Shannon Nearey - Master of Early Childhood Education

Shannon Nearey always knew she wanted a career that would see her make a difference in people’s lives.

Currently working as a lecturer in the tertiary education sector, she supports ECE teachers in training to develop their theoretical knowledge and practical skills within early childhood settings.

“I enjoy the variety that this role brings, and the opportunity to guide future teachers to promote the best possible outcomes for our tamariki.

“It is rewarding to know that I am positively impacting a future generation that will go on to do amazing things based on the skills and knowledge they develop in their preschool years.”

Shannon chose to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Early Childhood Education) and the Master of Early Childhood Education with NZTC so she could teach at a higher level within the tertiary education sector. She shares how the college provided continued support, despite the challenges of 2020.

“I did face personal struggles throughout my studies, with the impact of Covid-19 on both my workload in my job, the uncertainty of the virus, and trying to ensure my family was safe and provided for. I also lost loved ones during this time.

“I found NZTC to be supportive of me and my lecturers gave me the push I needed to keep going. Their help was only an email away; I just had to ask. I am really proud that I persevered and can now say I have achieved a master's qualification. The learning I gained is invaluable.”

Having developed her academic skills through self-directed study on the concept of positional leadership in ECE, Shannon now has her sights set on publishing research of her own.

“I aim to do further investigation into leadership in the ECE sector and ways that we could support leadership networks, professional development and the creation of a more formal framework for positional leaders in the sector.

“It is an area of research that I saw a gap in during my work visiting multiple centres, and it is something that I feel could make a positive difference to our sector.”