Much is Given, Much is Required
An honest and reflective insight into the world of Early Childhood teaching, written by a Mum of 4 and dedicated kaiako at Creators on Grandview Community Childcare Centre.
"I have the opportunity and ability to love more than my own children. I can show love and compassion to children who may not get it in their own homes, to children who need extra to build resilience, to work collaboratively with parents to provide the best for their children. I have been given the chance to be an integral part of the community that can shape our leaders of tomorrow."
I graduated with my bachelor of teaching (Early Childhood Education) at the age of 19, I felt immensely blessed to not only get a job in the area I studied, but actually love what I do for a job. My love and appreciation for the job evolved over time. Initially I simply loved interacting with these beautiful young people, enjoyed their personalities and the fact that I always had great work stories. Then I loved the opportunities to have glimpses into their curious minds, witness them develop working theories about the world around them and scaffold them in gaining skills that will help them to be life long learners. Once my husband and I started our own little family and my maternal instincts kicked in, I started to cherish the trusting, reciprocal relationships we as teachers can build with not only the tamariki but also their whaanau, and the ripple effects this can have.
While motherhood brought new depth to my teaching practise, it also brought its challenges, particularly since we had all four of our babies fairly close together. The struggle of being a full time working parent is one that many can relate to. I've always imagined myself to be a stay at home mum, and it seemed all my friends around me were living this dream. I could not shake the feeling that I was giving everyone else's children the best of myself, and my own had to make do with what little was left over at the end of the day. The guilt worsened when my children went off to school and I could rarely attend any of their events. I was losing sight of why I loved my job.
I started my job at Creators Education Trust a year ago, and in this time I've been reminded of why we do what we do. Their careful selection of teachers ensures they are all passionate about their jobs, and this passion is contagious. More importantly being in a company where making connections is in the centre of everything they do really resonates with me.
As an organisation we are one- the teachers, the management and the policy makers are all on the same level, people are empowered and we are all given a voice.
As an organisation we go out of our way to know each individual child and their families, their needs and aspirations. As an organisation, we truly care. The rekindling of love for my job had me reflect on the change. Unfortunately I am not one that has been blessed with many obvious talents, but I've come to realise that I've been blessed with the gift to love. I have the opportunity and ability to love more than my own children. I can show love and compassion to children who may not get it in their own homes, to children who need extra to build resilience, to work collaboratively with parents to provide the best for their children. I have been given the chance to be an integral part of the community that can shape our leaders of tomorrow.
“…and to whom much is given, much will be required" (Luke 12:48)
So the most effective way to try and make a difference is to rise together with a whole team of people who want to make the same difference. Because love isn't love until you give it away.
Written by Whaea Chi,
Creators Grandview