Divyashna Sewak

For Divyashna Sewak, choosing to study at the University of Waikato was a decision shaped by both practicality and passion.  

She was drawn to the Master of Teaching and Learning because it was offered online, allowing her the flexibility to study full-time while continuing to work as a teacher aide.  

"This balance was really important to me because it meant I could support myself, stay connected to the classroom environment, and apply what I was learning directly to my work with students.” 

A highlight of studying at Waikato was being able to use her new learnings during classroom placements.  “It was really rewarding to see how the strategies and knowledge from my papers could make a difference for students. This gave me a lot of confidence as I prepared to step into a teaching role. Personally, I also really valued the sense of achievement in completing a master's while balancing work.” 

All the papers in Master of Teaching and Learning are compulsory, which Divyashna believes is a strength of the programme.  

"The papers included curriculum knowledge, literacy and numeracy, culturally responsive practice, and professional practice. Having them all built in meant I didn’t have to worry about gaps; I knew I was getting a comprehensive foundation for teaching.” 

For Divyashna, teaching is more than just a career. She is passionate about supporting children’s learning and development. 

“I love working with children and helping them grow academically and personally. I am committed to continuous learning and reflecting on my practice so I can be the best teacher possible. I also value creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments where every student feels empowered to succeed.” 

During the final weeks of Divyashna’s studies, she was fortunate to secure a teaching position at an “amazing school”. She believes her coursework and placements prepared her to step into that role with confidence. 

“My advice to students considering studying at Waikato would be to stay organised and make the most of the opportunities the programme offers. Even in an online programme, engaging fully with the content and connecting with peers can make a big difference. I also found it really valuable to apply what I was learning directly in the classroom, as it helped make the study practical and meaningful.”