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TE KUAKA
ISSUE 1 2014
15
“I didn’t come home feeling good about what
I’d done that day, or really look forward to the
following week. But with teaching, it’s one of
those jobs where every day confirms to me that
I made the right decision.”
Jess Nolan
shares why she hasn’t looked back
after changing careers to become a secondary school
teacher.
Watch her video at
Ancient philosophy
instills passion in
modern day
Although 28-year-old Andrew Malele has entered the
teaching profession in the 21
st
Century, his inspiration
comes from a powerful philosophy created almost 300
years ago.
“It is all about touching the hearts of the young to be inspired.”
Andrew – a teacher at Manurewa Central School – had been
working at De La Salle College as a youth minister when he
decided to study a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary) at the
Faculty of Education last year.
“For four great years as a youth minister, I was privileged to
have worked with students right across Years 7 to 13,” Andrew
says. “I learned how to create and nurture relationships with
students and I thought, why not use this experience and touch more
hearts through actual teaching?”
Andrew says his passion to teach came from the school’s
patron, John Baptist de La Salle, who was a pioneer in teaching.
“His methods inspired some of the many practices we uphold
today. His philosophy was all about touching the hearts of the
young to be inspired. It was that philosophy and the passion of
certain staff that inspired me to become a teacher.”
With a strong philosophy and positive attitude, it is no
surprise Andrew secured his position at Manurewa Central before
completing his studies.
“I am very driven. I pulled out all the stops and worked hard on
my practicum as if my next student allowance depended on it.”
Andrew says he wanted to teach at primary level due to his
love of all subjects. And his first five weeks in the classroom have
not been shy of variety with a typical day consisting of maths, oral
language, writing, reading and arts or PE.
“At the end of the day, we wind down with a few songs and
games, and bid each other ka kite until the next day. Only on
Monday afternoons do I don the bright coloured vest for road
patrol.”
Like other highly rewarding careers, the weeks also don’t go by
without challenges.
“The biggest challenge so far is establishing the balance
between my role as a teacher, husband and father. It’s my first year,
and I really want to earn the role by doing it right.”
“The biggest highlight is the daily experience. I walk into a
classroom and it’s mine. Students of Room 6 enter, and it’s ours.
Everyday is always a different and interesting new day.
“I feel like I’m now working where I was always meant to be.
This job is a blessing, and I feel at ease knowing I can take care of
my very young family.”
