Joy McLelland

A passion for teaching, a love of creative expression, and a strong commitment to the role of play in learning—this is what drives one NZTC lecturer to inspire the next generation of early childhood teachers.

For Joy McLelland, life is all about balance - both in the air and in the classroom. As a dedicated lecturer at NZTC and a passionate aerialist, she embodies the perfect fusion of discipline, creativity, and mentorship. Whether she’s supporting future kaiako or performing gravity-defying routines, she approaches both worlds with enthusiasm and heart.

Joy's career began unexpectedly when, at 18, she found herself working at an ECE centre without a clear plan for her future. A friend's encouragement led her to discover a deep passion for working with tamariki, ultimately shaping a fulfilling career spanning nearly a decade as an early childhood teacher. 

“Being with the tamariki was an absolute joy,” she recalls. “The centre manager who guided me truly inspired me, her practices are still part of my teaching kete today.”

Similarly, her transition to lecturing was unplanned but driven by a desire to support and uplift educators. What started as a spontaneous application for a lecturer role evolved into seven years of guiding future teachers, with a particular emphasis on fostering teacher wellbeing - an area she is currently exploring in her master’s studies. 

Now fully immersed in her lecturing role, Joy continues to find immense satisfaction in supporting students through their challenges and celebrating their successes.

Outside of academia, Joy embraces adventure and creativity in unexpected ways. As an aerialist, she trains regularly at a circus arts gym owned by her twin sister, preparing for upcoming performances. Beyond the aerial arts, she enjoys playing piano and singing, baking, gardening, and spending time with her dog, Cooper.

“I think it’s important not to lose that sense of play,” she says, emphasising the value of exploration in both teaching and life.
Her biggest piece of advice to aspiring ECE teachers is simple yet profound: never lose your sense of joy.

“Being joyful can sometimes be a choice,” she explains. “I remind myself that I get to decide how I feel about the day, the day doesn’t decide for me. I choose to enter each day happy and excited for whatever may come.”

Joy’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion, mentorship, and resilience. Through her work at NZTC, she continues to inspire future teachers, ensuring that joy, curiosity, and a deep commitment to learning remain at the heart of early childhood education.