Thirty 2015 TeachNZ Kupe Scholarships have been announced and BTI students were awarded two of them! 

One of the recipients, Nikola Patrik, who is studying the Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary programme at BTI shares her story with Sunlive.

Photo: Bruce Barnard, Sun Media

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On Thursday and Friday last week BTI hosted our inaugural Research Symposium. The symposium was dedicated to fostering collegial sharing and discussion about the nature and place of research within Christian higher education and by Christian educators. There were a total of 21 presentations and the feedback from those present has been very positive, certainly meeting our hopes of providing an inspiring time together, in which we appreciated one another’s research and scholarship, gained new and helpful insights relative to our work, and developed partnerships for undertaking collaborative research together in the future.
 
Our own Bev Norsworthy and Andrew Smith presented the keynote addresses, complimented by other presenters from: Christian Heritage College (Brisbane), Laidlaw College (Auckland), the Māori Synod of the Presbyterian Church, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, St Johns Presbyterian Church, and other members of BTI staff. Broadly speaking, the topics covered were: the rationale for research within Christian Higher Education, Māori church history, second generation leadership in Christian schools, utilising Appreciative Inquiry for research development and organisational reflection, supporting and enabling Pasifika students and families, Christian discipleship within tertiary education, digital confidence within teacher education, maximising teacher education practicum, narrative research and practice as evoking of Biblical priorities, spiritual formation within pastoral care and teaching practice, power and ethics within research. The presentations were all of a very high quality and of value to those who attended, which for the most part was those working in higher education but not exclusively so, school teachers, board members, ministers, and tertiary students were also among those who attended.

"Her plan is to do the bachelor and go back to Vanuatu and teach, but more importantly help support the teachers over there to improve the quality of teaching," Mrs Tilby-Price said.  (read more)


HANDS FULL: Courtney Tilby-Price (left) and mum Kerri with supplies donated for the cyclone-ravaged island of Vanuatu. Article & Image: Bay of Plenty Times

If you are thinking about 2016 study and finding it hard to choose where to study, look outside of the Universities and Polytechs at the sector known as PTEs; Private Training Establishments.  Whilst it’s not the easiest of sector names to remember, it is worth noting that with over 500 providers, 195 of which offer diplomas and degrees, it offers a huge range of choice.  Whilst these private providers are not wholly government funded like Universities and Polytechs, there is still a rigorous accountability model that these providers have to adhere to; NZQA and the Tertiary Education Commission oversee and audit the delivery and funding of qualifications in the same way as they do for the Universities and Polytechnics.

One such private provider is BTI.  Located in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Bethlehem Tertiary Institute is known for its caring and supporting, relational learning community where students, studying to become ECE educators, teachers, counsellors and social workers, quickly learn that ‘we practice who we are’.  From this foundational knowledge of self, students are enabled to develop the skills required to become professionals whose practice is relational, responsive and transformative.  BTI staff support the students in this journey by walking alongside them and really getting to know them.  As one recent graduate put it, “I had such a great time studying at BTI, the tutors are very helpful and understanding and sincerely care about you as a person.  I would highly recommend you to study there.”

How does BTI stack up against other sectors in the Bay of Plenty area? Well, two of the most effective key performance indicators used by the government to assess this is ‘successful completion of courses’ and ‘completion of qualifications’ (1).  Benchmarking puts BTI on a par with and, in some situations ahead of, comparable local providers.  So, if you’re thinking of becoming an ECE educator, primary or secondary teacher, counsellor or social worker, check out what BTI has to offer for 2016.  Courses are available on-site and by distance, and for those already in these professions there is the Master of Professional Practice qualification to consider.

To find out more visit www.bti.ac.nz or call us on 0800 BETHLEHEM

BTI will be at the Careers & Business Expo at the ASB Arena, Tauranga on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August 2015.  Come and visit our stand!

1. Source: http://www.tec.govt.nz
   
   

 

Today was a day of celebration for 114 BTI – Bethlehem Tertiary Institute students, as they came together from across New Zealand to celebrate the completion of their studies. 

The occasion was marked by graduands parading up Devonport Road, Tauranga behind a piped band, before attending the graduation ceremony at Holy Trinity Church,  The graduates were cheered along by family and whanau waving balloons.

 For one household, this was a double celebration.  Mother and daughter, Sandy and Kristy Hitchens, graduated today with a Bachelor of Counselling degree and a Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary degree respectively.  The occasion is even more special for this family because both of them graduated with a distinction!

“We called each other a lot and swapped study tips, which of course was helped along by lots of laughing, phone calls, coffee and chocolate when mum came to Tauranga,” explains Kristy.  

Sandy, who studied at a distance, came back to Tauranga for her intensive onsite blocks and offers this advice for all new students, “Enjoy every moment, appreciate being a student at BTI - this is only the very beginning of learning, you will probably end up studying and learning in this field for the rest of your life -  so relax and make the most of it!!"

Here's the latest news from Graeme and Kendal who are teaching on the Thai/Burmese border ....

Each year, BTI staff start the year with two retreat days - it's a fabulous way of reconnecting and team building.  This year, the team served Homes of Hope, in Greerton, Tauranga by carrying out a "working bee" to help clean up and refresh their gardens.

See if you recognise anyone!

G ~ Grow the ability to notice
I ~ Invest in the lives of others
V ~ Venture into unknown territory
E ~ Envelope others in love

Be a rock by standing on THE ROCK
YOUR firm foundation allows you to become an anchor for others
I know you’re not perfect
You have blemishes and will sometimes crack
Be even in your brokenness
Remember all God gives you and GIVE

Ezra Schuster from the Ministry of Education gave a keynote speech at this year's Learning Conference, at BTI.  In his speech, Ezra highlighted:


•  The importance of knowing one’s self as it is from this knowledge that we teach, and connect with others.
 
•  Making connections with your learners is critical and to do that means you need to take the time to know them, their family, community and culture.  Here, he unpacked ‘talanoa’ as his own personal framework for making connections with others.  Talanoa is understood as communication without restriction (going back and forward until we come to consensus) and includes talking to each other a) with love, b) with warmth in an inclusive way, c) with humour, rhythm and flow; d) with respect

• The importance of keeping a balance between one’s role as husband, father, brother (wife, mother, sister, daughter) and your work role.  

• ‘Doing good to others’ and ‘Servant leadership’ are  key motivating themes for how he likes to work.  The  common idea here is “It is not about me!”

• “Good leadership must be able to feel and listen to the winds of change and chart a new course accordingly.”   

• Each of us is where we are today because of the goodness and investment of others in our lives.   Be grateful and committed to investing in others.

• He made an interesting delineation between ‘service’ and ‘serving’  by likening service to a transaction and serving to a lifestyle choice, or way of living.

• When life is hard – remember two things:  First, know it will get better, and Secondly, know it will SHAPE you.


Also visiting BTI as a speaker was Colleen Fryett, who owns several ECE centres in Tauranga called Above & Beyond.

For BTI, delivering a qualification is about preparing the student for life as a graduate in their chosen profession so that they will be successful at gaining employment and transforming lives.  To this end, we work with industry stakeholders to ensure that our programmes are fit for purpose; that our graduates are sought after.

Our 2014 graduation survey shows that 86.77% of BTI students are employed in a job that is linked to their qualification at the time of graduation. 

Bachelor of Counselling graduates reported that 83% of them were employed, an increase of 7% on 2013 outcomes.

90.2% of Teacher Education graduates were employed in schools, with 83% of students graduating with a degree in primary teaching having secured a job.  This is an increase of 18% on 2013.

88% of students who graduated with BTI’s Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) degree in 2014 were employed by the time that they graduated, and it is further encouraging to note that our research shows that of those graduating in 2014, 44% were offered a job in either their ‘Host school’ or a school at which they carried out a practicum experience. This shows that BTI is teaching the skills required in the programme to meet the needs of industry.

Our graduate job outcomes for 2014 are particularly encouraging as the current national trend for those graduating with a degree in Primary and Secondary teaching is significantly lower.  Our evidence, based on student and stakeholder feedback, shows us that BTI’s commitment to growing students both holistically and academically, stretching them towards excellence, is outworked by students whilst on practicum and witnessed by employers.

The skills that graduates learn at BTI are not just focussed on the specific practice skills required, ie “teaching”, “counselling”, “social work”, they also learn transferrable skills such as working in teams, problem solving, communication and accountably.  We believe that this is imperative if we are to ensure that our graduates are educated for roles that may not yet be available to them in NZ.  This approach helps to ‘future-proof’ our graduates and makes them highly attractive to stakeholders, many of whom recognise these skills at the time of practicum or ‘Host school’ experience.

2014 is a year that BTI will remember for quite some time to come; not only is it our coming of age,  it is also the year in which NQZA gave approval for BTI to deliver two new qualifications:

* Postgraduate Diploma of Professional Practice

* Master of Professional Practice

The added significance of this approval is that, not only is this BTI's first step into postgraduate programme delivery, but that the whole approval process from submission to approval took just over 12 weeks! 

In responding to the submission, the NZQA approval panel commended BTI on the following:
 
* The integration of research throughout the whole programme, incorporating a broad range of research methodologies.

* The level of staff qualification and research experience.

* The example provided by senior staff in combining programme development, teaching and research involvement with the leadership roles.

* The comprehensive consultation process, which was iterative, broad and meaningful, and which clearly influenced development.

* The well designed integrated approach to research supported by committee structure, strategic plan and professional development.

* The inclusion of an exegesis option for the thesis.

* The successful integration of the faith-based special character of BTI with the academic rigour required at
post-graduate level without compromising either.

BTI Dean, Dr Andrew Smith, says the qualification is specifically faith-based and is for any professional working in people-helping roles such as teaching, counselling, social work or occupational therapy and who wants to look at integrating faith and work, “This doesn’t mean postgraduate students will be working in a
Christian school or church. It just means they want to think about what it means  to bring their faith to work.”

The qualification consists of 18 months’ equivalent full time study, but will be completed on a part time basis across three years allowing students to integrate study with their professional practice.

 “We are going to be provoking students to look at themselves and think about who they are as professionals. They will then look at some of the principles that they bring to the workplace.  Often people get involved in these sorts of roles without necessarily clearly articulating the principles that we work from.”

BTI has also woven research aspects throughout the whole qualification which is an innovative approach to postgraduate study.

The programme, which is expected to fill quickly due to a waiting list of eager would-be students, will be delivered for the first time in early 2015.

On Saturday 5th April 2014, as the glorious hot sunshine beat down on Tauranga, shoppers paused to acknowledge 125 graduands decked out in the gold and blue colours that represent BTI's Teacher Education and Counsellor Education programmes.   The celebratory processsion, which commenced at the waterfront at 1.15pm, was led by a piped band and cheered on by friends, family and whanau lining Devonport Road.

Deputy Major, Kelvin Clout, joined an impressive crowd of almost 800 to celebrate BTI's 2014 Graduation ceremony at Holy Trinity Church.  As always, there was a strong sense of community spirit evident, and a number of the graduands were publicly honoured with tributes from whanau and family.

This graduation was especially important for BTI, as it marked the largest number of Secondary Teaching students to graduate in one group in BTI's 21 year history.  25 students, who had studied the Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) programme by distance, from all around New Zealand, came together in celebration with 76% of this cohort already having secured jobs; 40% of which are in their 'Host School'.  The national average for Secondary graduates gaining employment after graduation is closer to 30%!

Al Ronberg, pictured centre in this main photo, says of the Secondary programme, "When you study at BTI, you become a part of a family - you get the feeling that YOUR OWN personal success is something that EVERYONE on staff is working towards. They give you a long leash and continually personalise the course to your individual subject requirements and personality. The jewel in the crown is their ingenious Host-School model in Secondary Teacher training."

These photos show some of the 'behind the scenes' moments that were captured on the day.

What does ‘success’ look like to a BTI student?  Is it the ability to support family, start a dream career in teaching, counselling or social work, or the ability to serve and transform the lives of others? It is; but for some it’s also about raising one’s own confidence after being out of study for many years, building new connections when children fly the nest or the challenge of gaining a new or first qualification at tertiary level.

With 69%* of BTI students enjoying the lifestyle balance of studying from where they live or work, coming onsite to Tauranga for ‘intensive blocks’, it’s critical that we really get to know them as people and walk alongside them as they study.  We want our students to achieve success and believe that the key to this success is encouraging a relational learning culture. As BTI Dean, Dr Andrew Smith says, “Positive relationships are the soil in which transformation grows.”
 
To learn more about the ‘DNA of BTI’s Relational Learning Culture’ 

*2013 data

BTI is developing a Master of Professional Practice (M Prof Prac)  - an 18-month, full time equivalent, qualification designed for Christian professionals working in fields such as education sectors (ECE, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary) and social service, including Counselling. 

We are delighted to confirm that the proposal has now been finalised and submitted to NZQA for approval.  This can be a reasonably long process, but we hope to have approval by Term 4 of this year so that we can welcome the first cohort in 2015!

To find our more about our proposed Masters qualification, or to register your interest, CLICK HERE.

Clement joined BTI in January 2014 as an Educator in the Social Work programme.  Prior to this, he worked as a Care & Protection Social Worker in Child Youth & Family (CYF) within South Auckland District. 

Originally from Zimbabwe, Clement has travelled a geographical and professional diverse journey: a Teacher, Teacher Trainer and Lecturer in Applied Linguistics (in Zimbabwe) and as a Lecturer in Postgraduate Development (at the University of Cape Town in South Africa). 

Clement is interested in the relationship between Critical Discourse Analysis in Social and Community Work practice.  Inspired by the view that creative writing has a place in intellectual production, Clement has previously published a collection of poems (Before the Next Song) and several short stories (most included the Zimbabwean anthology, No More Plastic Ball).*

We are delighted to have Clement as part of the BTI team!

* If you're interested in reading some of Clement's writing, review "Where to Now? Short Stories from Zimbabwe"

Smiling year-3 Bachelor of Education students finished their studies at BTI today by hosting the annual Professional Learning Conference to serve those students currently in years 1 & 2.

The conference, hosted over 2 days, featured guest speaker, Dr Howard Youngs, who is currently Associate Professor at UNITEC, and was part of the BTI staff several years ago. There were over twenty-eight student presentations to choose from including, 'Surviving and thriving in year 3', 'Teaching Social Sciences', 'Sustainable activities for ECE', 'Ways of thinking' and 'Developing a passionate creed'.  
               
After the conference, Associate Dean, Dr Bev Norsworthy, who heads up the Teacher Education cluster enthused, "We see stunning examples of how these students have grown as professionals, sharing valuable insights and perspectives with the newer students, and encouraging them towards their teaching goals.  There was clear evidence that these year-3 students are committed to reflective practice and that's excellent news for the schools and ECE centres nationwide that will employ these graduates in 2014."

The formal graduation of these Bachelor of Education students will take place on Saturday 5th April 2014 at Holy Trinity in Tauranga.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, creative and experienced ECE educator with an interest in e-learning and teaching. 

We'd love to hear form you if you would enjoy using your expertise to teach and motivate others into this vital profession.
You would have online and face to face teaching responsibilities, a pastoral care role and you would assist with supporting students in their practicum locally and at a distance.

This position would suit someone who either holds, or wants to complete, a Master's degree.  You will need to have a clear fit with the Christian special character of BTI.

The position would commence in January 2014. 
Apply online: http://www.seek.co.nz/Job/25473254?cid=advfb


 

BTI is delighted to announce that we will be hosting author, Paul Young, and theologian, Baxter Kruger, in January 2014.

Experience this rare opportunity - come and linger in the love of God.  Evening event and day retreat available, with prices starting at just $5!

Read more and to book online: http://www.bti.ac.nz/the-shack.html

"This simple story confirmed and validated the way in which I think and
relate to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. This book was life altering and truly wonderful. My understanding is that the author originally wrote it for his children. Love God, Love The Shack!"

BTI celebrated 20 years this weekend with a celebratory dinner at Mills Reef, attended by students, alumni, staff, VIPs and other key stakeholders, including Hon Simon Bridges, MP for Tauranga, and the Mayor of Tauranga, Stuart Crosby.

The evening was full of laughter, recognition of service, student awards and an inspirational speech by well known journalist, Rob Harley. Read more...

Everyone knows there is something special about BTI, but trying to put your finger on exactly what it is can prove tricky.  Kathryn Overall takes up the challenge of exploring the relational learning culture that makes the BTI study experience so unique.

Read more...