Amanda Gillespie, daughter of Doug and Thelma Gillespie, recently graduated from UPEI with a Bachelor of Education: Early Years Cohort, with a specialization in Indigenous Education and a certificate in Enterprise Education.
Amanda received a Faculty of Education Prize that is awarded to a second year Education student who has embodied the principle of social justice, collaboration and global mindedness and achieved a high level of scholarship and involvement throughout the B.Ed. program.
Amanda plans to stay on the Island and is seeking a teaching contract. In the meantime, she will continue tutoring and substituting.
For those who attended the breakfast for Amanda earlier this year, here are her comments on her teaching term in New Zealand.
I had a wonderful time in New Zealand. I learned a lot through my teaching experience. The students were fabulous. The education system concentrates on teaching to the individual learners needs instead of to the class. There were many rotation workstations, weekly assemblies to praise student accomplishments, integration of Maori culture, and exploration time where students could find their creative side. One of my favourite aspects of the New Zealand educational system is how physical fitness is integrated into the daily lessons. If students were finished early, having a hard time concentrating or were upset, they were sent out to run the track. Every classroom had a door to the outside. After the students came back from their run they were more focused and ready to work. The kids needed to let out their access energy, I wish that this was a regular practice for students here in Canada.
Amanda in Matamata, New Zealand, where the Hobbiton was filmed. (Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies)
Hiking up a hill in Waitomo, New Zealand, with sheep in background
It is great to hear your update on New Zealand and we wish you the best in your future career.
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