Jason Boobyer

‘Seek challenges and be willing to learn’ is what Waikato alumnus Jason Boobyer encourages his class of 56 tamariki to do, an attitude he adopted during his education studies. Jason is a teacher at Puketaha Primary School just outside of Hamilton. He says he enjoys being in a job where he can share knowledge and help young people to grow in confidence through education.

Jason graduated from the University of Waikato in 2011 with a Bachelor of Sport and Leisure Studies, and in 2012 he completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Sport and Leisure Studies. He then worked for the Waikato Golf Association in a variety of roles, one of which included visiting schools to provide golf lessons to students. Helping students learn golf was the impetus for Jason to return to Waikato to do a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary). “When I was teaching golf, seeing those students learn new skills and gaining that ‘lightbulb moment’ was a big part of why I returned to study as a teacher.”

Jason says this experience, combined with Te Kura Toi Tangata School of Education’s excellent reputation, helped make the decision to return to study an easy one. “And being a part of a programme where you meet and connect with so many people and learn so much was also a highlight.”

Another highlight was the chance to work within schools and experience practical, hands-on learning alongside experienced teachers. “Not only did the practicums give me the opportunity to apply learnings, but to see and understand how a classroom operates,” says Jason.  He experienced teaching in schools with traditional classrooms of one teacher and he spent time in the modern open classroom with multiple teachers. “Being able to see both approaches in action was hugely beneficial to my study and great preparation for the classroom after graduation.”

Jason says he remains motivated in his career by having room to continually grow and develop. “I found that becoming a teacher has opened up possibilities and opportunities to build a new skill-set and keep learning alongside the students. I also get to use my sports skills as the school’s sport coordinator.”

Jason’s advice to those who are thinking about teaching as a career is to be open-minded and get “stuck in.”

“Enjoy every moment and know that you are making a difference in young people’s lives every day.”