Jane Moginie

Science and maths teacher
 
" Teaching is great to return to after a break – I’ve come back with renewed energy and find it so enjoyable, a great fit with my parental responsibilities."

Part-time work is the perfect solution for Jane, recently returned to teaching. After being home with her children, now aged 11 and 9, and a period of employment out in the real world, Jane finds her current role blends well with her family life.

" It’s easy to walk straight back into it – I was surprised. But as a parent you’ve been dealing with children and the confidence soon returns," Jane recalls. " And I’m sure my parenting experiences have made me a better teacher."

With science as her passion she trained as a secondary teacher after completing her degree. " Science isn’t an easy subject to teach, or learn," she reflects. " It needs a skilled teacher to distil and present the important ideas."

Jane has found teaching a great stepping stone to other work as many of the skills learned are essential in business.

" I had a great job organising scientific tests for the Consumers’ Institute. This meant liaising with scientists in laboratories around New Zealand, then writing up their scientific reports into easily understood articles for Consumer magazine. This used all my interpersonal and organisational training."

Jane also set up a database management company which she says used a different blend of all the skills she has acquired. " And it works two ways. I take back into teaching skills and energy from these new experiences. I see myself stepping in and out of teaching – trying new things and returning, refreshed, to the classroom."