First Degree Cohort Find Jobs in Local Schools

First Degree Cohort Find Jobs in Local Schools

Among the first to complete EIT’s pioneering primary teaching degree, Luke Rurawhe – like most of his classmates – is starting the new year with a job at a local school.

EIT launched its Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) three years ago after an approach by the principals of four Hawke’s Bay schools.

Head of School for Education and Social Sciences Gwenda Kevern says the wider community also had a strong voice in shaping the degree, which is the first of its kind to be offered by a New Zealand institute of technology.

EIT broke new ground with the level of practice-based learning included in the degree. Each week, trainee teachers – or candidate teachers, as EIT calls them – spend two days at designated schools and two on campus. They also undertake five school-based block practicums over three years, a total of 22 weeks.

Launched with six partnering schools, the degree now encompasses 22 schools. There are a further three schools on the waiting list.

From Havelock North, Luke found the structure of the degree a good fit.

“All the schools have different children coming through the gates and I have grown because of those different experiences. It’s hands-on with the kids and I’ve learnt so much in the classroom.”

Of Ngāti Apa descent, the former Napier Boys’ High School student worked in building and retail jobs before deciding on a teaching career.

“I brainstormed ideas with my mother Gwen, and because I enjoyed coaching children’s sports, she suggested teaching. She’s a bit of a hero.”

Looking ahead to a career in education, Luke was pleased to learn that EIT was launching a primary teaching degree.

“It was right up my alley for how to learn, hands-on in the classroom. It sounded very intriguing, and it was good that the programme was being offered locally.”

Now 27, he says the EIT classwork linked into what was being taught at his assigned schools. He also welcomed the connections he was making with school staff, gaining their perspectives on what students were learning in the classroom.

“I always felt supported wherever I went.”

Luke is one of four in his cohort to have secured teaching positions at Peterhead School in Flaxmere.

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