Cherie Whaanga

Kindergarten teacher

“We are all teaching the same curriculum, Te Whāriki, where the children learn essential skills such as mathematical and literacy skills. When you have quality teachers, these skills are brought out and extended. Teaching doesn’t just happen – we’ve all had to learn how to teach.”

Cherie always knew she would be a teacher but wasn’t sure which type of teaching she would eventually choose.

“I didn’t want to begin training at something I wouldn’t finish, so I bided my time by working in a range of retail jobs and being a hostess of children’s birthday parties at McDonalds.  Customers would often tell me I was good with children,” Cherie remembers. “If you have a love for something you should take it further so I eventually decided to train as a kindergarten teacher.”

For Cherie teaching is like a calling.  “I’m passionate about it, especially teaching here in Otara where I really want to make a difference.  We like to think we have raised expectations and certainly receive frequent positive feedback from the parents.”

“Teaching at this kindergarten is like being in a real ‘community of learning’.  Many of the children are second and third generation children.  Word of mouth about the teachers and the comfortable atmosphere is important.  Parents often come back with their next child and comment really positively to me about the kindergarten.”

For Cherie one of the particularly enjoyable aspects of being a kindergarten teacher is to see the learning hurdles children frequently overcome. “To see the pleasure on their faces keeps me going.”

It’s also really important for Cherie that professional standards are consistent throughout the early childhood sector. “We are all teaching the same curriculum, Te Whāriki, where the children learn essential skills such as mathematical and literacy skills. When you have quality teachers, these skills are brought out and extended.  Teaching doesn’t just happen – we’ve all had to learn how to teach.”