was offering but what helped me make my final decision was that besides theory, students were offered the opportunity to practice in an ECE centre.

“The testimonies from other international students about the flexible modes of learning and the continuous support from lecturers assured me I’d made the right decision.”

Landing a part time job as a teacher in training at a BestStart centre in Christchurch, Natasha feels that she’s ready to take on the challenge.

“Being able to practice the theoretical knowledge that I gain from my classes in a live setting has helped build my confidence as a kaiako (teacher).”

The discussion forums, part of her online learning, have also influenced her teaching practice.

“There have been multiple times where I have been able to apply ideas that my fellow students have shared in my own centre, and it’s a great learning experience to see things from different perspectives.”

Natasha is positive that she’s chosen the right career, and the right provider to get her there.

“I’ve always wanted to have a lasting impact on this world. What better way than to help mold the future generation?”