Teachers graduate
An early childhood training centre that has a hands-on learning approach has prepared another group of teachers for the world.
Twenty-five early childhood teachers graduated from Te Rito Maioha Early Childhood New Zealand at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre on Friday night.
The Te Rito Maioha requires their students to work at least part time in an early childhood centre while they study and all the course’s programmes are bicultural.
Palmerston North leader education delivery Debbie Rickard said while its students were working they were able to use what they had learnt. ‘‘Our students also provide qualified teachers with exposure to new early childhood education ideas, research and teaching methods,’’ she said.
‘‘Our students complete their studies with deep practical experience in working with our youngest children, which makes them very attractive to prospective employers.
‘‘What’s more, all our programmes are bicultural, which means that our delivery is informed by te ao Maori, and our students gain a deep understanding of te reo Ma ori and tikanga Ma ori.
‘‘Te Rito Maioha graduates are exactly, perhaps uniquely, the kind of early childhood teachers that New Zealand’s tamariki need.’’
Palmerston North’s Te Horo-horo Wharepouri was one of the graduates and the 29-year-old took the course having previously obtained a primary teaching degree. She said working in an early childhood centre while studying made a big difference because she was learning on the job. She said it made the experience more meaningful.