A passion for soccer led Shaun Perry to a teaching career.
The 36-year-old, who has played semi-pro soccer in the US, coached ten year-olds at the Western Springs soccer club for three years. "That inspired me to think about teaching. I could use my expertise, see the kids taking it
on board and watch them develop," he says.
Perry is now in the third year of his primary teaching degree at the University of Auckland's Faculty of Education (Epsom) and is excelling academically.
The skills he developed in his former signwriting career in using and organising information have been useful for his studies, but the similarities with his former life mostly end there. One of the greatest challenges and things he enjoys in the degree is the diversity of subjects.
"One minute you are studying how to actually teach, and the next you are in a science lecture," he says.
Fulfilling a need has also motivated him. "By choosing teaching I am providing something essential. I know there is a need for male teachers, so I feel like I'm helping to plug that gap."
It is the little achievements that count, he says. During his practical experience he worked with a boy who wouldn't write. The teacher had had trouble getting the boy started, but by Perry's final week in the school he was putting pencil to paper. "I could see for him too, it meant a lot. It's just those little things that you don't often get in another job that make it worth while."
Perry intends to teach once he graduates later this year, either in his neighbourhood of Grey Lynn, or possibly in a rural school in the Coromandel.
Perry is one of an increasing number of people in their 30s, 40s and older enrolling in teaching because they are looking for a career change and a way to make a difference. They are often top students, who bring diverse life and work experiences.
Course notes:
* The bachelor of education (teaching) – primary, University of Auckland, leads to teaching in primary or intermediate schools
* Available at Epsom and Tai Tokerau campuses and at Manukau Institute of Technology
* Three years full-time or up to six years part-time
* Enrolling now for 2005. Ph 0800 223 266. www.education.auckland.ac.nz
Shaun Perry is one of the many people over 30 choosing teaching as a career change
A passion for soccer led Shaun Perry to a teaching career.
The 36-year-old, who has played semi-pro soccer in the US, coached ten year-olds at the Western Springs soccer club for three years. "That inspired me to think about teaching. I could use my expertise, see the kids taking it
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