31/10/2025
Open Polytechnic graduate Emma Bishop’s Graduate Diploma in Teaching – Primary Education helped her land her dream job as a teacher.
The programme, which can be studied full-time over one year, or part-time over three years, provides two placements of eight weeks each, alongside regular dedicated time within a partner school.
“The pathway for study directly linked to a permanent position within my partner school, which was ultimately the desired end result,” says Emma who studied full-time to gain her qualification.
Emma is now coming to the end of her first year as a new entrant teacher at Tokoiti School in Milton, near Dunedin.
According to Emma, it is a small rural-based school achieving big things alongside a supportive team of passionate educators and whānau.
“I work alongside a group of like-minded individuals who are supportive beyond measure, and encourage success,” she says.
“It is a small school, making big waves in the world of collaboration and achievement using Te Noho Tahi (a holistic wellbeing model) to facilitate wellbeing across the school and community.”
Emma says that the students are inspiring, and she learns just as much from them as she can offer.
“Education is never a one-sided experience,” she says.
“I am lucky enough to work in an environment that offers growth for both students and educators.”
“Every day is a joy, where these little humans continue to show just how amazing they all are.”
Teaching is a career change for Emma, who had previously studied and then worked as an occupational therapist for 13 years.
“I have always specialised in paediatrics, working with children, so the transition to teaching was a lot easier than expected,” Emma says.
Emma chose to study with Open Polytechnic because of its flexibility and support.
“Their programmes allowed me to balance study with other commitments while also having regular engagement in a partner school,” Emma said.
This practical and hands-on approach helped Emma apply her theoretical learning in the classroom.
“The balance between exploring a new career path alongside having a young family was challenging at times, but the support and encouragement through my tutors and external support network was a positive experience,” Emma says.
“The combination of both theory and real-world application really prepared me for a day-to-day teaching.”
Emma is grateful for the help she received while completing the programme.
“My success through my study was only achievable because of the support network I had around me,” Emma says.
“I surrounded myself with individuals who genuinely believed in my ability, which enabled me to succeed.”
“I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for these individuals.”
📷Emma Bishop with her parents at the Christchurch graduation ceremony in May at Air Force Museum of New Zealand.
Tokoiti School
