Inderjeet Kaur makes the journey from volunteer to ECT thanks to generous scholarship

Inderjeet Kaur began her career in early childhood as a volunteer, quickly realising how much she loved working with young children, and making steps to progress into paid positions. 

“The respect and love I received from families, children and staff made me very proud of the small positive changes I could make in children’s lives,” she explained. 

“I soon found teaching to be my passion and now I can’t see myself doing anything else. This prompted me to pursue studies to become a qualified teacher.”

Ms Kaur, who lives in New Zealand, was supported to take the next step thanks to a generous scholarship from New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) which she heard about through a neighbour. 

“I chose NZTC due to its flexible study options. I’m working and I also have two children, and I find NZTC provides me all the support I need to accomplish my dream.”

Ms Kaur is completing her Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and is part way through her studies. 

“Honestly when I first started, I was nervous because it was my first time to study online,” she said. 

“Bit by bit I have learned how to use the study resources, where to get support, and the Pastoral Support Team is always available to make sure I’m doing OK and check if I need help.”

She particularly appreciates the discussion forums, reflection points, journals and eMessage features. 

“I am enjoying my studies and I am learning a lot about my profession and the tools to become a professional and competent early childhood teacher,” she said. 

“I have learned through readings, discussions, and implementing these tools in my home centre. The He Taonga educational resource is especially helpful to learn ways of incorporating te reo Māori into my teaching practice.”

Due to graduate at the end of the year, Ms Kaur is excited to continue providing lots of love to the tamariki (children) in her care.

“My next step is to become a fully qualified teacher and continue making positive differences in the lives of young children by supporting their holistic learning journey, including social, emotional, spiritual and physical development.”

Learn more about NZTC here.