Joey Maratas - Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary)

After graduating with a first-class honours degree in Electrical Engineering from AUT, Joey Maratas worked as a Quality Controller at Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, but his dream has always been to become a teacher.

Joey Maratas
Joey Maratas

When I found out that there was a programme which was tailored to my needs as a practical-based learner, I was ecstatic, and I applied.

Joey chose to enrol in the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Online) and subsequently applied for the Teacher Education in Schools Programme* (TESP), a scholarship programme where students are embedded for three days a week in a host school throughout their studies.

Students experience day-to-day school life, while simultaneously completing
their Graduate Diploma in Teaching online.

“I was placed at Pukekohe High School; it was amazing to be able to be at the school from the very start of the year. I was able to participate in the welcoming of the year nine students and I was also included in all the activities leading up to the first day of school. I also got to see how teachers prepare before the start of the year.

This has given me a good idea of what I need to be doing before starting my
first year as a teacher.

“Being at the school three days a week across the year is incredibly valuable as it allows me to see the practical side of what we learn from the university. We can observe and most importantly we can apply the theory we are taught.

“I am lucky to have three other TESP students with me at Pukekohe and I value the friendships I have made with them. Our group has been able to meet weekly to discuss what we have learned and what we have observed and offer support and advice to each other.”

Joey is excited and proud at being able to see how his skills as a teacher have grown. 

Every time I take a lesson there is always something that I learn and then apply to my next lesson. It has been amazing to see the progress that I have made.

He also feels privileged to experience the TESP programme and the structure and support it offers.

“You can explore who you are as a teacher without the pressure of having a full school timetable. You can take your time to reflect on your practice and look for ways to improve your style.

I am not afraid of making mistakes which means I am able to try different ways
of teaching and see what works for me and what doesn’t, and this all happens
with the support and feedback of the teachers around me.”

“It is incredibly rewarding to learn on the job, and I know that the experience I have gained through TESP will give me a huge advantage as I enter my first year as a teacher after graduating.

“I love the school, the staff – particularly within the maths department and the students. It is an amazing community to be part of.”

Joey’s advice for anyone thinking of studying to become a teacher is to enjoy the journey as much as possible.

“In my opinion, the Teacher in Education Schools Programme is the best way to prepare for your first year in teaching, and I highly recommend it.”

*The Teacher Education in Schools Programme is a scholarship programme subject to government funding. Places are limited and interested applicants must be accepted into the Graduate Diploma in Teaching Programme to be eligible.