Early classroom journey with Lucy

Today we’re catching up with Lucy,  a warm-hearted, down-to-earth teacher who brings both heart to everything she does. From the classroom to the hockey turf, Lucy is known for her strong relationships with colleagues and students, her fierce team spirit, and thoughtful approach to teaching. In this episode, she opens up about navigating the early years of teaching, finding her stride, and the value of connection and community in the school environment. Whether she’s learning on the go or rallying her team to a win, Lucy’s passion and purpose shine through. 

We also take a look back at Lucy’s unexpected journey into teaching. After completing a degree in Psychology, German, Accounting, and Commercial law, Lucy initially followed a corporate path before realising her heart was elsewhere. A timely opportunity to study teaching through a practical, school-based program helped her transition into education, and she hasn’t looked back since. Tune in for a candid conversation about figuring things out, finding the right fit, and why her third year of teaching has been her best one yet. 

Hosted by Debbie Ross
Find us on Instagram & Facebook: @nurturingeducators

For more information, guest recommendations, and sponsorship opportunities 
or to chat, please email: nurturingeducators@gmail.com or visit  www.nurturingeducators.co.nz

Thanks for listening! 

Transcript

Debbie (Host):
Today we’re catching up with Lucy — a warm-hearted, friendly teacher who’s just as fierce on the hockey field as she is kind in the classroom. Known for her genuine care, strong connections with her students, and tireless mahi, Lucy brings passion and purpose to everything she does. She’s always up for a challenge, whether it’s learning on the fly or leading her team to victory. Get ready for some real talk about the highs, the curveballs, and how teaching (and sport!) have helped shape who she is today. Let’s dive in! 

Debbie (Host):
Hi Lucy, thanks for joining us today. Would you like to share a little bit about yourself? 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, thanks for having me. Yeah, my name's Lucy. I'm a third year teacher and I teach a range of subjects. I teach religious education, business studies, accounting, and economics. 

Debbie (Host):
Oh. And where did you go to uni? 

Lucy (Guest):
I did my undergrad at Auckland Uni and then did the teacher training program through Waikato Uni. 

Debbie (Host):
Oh, very cool. And what were the subjects that you studied? 

Lucy (Guest):
At uni, I did psychology and German for an arts degree. And then for commerce, I did accounting and commercial law. So, yeah, definitely a bit of a variety, yeah. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah. Just like indecisive. 

Lucy (Guest):
Nice to keep your options open. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah, definitely. Oh, very good. So what motivated you to become a teacher? 

Lucy (Guest):
I think probably it's maybe obvious based on what I studied. I didn't really know exactly what I wanted to do. The one good thing about studying accounting is that there are quite clear career paths with it. And so I kind of did the traditional thing, you know, did an internship, then got offered a grad role, which was like really a great opportunity, but it probably wasn't quite what I ever wanted to do. And when I started my grad role, we had 15 days in the office and then we went into lockdown. 

Debbie (Host):
Oh, wow, that's hard. 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, it was definitely hard, but I guess one of the silver linings was I realised I actually didn't really love the work for the work itself, you know. Obviously, a job is more than just the work and definitely in a big corporate firm. You know, there's lots of people around, there's lots of great corporate events, there's free coffees, you know, there's all the great perks that when you're at home by yourself, you see the work for it off—or just, you know, the work itself. And yeah. I wasn't loving it. And then, yeah, there was an opportunity to do my post-grad teaching studies through Waikato Uni, but then based at a school. 

Debbie (Host):
Oh, yeah? 

Lucy (Guest):
So I got like a full year of practical experience. 

Debbie (Host):
Is that a paid or ? 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, it was. Yeah, pretty awesome. Like, the school paid for my fees and then also paid me some money as well. So, yeah, I guess it like felt like I had nothing to lose sort of giving that qualification a go and, yeah. 

Debbie (Host):
It just helps you out as well, like, because when you're a uni student, it's a bit hard to find money. You have to get a job...

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, and especially when you're based out of a school, you know, essentially working kind of full-time as well and doing all the uni studies. 

Debbie (Host):
Oh, that's— so, yeah. Do they do that at a lot of schools or—? 

 Lucy (Guest):
I think it's growing, you know, it's such a great opportunity and it's such a good way to learn how to teach — actually being in the classroom. So, yeah, I think it's definitely growing year after year. So, yeah, it's a great, great initiative for people wanting to become a teacher. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah, definitely look into that if they do. So, how would you describe the first few years of your teaching career? 

Lucy (Guest):
Oh, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster, I suppose. Overall, I've really enjoyed it, though. I have never sort of thought, "Oh, teaching's not for me," you know, I've never regretted the decision to get into teaching. So, you know, I'm very grateful for that. It's been, I guess, exhausting at times, but also there's, you know, lots of highlights and I'm lucky to work in such a great school environment and, you know, the students are great. The colleagues are wonderful, and I think, you know, there's lots of small but great moments that really keep you going as well. 

Debbie (Host):
That's great. So what have been some of your memorable moments? 

Lucy (Guest):
Oh, I think it's exciting working in a school because there's, you know, just lots of small activities happening and, you know, it's sports days or it's special days in the college. It's even, you know, just like the small things — being able to interact with colleagues. And I've been really lucky to have made some really great friends in my colleagues, and yeah, I think that's been what's memorable for me. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah. Extracurricular what do you do? 

Lucy (Guest):
Yes, like, I coached our hockey team for a couple of years, which was— yeah, I've played hockey myself for a really long time but had never done any, like, coaching like that, so that was a good learning experience and got to take the team away to a tournament. So, yeah, lots of learnings from there. And last couple of years, I've managed the Premier netball team, which— yeah, I'm such a netball fan, so, yeah, being able to kind of do that as my extracurricular and watch some really great netball, yeah, definitely a bonus. 

Debbie (Host):
Oh, very good.  What have been some unexpected challenges that you've had to face over the last few years? 

Lucy (Guest):
I think, you know, as a teacher, you can always do more and just trying to find that balance of, you know, when to stop and when to, you know, keep going — what more you can give. Yeah, it's definitely still a work in process for me, though. Like, trying to get that balance right, because you kind of always feel like, you know, there's more marking, more planning, more lessons you could make, you know, and trying to sort of pace yourself and give what you can actually give... that's probably been the challenge for me. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah. What are some of the aspects of teaching that you enjoy the most? 

Lucy (Guest):
One thing I really enjoy about teaching is how it's both predictable and varied in terms of what each day looks like. Sounds a bit random, but I like how it's predictable in terms of — you know what classes you're going to teach, you know sort of what's happening, if there's, you know, if kids are out for certain things, or if there's events to go to. So it's predictable in terms of, you kind of know when you can leave for the rest of the day, you know. 

Whereas when I was working in accounting, sometimes I found that hard — that you didn't sort of know what a day would look like. You know, you didn't know if you'd have to work late to get urgent client work out, or if there'd be no work on at all. It was quite, yeah, unpredictable. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah. 

Lucy (Guest):
But then there's also a great variety in terms of being able to teach, you know, a range of students, a range of subjects, the content's always changing. So, you know, no two days are the same, but you kind of know what you're getting yourself in for as you start the day. 

Debbie (Host):
Routine's good. 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, the routine is really good. So, I think— I think that's important for me. You know, I'm not super spontaneous, so, yeah, it's nice to have that. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah, I like that too. Can you share a particular teacher moment that made you feel really proud or fulfilled? 

Lucy (Guest):
At the end of last year, I completed my two-year teaching registration. 

Debbie (Host):
Oh, done. That's a huge job. 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, it was. I think I didn't realise sort of, you know, that I would feel so proud — but then when, you know, my mentor signed me off and my principal signed me off and I kind of got that official registration, I like actually was really chuffed that I’d done it, which I kind of was like, oh, I didn't really expect it to be a big thing, but actually it was. So, yeah, it's nice as well to sort of see the progress that I've made over the last two years as well. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah, amazing. What's probably your favourite subject or topic to teach and why? 

Lucy (Guest):
I teach a range, though. Oh, probably at my heart, accounting is my favourite just because that's what I've got the most experience in and I've obviously done quite a lot of study in it. But being able to teach both commerce and religious education has been really great in terms of, you know, you get to teach a range of students. Like, for religious education, I teach Year 7s and 8s, and they definitely bring a different sort of energy and enthusiasm than seniors. 

And it's also been special — I didn’t really ever see myself teaching religious education, but it's been really nice to develop my own faith and sort of evangelise in a non-church setting, which, yeah, I think it's quite a blessing to be able to help them know God through school. 

Debbie (Host):
That's amazing. 

Lucy (Guest):
But yeah, the commerce is great as well. Obviously, that's, you know, what I've studied and yeah. Even people say accounting's boring, but I kind of— I love it, so yeah, it's nice to be able to teach that too. 

Debbie (Host):
I'm sure the students enjoy it too, if they see your passion. 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, I hope so. I mean, it is number crunching sometimes, but if that's what you like, it's a good subject to take, so. 

Debbie (Host):
That's good. So going back to your RE, you were a student here before coming back as a teacher? 

Lucy (Guest):
Yes, I was. 

Debbie (Host):
How was the transition or the difference in you coming back. 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah. At the start, it was so random. You know, like walking into the staff room and I sort of thought, oh, can I call like these colleagues now by their first name, or should I still, you know?  Mrs. So and so. Yeah. But I think it was really fortunate for me to be able to come back and learn, you know, a new career, but in a familiar setting. 

Debbie (Host):
Yeah. 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, I guess it was, you know, nice to have something familiar, not everything was brand new. 

Debbie (Host):
And you know the routine. 

Lucy (Guest):
Yeah, I knew the routines and sort of know what happens, you know. Correct, don't go to school yet and like sort of how each day works, I kind of knew how that was all set out. But it has been really nice to come back and actually my accounting teacher is still here and she's been one of my greatest mentors. And so it's really, really special to be able to work with her and still be learning off her.  Yeah, so it's, yeah, very full circle. 

Debbie (Host):
Very nice. What have been some of the challenging parts of being a new teacher? 

Lucy (Guest):
I think sort of teaching can take it out of you quite physically. I probably wasn't prepared for, you know, if you have a day of teaching and planning and marking and meetings and extracurricular and even just getting up the front and teaching a lesson, you know, to 25, 30 kids is like, you know, quite draining. And I think, yeah, like I was saying earlier, just trying to get that balance of, you know, when you need to slow down or take a day off, if actually you need that day off. Rather than, sometimes I worry, you know, about setting relief or, you know, leaving the kids without me, but actually, like, it's obviously more important to look after myself. 

Debbie (Host):
Yes. 

Lucy (Guest):
And then I think now I've realised, you know, it's better to take one day and then, you know, be fully fit the next rather than keep going and then you need, you know, more time off. So yeah, that's probably been the challenge, I say. 

Debbie (Host):
That's nice. With regards to overcoming challenges, are there any resources, tools, or strategies that have helped you? 

Lucy (Guest):
I think just talking to people has been really helpful. You can learn so much from people who have gone through it before you. The teachers here are just so full of knowledge and really happy to share things. Earlier on, you don't want to admit that you don't know things or you’re worried about asking too many questions. But yeah, I've definitely been lucky to have such great support within my colleagues. 

Debbie:
Right. 

Lucy:
My mum is also a teacher, so I think I’m so lucky. She understands what it’s like to be a teacher and she's got really good advice, even for activities or just coping with being a teacher. So yeah, I’m lucky to have that—direct access as well to her knowledge. 

Debbie:
Oh, great. So with regards to well-being, do you have any hobbies or activities that you do outside of teaching to kind of help you relax? 

Lucy:
I’m really into exercise, so I play hockey in the winter and just enjoy going to the gym. Not necessarily relaxing activities, but I think, you know, just… yeah, yeah, an active relaxer at times. I also enjoy a good book, but for me, exercise is really important to channel that energy into something else. But yeah, I definitely enjoy an evening on the couch, either with a book or watching a show. 

Debbie:
Yeah. 

Lucy:
So, like I said, I guess trying to get that balance is probably the goal for this year. I really enjoy reading, but sometimes I feel like, oh, I’m too busy or too tired to read. But actually, there is always time in the day to do that. 

Debbie:
For sure. That’s good. What advice would you give someone who’s just starting out in their teaching career? 

Lucy (Guest):
Ooh, advice. I feel like I’m not wise enough to give… I feel like I’m just… yeah. I think making connections with colleagues is really important. Like I was saying, they’re full of knowledge and experience. I think asking lots of questions is important too. I’m definitely lucky that I’ve had such an open network—people willing to help out or even just have a yarn with. It’s so nice to be able to bounce ideas off people or chat about what’s happening, whether it’s related to work or not. Yeah, it’s been helpful for me. 

Debbie:
And looking back, is there anything you wish you’d known before you started teaching? 

Lucy:
I think, looking back, people don’t necessarily fully appreciate or understand what it’s like to be a teacher. Sometimes I found that a bit challenging. People try to understand and support you the best they can, but until you’re in that classroom doing the job, it’s hard to understand what it’s like to do the role of a teacher—how exhausting it can be or how it just comes in waves of busyness. So yeah, I think you kind of have to get used to your job being a little bit different to other people’s. Like I said, I’m definitely lucky that my mum’s a teacher and she obviously understands, and my family probably has more awareness of what it’s like as well. 

Lucy (Guest):
But, you know, saying all that, it’s been the best decision that I’ve made to become a teacher. So yeah, I guess my advice would be—just give it a go. Especially with the qualification, you don’t really lose anything. My grandma always says, it’s another string to your bow. You can do lots of things with it—there are lots of subjects you can teach, different schools you can work at. So yeah, I think it’s a really great career. Yeah, I love it. 

Debbie (Host):
Oh, that’s so great. Let’s just finish up with a few quick-fire questions. Book or podcast? 

Lucy (Guest):
I’m going to have to say book. 

Debbie:
What about summer or winter? 

Lucy:
Definitely summer. I love swimming. I love a picnic. Yeah, definitely enjoy the sun. 

Debbie:
It’s good. What about coffee or tea? 

Lucy:
Tea. I don’t drink coffee, so yeah. Just a black tea. 

Debbie:
And city or country? 

Lucy:
I’ll go city. I think I enjoy a little bit of hustle and bustle. A bit of exploring, a bit of shopping. 

Debbie:
And sweet or savoury? 

Lucy:
Definitely sweet. The biggest sweet tooth here, so yeah, I definitely need a sweet treat after. 

Debbie:
Yeah, for sure. Okay, cool. Well, thank you so much, Lucy, for joining us on the podcast today. It’s been such a pleasure hearing about your insights and stories, and your passion and your dedication truly made this episode special. So so grateful for your time and for your insights. 

Lucy:
Thank you so much for having me. 

Debbie:
You’re welcome. Take care. 

Lucy:
Thank you.