Izzy Paton - Online

After high school Izzy Paton went straight to the University of Waikato to pursue a Bachelor of Science.

While science had always been a passion, Izzy wasn’t entirely sure what kind of career they wanted. Majoring in Earth Science led to a job in Engineering Geology where Izzy worked for a couple of years, but it never felt quite right.

After leaving this job, Izzy moved up north to Mata, during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and tried a few different roles, including as a swim instructor and a teacher aid at the local high school.

Izzy enrolled in the Teacher Education in Schools Programme (TESP), The University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau’s offering as part of the Ministry of Education's School Onsite Training Programme. Students study the Online Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) and complete their studies while embedded in a host school, giving them the opportunity to learn on the job while experiencing day-to-day school life.

Izzy is being hosted by Whangārei Girls’ High School and is loving it! The host school is also where students complete their second (and longer) practicum placement.

“The main highlight for me has been the people I’ve been able to work with. They are so welcoming and happy to give advice. I’ve learnt so much this year and have had some awesome opportunities like attending field trips and professional learning and development sessions.”

Izzy notes that one challenge has been developing relationships with students on practicums where you don’t spend a lot of time in the same classroom.

“I’ve found having a good relationship with a class makes teaching a lot easier, but this can be difficult when you are popping in and out of their classes during the year."

Izzy is the proudest of how much their confidence has grown throughout the year.

 “I feel so much more comfortable standing in front of a class than I did at the beginning. It was hard to imagine I’d get to this point when I first started, but I’ve learnt so much this year and had so many experiences that have helped me develop my personal teaching style and gain this confidence.”

Izzy’s advice to anyone thinking of becoming a teacher is to be patient, give yourself time and don’t try to reinvent the wheel.

After graduating Izzy is going to apply for science teaching jobs in Northland, beginning their career as a teacher.

“I am really looking forward to helping students find joy in science! It’s such an awesome subject and I’m excited to share my passion for it with others.”