Student Highlights
On the pathway to success with a passion to teach
Fourth year Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) student Zoe is the kind of soon-to-be teacher you’d be lucky to have. Driven by a desire to inspire young minds, she says the rush that comes from teaching is incomparable.
“The feeling you get when you see a child is learning and understanding what you’re saying is the best feeling in the world,” said Zoe.
As a student, she took a chance and applied for a full-fee paid scholarship to complete a practical teaching placement in Vanuatu. She says finding out she had won the scholarship was a defining moment in her life.
“I was so overwhelmed with excitement and nerves. I remember as soon as I walked out of the meeting, I called everyone in my family and told them. I was so proud of myself!
“That experience was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening of my life. I was grateful to have the opportunity to give lots of educational resources to these children and see them thrive.
It also reiterated to me why I wanted to become a teacher in the first place,” she said.
From inspiring university tutors and mentors, to global practical teaching experience, Zoe says her decision to study at the University of Newcastle has paid off.
“This degree has taught me how to be open-minded and understand the importance of catering to all children’s’ needs,” she said.
“I hope that I gain enough knowledge to be the best possible teacher I can be.”
Alongside her studies, Zoe currently works in an early childcare/before-and-after-school care centre and is “absolutely loving it.”
When asked what advice she has for anyone considering enrolling in a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) at the University of Newcastle, Zoe keeps it simple.
“Do it!” she said.
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Zoe Pardey
Zoe Pardey is in her final year of the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).
This degree has taught me how to be open-minded and understand the importance of catering to all children’s’ needs
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