Love for play spurs drive for change
Faculty of Education graduate speaker Max Christie loves his work as an early childhood teacher, especially because it means he gets to spend his days playing. Motivated in part by seeing the work his parents were doing as owners of Childspace Early Childhood Centres in Wellington, Max considered a career in early childhood education a great path to follow.
Max chose to study his Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Childhood at Victoria University of Wellington because of the University’s reputation as a world-class educator. “This education degree is recognised across the world as a quality qualification and the lecturers have vast experience within the academic and practical sector,” says Max.
“I enjoy seeing things from multiple perspectives and children amaze me with their wisdom and insight and their love for life. I learn from them just as much as they learn from me,” Max says.
While studying, Max had “opportunities to collaborate with other students and his lecturers to reach new understandings together”. He was able to discuss new ideas with experts in education and expand his understanding of the opportunities and issues facing the education sector.
One issue, which Max and University classmate Josh Allen wanted to address, was the low numbers of males pursuing a career in early childhood education (ECE). This led to them founding a group called VUW ECMenz. The group held monthly meetings where students and kaiako could get together and discuss personal, professional, and academic issues surrounding men in ECE.
Now known now as VUW ECEQuality, VUW ECMenz has morphed into a student-led, student-focused advocate and support group for all early childhood students. “We run workshops about course content and we’re developing a mentorship programme. The aim is to promote quality and equality in ECE, as well as provide a judgement-free support platform,” he explains.
Focusing on his love of play and its importance in teaching and learning, Max is now working as an early childhood teacher in Wellington while studying towards his Master’s of Education at the University.
Later this year, Max will travel to California to present professional development workshops on playground design at the Children Learning with Nature Institute.