Meet Tenille – one of our amazing Teachers
Tenille started her Certificate 3 in Early Childhood and Education at age 20, while working in retail. She continued to work as she went on to study for her diploma. Her confidence and passion for early childhood education then led her to apply for a job in the childcare and education sector, all whilst continuing in her part-time retail role.
Tenille joined Guardian Childcare & Education as a part-time educator and is now proudly a fully qualified Early Childhood Teacher.
Being able to combine study with hands-on ‘on the job’ experience, Tenille says her studies to become a Teacher made her even more passionate about what she does.
Why did you decide to become an early childhood educator?
I decided to become an early childhood educator as I was passionate about nurturing and caring for children from a very young age, making the beginning of each child’s educational journey extraordinary and memorable.
What sort of qualifications do you have, and how did you get them?
I started my Certificate 3 in Early Childhood and Education at 20 years old while working in retail part time. I went on to study my Diploma as I found the short course very fascinating. I soon felt confident to apply for a job in early childhood as I pursued my Diploma studies. I loved working at Guardian so much, and I found myself surrounded by such inspiring team members, that I soon found a desire to complete my Bachelor degree and become a qualified Kindergarten Teacher. In 2021, I graduated from La Trobe University as an Early Childhood Teacher, while also working fulltime at my Guardian centre!
What’s it like to study while you’re working as an Educator?
I studied for the first three years I was working at Guardian and I found this a very positive experience. My studies made me more passionate and motivated to come to work and implement what I had learnt each day.
How do you know when you’ve had a positive impact on a child’s learning or development?
Positive feedback from families makes me proud and happy about the work I do. Children expressing their thoughts and ideas and communicating with their peers is so rewarding to see.
What’s your favourite memory of childhood?
My favourite memory of my own childhood would have to be spending my summer holidays each year with my cousins playing in the river and exploring the outdoors.
What was your favourite subject at school, and why?
My favourite subject at school was Art – I studied VCE Studio Arts. I have a passion for the arts, and I believe the arts can be found in everything. Art has helped me to also find a greater understanding of the children I currently work with. It is a wonderful way we can express ourselves freely.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from the children you work with?
To be patient. Patience is so crucial when working with all children, as every child is unique and special.
If you were a three-year-old today, what element of early learning and care would you love the most?
I would love the indoor environments and extending on dramatic play in the home corner and small world spaces.
What experiences from your own life have been most useful in your work with young children?
Having a younger sister and younger cousins when I was growing up has helped develop my nurturing side. 16 years of dancing lessons has also played a major role in my work life – giving me the patience and coordination to implement movement and dance into our Kindergarten Program.
What do you wish that other people understood better about your job?
I wish that people understood that working in early childhood education is an important and a very special job that we undertake with so much pride! This job is so much more than just “watching children play” – we are shaping children’s futures and getting them reading for their journey in life.
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