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Samuel Phillips, teacher trainee at St Peters College:

​“I think being in the classroom throughout the whole time is beneficial for my teaching and my confidence. Having varying classes really helps in understanding the different needs of the students. With staff you kind of build those collaborative relationships”

Dilek Cilek, teacher trainee at Rangitoto College:

​"I have worked at a university and other scientific institutions as a teacher and researcher. Among all the jobs that I have done, teaching was the one that I most enjoyed. I like teaching the New Zealand curriculum, especially Mathematics which is related to everything.” 

Rochelle Dias, teacher trainee at Rosmini College:

​"I was a youth ministry coordinator….One thing that I really enjoyed was interacting with young people. The joy and the hope that they bring in the world is needed. So, I just wanted to continue working with them in this role. That's why I decided to become a teacher. I think it's important for young people to connect their head knowledge with their heart.”

Ella Campbell, teacher trainee at Westlake Girls High School
 
​“…..having time in the classroom has just been awesome so far, way better than I expected. The time that we get to spend in the class has just been beneficial in terms of our training ……you have extra time to really get involved in all the areas of school life.”

Roberto Moscariello, teacher trainee at Henderson High School:

​“I was a trained chef, and it took a while for me to get back into the habit of studying. Work wise, I get to spend a lot of time with young learners who are quite keen on learning about the Food industry. It's nice to get back and look at things as a student rather than just as a teacher, which helps my personal growth and learning experience.”

Nick Crotty, Associate teacher at Westlake Boys High School:
“I found it a very positive experience, often reflecting on my own learning, and why I became a teacher myself. I think this whole idea of a full year practicum is valuable. I believe in this program because it provides a very valuable learning opportunity.  When thinking back to my own teaching practice and the program that I went through, I really wanted more time in the classroom. So, I found this a realistic learning environment providing a full scope of what the teacher experiences throughout the year. I like to role model the best that I can and having this mentoring program has really helped me develop my career.”