Connor Perry - Online Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)

Connor comes from a strong teaching background, with his mum and two aunts in the profession. While this influenced his decision to enter teaching, Connor says the drive to inspire was always in him.

“I have always enjoyed helping others learn new things and seeing their faces light up when they understand a new concept they didn’t believe they could learn.”

Connor is one of 11 students undertaking the Teacher Education in Schools Programme, a partnership between the Faculty of Education and Social Work and seven secondary schools in south and east Auckland. The programme offers students the chance to study for the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) while experiencing the benefits of immersed learning in a school community.

Students learn alongside experienced teachers, participating in school activities and take part in all areas of school life. Students are given regular allotted time to access the online teaching programme run by the faculty in the same way as other online students.

Connor, who is placed at St Kentigern College, says the appeal of the programme was the consistent practical experience.

“The opportunity to take my courses online and immediately be able to apply the lessons and lectures in the classroom sounded like the perfect learning opportunity for me."

Despite a nervous start, Connor’s confidence flourished in the classroom during his first term as he found himself teaching classes on his own.

“I think the biggest highlight of my year so far has been just being brave enough to get up in front of a class and teach them. This is something that a slot of people would find challenging or intimidating so I’m just proud of myself for taking that first big step.”