From human resources to primary school teacher for Open Polytechnic graduate

The career change from HR to teaching  

Previously in her career, Lucy studied Human Resources and Industrial Relations at Victoria University of Wellington. She followed up her studies by working in temporary roles for various recruitment companies in the United Kingdom and with Fulton Hogan as a human resources administrator in Hamilton.  

But Lucy’s priorities changed in 2013, when her oldest son (now 10) was born.  

Lucy not only decided to switch focus onto her family commitments, but when it was time to return to work, she decided to change her career as well. 

“Getting into teaching was a natural progression for me, influenced by various factors in my life,” Lucy said. 

“This teacher aide experience ignited a desire for a new challenge.” 

Teaching is in Lucy’s genes.  

She was inspired by her mother, who was also a primary school teacher. 

“I saw first-hand the impact teachers can have on shaping young minds and fostering a love for learning,” Lucy said. 

“This, combined with my own experiences and the joy I found in working with children, led me to pursue a postgraduate qualification in teaching.”  

Learning at Open Polytechnic 

Lucy looked at a number of different education provider options, before enrolling at Open Polytechnic.  

The programme is delivered through a mix of online distance learning, practical in-class experience at a partner school and practicums. 

“I appreciated the flexibility it offered, allowing me to work at my own pace and manage my studies around other commitments,” Lucy said. 

“This flexibility enabled me to effectively balance my coursework with practical experiences like practicums.” 

Lucy recommends a career change by studying through Open Polytechnic, even though it can take some time to adjust to undertaking study again. 

“It was a bit of a shock initially, but I had a lot of support from my husband which certainly helped,” Lucy said. 

For Lucy, the high level of support from academic staff ensured a positive and practical learning experience. This was important since she was juggling her family, work and life commitments at the same time. 

“Open Polytechnic has a reputation for offering a supportive learning environment which was an important factor in my decision-making process,” Lucy said. 

She also found the materials and resources provided by Open Polytechnic for her programme to be helpful during her time of studying.  

Open Polytechnic course provides practical experience 

According to Lucy, the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary Education) programme emphasises hands-on experience through practicums in a diverse range of educational settings.  

“This practical component allowed me to observe experienced educators in action, developing skills in real classrooms, and opportunities to receive constructive feedback to enhance my practice,” Lucy said. 

Lucy completed practicums at St Joseph's Ōpunakē, where she now works, and Rahotu Primary School in Taranaki.   

She was fortunate to work alongside two very experienced and supportive kaiako (teachers) who were extremely supportive and modelled effective practices. 

Lucy completed her  Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary Education) in December 2023. 

For further details on the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary Education) visit the programme page on the Open Polytechnic website.