Bachelor of Education (Teaching) early childhood pathway

Nadine Priebs

The course

The University of Auckland's Faculty of Education offers a bachelor's degree of teaching with a major in early childhood for people wanting to specialise in educating children.

Graduates are qualified to teach in early childhood settings, including kindergartens, creches and early childhood centres.

The programme concentrates on three strands of learning. Professional education and knowledge provides the theory to be an educator and covers child development, socio-political issues, educational policy, theories of assessment, information technology, and supporting learning for Maori and Pasifika.

Curriculum knowledge focuses on the seven learning areas of the national early childhood Te Whaariki curriculum: language, the arts, mathematics, social sciences, technology, science, health and physical education.

People also study professional inquiry and practice to develop their individual philosophy and approaches to teaching and gain the practical experience they need in an early childhood setting.

Students on the degree programme attend the Epsom campus for three years. Each year is split into two semesters of 15 weeks each.

People spend an average of 40 hours a week in the classroom and need to devote another 60 hours to independent study.

A total of 21 weeks is spent on practicum in early childhood environments over the degree. Students are assessed by a combination of practice, examinations, and written or presentation assignments.

There are 54 places each year and the next course begins in late February 2006. People can apply up to the start of the course.

Applicants must be at least 17 years old and meet the requirements for entry to an Auckland University undergraduate degree programme.

Fees cost about $4130 including GST for each year.

Postgraduate study at masters and doctoral level is available.

What graduates think

* Nadine Priebs, 23
Kindergarten teacher
Westmere Kindergarten
Auckland
Graduated 2002

Children's learning and development had always been an interest for me so there was no doubt in my mind what I wanted to do.

I found the course good in the way the practice and theory were balanced. It was definitely academically challenging, but in a positive way.

There were two practicums a year for the first two years and then one big long one in the third year and that gave you a taste of what it was going to be like in the real world.

When I began working I felt really confident. It prepared me well giving me the skills I need to be a teacher. However, you still learn so much in the first two years of teaching that college can't prepare you for.

It definitely makes a difference having the degree on my CV. I only wanted to apply for kindergarten jobs and to be a kindergarten teacher you have to be qualified.

It's a great experience but only do it if you are passionate about it. To be a good teacher you need to enjoy what you are doing.

What employers think

* Natalie MacKenzie
Professional services manager
Auckland Kindergarten Association
Auckland

We do not hire anyone who does not have a NZQA approved qualification.

A teacher with a degree qualifies for a higher pay scale rate.

We have hired graduates from this course.

We provide internal professional development and we urge teachers to go to other educational providers to keep on upskilling.

All new teachers undergo induction training and are supported by a professional services manager and other teachers, so the transition from being a new graduate to teaching each day is smooth.

It can be quite a big step. It's a case of getting in there and practising what they have been learning over the years.

There's a real need for qualified early childhood teachers. There's always a shortage. We have 107 kindergartens and an average of six vacancies at any time.

I see the Government policy that all early childhood educators will be qualified and registered by 2012 as a positive move and I think the opportunities are definitely out there.

The qualification

Bachelor of Education (Teaching) early childhood pathway
University of Auckland
Phone: 0800 223 266
Starting salary: $35,000, rising to $50,300 after 7 years