Northland's budding teachers learn ropes from student teachers in university open day

Kamo High School Year 12 pupils Maycee Vercoe (left) and Monique Wynyard with first-year student teacher Amanda Reid, Whangārei. Photo / John Stone

Northland high school pupils interested in a potential career in teaching were shown the ropes by student teachers and their tutors in Whangārei this week.

Year 13 students from Kerikeri, Dargaville and Whangārei attended an Experience Day at the University of Auckland's Tai Tokerau Campus in Alexander St.

The day was an opportunity for pupils who may be considering a career in teaching to discover what it is really like to study teaching. Students studying at the campus helped show the high school pupils around and talked to them about their studies.

The 35 school students got the chance to experience classes and talk to campus students about university life and why they chose teaching.

One attendee noted how much they enjoyed finding out how "supportive and warm the environment is".

The University of Auckland has been based in Whangārei for more than 24 years, providing a range of foundation and teaching programmes in primary and Maori medium teaching.

The campus works closely with Northland primary schools and Kura reo Maori to ensure students are well-prepared to lead learning in the region.

"Our graduates contribute immensely to the education and wellbeing of children in Tai Tokerau," Professor Cindy Kiro, the director of the Tai Tokerau Campus, said.

"Many work directly in education, others use their expertise in youth development advocacy and support, demonstrating the diverse range of knowledge and skills that teachers bring, share and cultivate in our community.''

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