Krissie Emaden, like many others, seized the opportunity presented by the Covid-19 pandemic to reassess her career path and discover a new calling.
Transitioning from a lengthy career as a flight attendant to early childhood education proved to be a natural progression for Emaden, a recent graduate of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (ECE). Witnessing the profound impact teachers had on families during the challenging times of the pandemic fueled her decision.
“While I cherished my time in aviation, it began to feel routine, and the excitement waned,” Emaden reflected.
Recognizing the pivotal role educators played in shaping young minds during the pandemic, Emaden sought a program that would equip her with the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in early childhood education. She was drawn to the New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) for its reputation of nurturing teachers with exceptional teaching acumen.
Emaden found the Postgraduate Diploma curriculum meticulously tailored to provide a robust foundation in early childhood education, complementing the soft skills she had honed throughout her aviation career.
“The courses, such as ‘Children and Families in Early Childhood Education’ (503), ‘The Authentic Leader’ (504), and ‘The Effective Early Childhood Manager’ (513), served as crucial stepping stones in my journey,” she remarked.
Emaden appreciated the diverse perspectives and philosophies shared within her program, fostering engaging discussions and prompting her to contemplate fresh insights.
“For instance, my studies underscored the importance of recognizing children’s agency and autonomy, guiding them from behind and intervening only when solicited,” Emaden shared.
Now employed at an early childhood center, Emaden relishes her role in guiding the next generation, finding fulfillment in the profession’s core values of compassion and the imparting of knowledge, love, and kindness to children.
“Early childhood education embodies a profound commitment to nurturing children’s development, shaping their attitudes and behaviors through empathy and understanding,” Emaden concluded.
