Is two careers ok?

Daniel Park · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 3:29 am Post subject: Is two careers ok?

Another daft question, perhaps... so apologies...

I'm claiming for 10 years' work experience on the EOI, but two of those years were spent schoolteaching (qualified) whilst the remaining eight have been in publishing.

I'm prepared to try either career for NZ, so I guess I'll need to get my PGCE assessed by the NZQS unless I teach in the independent sector.

All experience was full time and fully provable and fully relevant to my qualifications, but a slight nagging doubt has been flashing in my head about whether it's ok to have had two "careers" like this for NZIS purposes????

Can anyone help turn that flashing light off? Like I say, it's probably one of those daft ones...

Dan

NZCalling · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 3:58 am Post subject:

Hi Daniel Park,

No question in my opinion is a daft question as moving to a new land is a big step and one needs to be absolutely sure of what he/she is doing.
As far as your question is conserned, I think what NZIS is looking for in an applicant is capabilities to settle and bring value (knowledge,experience,skills,money) to the country. Having two careers in a span of 10 years should not be a problem as lot changes in a persons life over time. So, don't worry and take the plunge, thats the only way to know how deep the water is .....good luck mate Nice One

I think Moorf, Karl can give you more info on this.

Graham Barnes · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 4:32 am Post subject:

Hi Dan,

Just a follow-up about teaching the NZ independent schools' sector.
In NZ, it doesn't matter whether you teach in a private school or state school...you need to have teacher registration through the Teachers' Council, which means you need to have a teacher education qualification (i.e. PGCE for UK), and had it assessed as suitable by NZQA.
Their "independent schools" are not quite as independent as ours!! This one nearly tripped me up as all my previous UK experience is in the independent sector and I nearly went for an easy QTS option which would not have been accepted because it did not involve completing a proper qualification (bit of classroom observation, couple of essays...job done!). In the end, did an OU PGCE which was OK.

So if you are thinking about teaching in NZ (not a bad option, it has to be said given the opportunities at the moment), it would be well worth getting your PGCE assessed too...just in case!! Do you have a job offer at the moment?

Another related question...if you are claiming points for work experience related to a job offer, does this have to de relevant to your qualifiation, or to your proposed job in NZ? Assuming you have one...
I don't know the answer...just that if it's the latter, you might not get points for your two years' teaching.

Graham

karltsmith · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 2:56 pm Post subject:

Hi Dan,

Graham is right on the money as he has a lot of first hand experience and specialist knowledge of going through this process. What is not clear from your posting is whether or not your publishing experience/teaching experience are in someway related? If they are e.g. you qualified witha degree is say english or jounalism moved into publishing and then teaching, then all this experience counts as it relates to a common field of qualification. if however you retrained in a completly different field that is another matter. At the end of the day you need to compile an application that maximises your points and keeps your options as broad as possible. ii am assuming you do not currently have a job offer!

Karl cool

Daniel Park · Posted: Thu Aug 12, 2004 7:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your help here! Seems there are no stupid questions... well, almost none.

Guess you're right, Graham - I'll get that PGCE assessed by the NZQA PDQ! I don't have a job offer at the moment, BTW.

Karl, hope you don't mind a pm, if that's ok.

Thanks again,

Dan