Shirley Blowers - Bachelor of Education (Teaching)

Shirley Blowers decided to transition from her teacher aide role to become a qualified teacher, in order to help the students in her classes reach their potential.

Shirley Blowers, Ngāpuhi, Te Arawa

“Born and raised in Auckland, I grew up understanding the importance of education through my grandmother, who wanted me to succeed in the world. After working in various hospitality and administration roles, and then starting a family, I began working as the programme manager for the sKids before- and after-school-programme at my children’s school. This led to a job as a teacher aide, where I supported ESOL groups.

“I really enjoyed working with the kids and teachers, and I loved the flexibility and diversity of the role. I decided to take my career further because I saw young Māori students in my classes struggling. I could see the teachers engaging with these students but their time was limited, and I didn’t know how to help. I wanted to develop the skills and authority to work with students who weren’t reaching to their potential. With support of several teachers at my school, I enrolled in the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary specialisation to become a qualified teacher.

The passion of the lecturers and tutors, the camaraderie, life-long friends and the supportive cohort of young, middle aged and mature students have been some of the highlights from my studies.

Shirley Blowers Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary specialisation

“I have peers who are more knowledgeable than me in Māori, reo, tikanga, kapa haka and are willing to teach me. I have also met fellow students who are willing to teach me phrases in Samoan, Tuvalu, Tongan, and Arabic language to better connect to my ESOL students and parents.

“Being at my stage in life and on this learning journey I have a lot of knowledge and experience. The Bachelor of Education (Teaching) has built on this, providing me with best practice strategies to be effective and accountable Kaiako through understanding children’s cognitive processes and abilities. The learning theories and approaches we have covered has helped identify the value of building relationships, identifying learning needs and planning lessons accordingly.

“My advice to any teacher aides who are considering study is to be open minded. Be willing to put in the work, do the readings, attend lectures and workshops, ask questions from your lecturers and peers and keep up with your workload. The Bachelor of Education (Teaching) has opened the possibilities of further studies – I am now considering doing an honours degree in my fourth year of study and possibly a masters or doctoral programme afterwards.

“In ten years’ time, I see myself in a management or leadership role, working in English medium schools with teachers to support the success of Māori students and their whānau. I have already learnt so many approaches and strategies that can help me achieve this.”