Frances currently works as a teacher of a Year 4 class in Auckland.

She holds a Bachelor of Education.

1. When you were 7 years old you wanted to be... a banker, singer, athlete, teacher

2. Name of the educational institution(s) you graduated from
University of Auckland

3. Why did you choose your major(s) or specialisation?
Kids are the future, it's as simple as that!

4. How did you find your first job?
I had worked there as a reliever and saw the job advertised in the Ed Gazette (Job ads for teachers) so I brought my CV along the next time I relieved there, got an interview, and got the job.

5. Describe the interview process you went through to obtain your first position after graduating
First I talked with the Principal alone for about 15 mins (just general chat, not related to teaching) and then I was interviewed by the Principal, 2 Deputy Principals, the Year 4 team leader, and a member of the BOT.
I was asked all sorts of questions (personality, strengths, weaknesses, reasons for applying, teaching styles etc.) and the interview lasted about 45 minutes.

6. What training was made available to you by your employer in your first role?
All Beginning Teachers (BT's) have a tutor teacher to help guide them and offer support. We also get 1 day release time (out of the class) to do planning, assessment, attend courses etc. The courses are attended by other BT's so you can discuss ideas, share troubles or successes, and relate to each other.

7. Describe some of the roles you have held since your graduate level position
Classroom teacher, sports coach.

8. Have you found your degree useful in your working career? Why (or why not)?
Yes, it provided very practical experience in the classroom and to do with preparation, and plus I had to do it to become a teacher! 

9. What are your plans for the next 5 years?
Teach in NZ for a few years then head overseas to teach.

10. What advice would you give an upcoming graduate looking to kick off a successful career?
Be patient, the right job will come along. I waited a year for mine, and in the meantime I was relief teaching. In the interview just be yourself. Approach everything with a positive mind.