Anna Bobyleva

Year 1 Teacher, Ōrākei Primary School
Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood)

Working with children gives her energy and joy every day, says Anna Bobyleva who completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning (Early Childhood).

“I’m currently working as a Year 1 teacher at Ōrākei Primary School, where I support tamariki in their early years of primary school. New Zealand’s curriculum is unique in its emphasis on child-led learning, bicultural practice and holistic development. My role involves teaching structured literacy and foundational numeracy, while also incorporating elements of play-based learning to keep the children engaged and support their development. Alongside academic learning, I place a strong focus on developing social and emotional skills, such as turn-taking, cooperation and emotional regulation.”

She has always wanted to be a teacher.

“Children’s growth and success inspire me to continually explore new and innovative teaching methods, so I can support them in the best possible way. My passion for teaching began early – I started my ‘career’ at the age of five by teaching my cousins how to read and write! I hold a master’s degree in teaching English and German, which I completed in Russia, and have experience teaching secondary school students there.

“After moving to New Zealand, I wanted to deepen my understanding of the local education system. I chose to begin with early childhood education because I believe that the foundations of learning start in the early years, and understanding this stage would give me a holistic view of how education develops across a child’s life. Studying early childhood education in New Zealand has enabled me to build on my previous teaching experience while gaining new perspectives and skills that are relevant to this context.”

Ready for her teaching journey
Her studies at AUT prepared her well for her teaching journey, Anna says.

“I chose AUT because of its strong reputation in the field of education, especially in bicultural and inclusive teaching practice. The programme offers a great balance of academic learning and practicum experiences, and the supportive learning environment and diverse student community made me feel welcome. The highlight of my time at AUT was completing the practicum placements. They gave me the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with tamariki aged from six months to five years, which helped me understand the diverse needs and strengths of young children across different developmental stages. I also learned a great deal about the work culture in Aotearoa. These experiences were incredibly valuable in helping me connect theory to practice and develop confidence in my role as a teacher in the New Zealand context.”

There were a few staff members whose support made a real difference in her AUT experience.

“Dr Sarah Probine, one of my lecturers, had a profound impact on my journey. Her teaching style is both inspiring and supportive – she brings such warmth and passion into the classroom that it deepened my love for the kaiako profession. She truly is like a ray of sunshine, and learning from her helped me feel more confident and connected to my purpose as a teacher.

“I also received incredible support from Horowai Broederlow in the Employability Lab. She was a constant source of encouragement while I was completing my Beyond AUT Award. This was one of my key achievements at AUT, and a great opportunity to extend my learning beyond the classroom and to develop professional skills that are highly valued in the workplace in Aotearoa. Horowai’s guidance, patience and positivity helped me stay motivated and successfully complete the programme.”

Advice for other students
Anna, who completed her studies in mid-2025, has some great advice for other students who are only at the start of their own university journey.

“Follow your dreams and choose a career that truly inspires you – when you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work. One practical tip: create an assignment writing plan! It really helps to structure your learning, manage deadlines and reduce last-minute stress. I’m speaking from experience.”

Take care of your own wellbeing first, she adds.

“You can only support others effectively when you’re feeling balanced and well yourself. Make time to rest, connect with others and do things that bring you joy. Studying at AUT is a journey of growth, and looking after your hauora (wellbeing) will help you make the most of it.”