Overview
In 1995, when I was seven years old, my Year Two report contained a small comment from myself stating that “When I grow up, I’m going to be a Techer” Yes, I had even made a spelling error in my future profession, but I was determined to become a teacher one day within my career!
Fast forward to leaving the University of Kingston in England 2009, I was determined more than ever, to help support students upon their own academic journey. I had now graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and English Literature, so began my teaching career in a male prison.
I worked primarily with learners studying the English language, therefore I frequently engaged with diverse students, from multicultural backgrounds and societal classes. Each day was different, and challenging, yet still immensely rewarding. During those two years, I noted that a familiar pattern had begun to occur, whilst conversing with these prisoners, I had discovered that many patterns of their behaviors had begun from early childhood and lacked interventional support. I wanted to know why this happened, or better yet, wanted to help young children in such potential situations. I then returned to my family in Jamaica to ponder my options and accept advice from my Grandparents (it’s always good to have wise people on your team)!
An opportunity to teach English with children in China was later offered, and I was suddenly placed into a very different educational system, from Preschool to High School years adapting my teaching techniques for varied learning styles and discovered more about Chinese culture, the language and the food.
Throughout my time in China, I had decided to continue with my studies, yet was unsure of what to do, a Modern Foreign Languages degree…Or a Master of Teaching…decisions? decisions?
I returned to the UK, and after three years of deliberating (and coaxing from my future husband), I applied to the University of Western Sydney and moved to Australia where I completed my Master of Teaching -0 to 5 Years and began working as an Early Childhood Teacher, before eventually taking on more responsibilities such as both Playroom and Educational Leaders.
In 2019 I had my first child and took off a year for Maternity Leave. During this period, good childcare and education truly resonated with me, as now I had become a mother, its importance and my expectations had dramatically shifted.
When I returned to work, I had grown accustomed to my roles and no longer felt challenged, I wanted to further my knowledge and experience within the profession; to not only test my own abilities, but also expand my thinking. My desire was to support both Children and Educators, overseeing these relationships and learning experiences grow.
I therefore discovered in 2024 that working within the Bear Childcare family enabled me to do so. Whilst I learned and applied this knowledge, it also benefited our team, aiding their ability to implement this information, within the foundations of children’s learning and development.
Jade Cordwell-Williams