In a day and age when people are prioritising job satisfaction more than ever before, it’s refreshing to see a company who puts their employees at the forefront of their business. Pioneers in early learning education in both Auckland and Dunedin, Bear Park is New Zealand’s leading childcare centre and prides itself on offering its staff members leading and meaningful long-term teaching careers.
Many of Bear Park’s teachers have not only begun their careers at Bear Park – they too have gone on to progress their professions through the wealth of internal advancement opportunities on offer.
Priyanka Mathur Kapoor, one of the teachers from Bear Park Mt Eden, says of choosing a career with Bear Park: ‘Bear Park has a much-deserved reputation of being a quality education institute for over 20 years and I always knew that I wanted to be a part of an institute that demands excellence from its teachers while always having the child’s best interest at heart. Bear Park offers ongoing pedagogical knowledge to help us become more empowered teachers. I also appreciate that Bear Park makes an effort in providing teachers with wellbeing opportunities, such as the personal well-being seminars and ongoing financial health checks.’
Meanwhile, Emma from Bear Park Dunedin loves fostering a culture of curiosity and empowered learning in children. She says of working at Bear Park: ‘Whilst I was working in the Infants and Toddler centre, I was asked if I would like to move into the Preschool. Initially, I was unsure as I really enjoyed my role with the under 2’s but the Pedagogical team had recognised something in me and knew that I was ready for a change. I decided that this was something I had to try and considered it a good move in my career to teaching all ages of Preschool children. The Pedagogical team’s vision enabled me to challenge myself by moving rooms and age groups. I feel this has made me a better teacher. I have respect for what it takes to be an Infant and Toddler teacher—and have a love for teaching that age group—but I am also comfortable and very happy teaching in the Preschool age range too.’
With an overarching philosophy that embraces four main principles – empowerment, holistic development, family and community, and relationships, Bear Park strives to support and encourage both teachers and children alike, which thus makes it a great learning environment, whether you’re a teacher looking for your next career move, or a parent after a nurturing place for your child to learn and develop with age.