​“While the course is designed primarily to lead into the social work, counselling and teaching degrees at Bethlehem Tertiary Institute, we also have students who are using it as preparation for other disciplines such as psychology and physiotherapy,” Penny says. The programme consists of three courses, one of which includes a practical component. The first course covers the mechanics of tertiary study, essay writing, referencing, time management, reading smarter, note-taking, critical thinking and proof-reading.

The second course looks at the things that influence our thinking, such as identity, culture, beliefs and communication, and also gives a chance to further practice the skills learnt in the first course.

The third course is designed to give the student an opportunity to explore a people-helping career of their choice (teaching, social work or counselling) through a volunteer service-learning experience, and through interacting with professional individuals and academic readings from their chosen area.
​
“This Certificate programme provides a genuine experience of tertiary study without the financial commitment of a three or four year degree,” says Penny. “We designed it so that our students would complete it not only with the skills they need to succeed at tertiary level but also knowing more about themselves and their ‘fIt’ to a certain career.” BTI has a reputation for relational teaching not common at larger institutions, and “once we accept you into a programme, we are committed to your success,” Penny says.

NZQA has rated Bethlehem Tertiary Institute as a Category One provider of tertiary education (the highest grade possible), so students can be assured they are getting the very best in education that New Zealand has to offer.

The course is full-time (30 hours per week) and online, with an optional two or three day intensive just before the official start date. It is eligible for Student Allowances and Student Loans. The 18-week programme is run every semester, with the next iteration starting on February 11th 2019.

For more information visit www.bti.ac.nz/nz-certificate-in-study-and-career-preparation

​Congratulations to Soteria Mulipola - Samu who was awarded a KUPE Scholarship (for Māori and Pasifika High Achievers) at a ceremony held in Wellington last week. 30 recipients have been selected to receive this prestigious scholarship which recognises applicants for their accomplishments and for their desire and ability to become outstanding role models in early childhood, primary or secondary education.
​
Soteria Mulipola- Samu is currently studying at BTI towards a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary). 

​Read More...

Yesterday, BTI officially launched the new School of Social Practice. Programmes within this school are professionally recognised and NZQA accredited. Dr. James Arkwright and Dr. Dominic Chilvers have both taken up new roles within the School,  Dr James Arkwright as role as Head of School and Dr Dominic Chilvers as Social Work Professional Leader.  They are supported by a professional team of knowledgeable, skilled and relational educators, whose teaching practice is informed by their previous experience in the field as counsellors or social workers.
 
There was a good mix of staff, students, alumni and special guests present at the launch and the feedback has been very positive. Thank you to all that attended and to those who worked behind the scenes to ensure the event was a success. 

Click on the image to view the latest news update from Graeme and Kendal Cook

Bethlehem Tertiary Institute (BTI) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Andrew Butcher to the role of CEO and Dean with effect from 4th December 2017.

Currently leading the research and evaluation team at the Ministry of Justice and Chairman of International Students of New Zealand, a charity, Dr Butcher was previously Director, Research and Policy at the Asia New Zealand Foundation and President of the Population Association of New Zealand,   Dr Butcher has experience of leading organisations through significant periods of growth.  He brings to BTI a prolific research publication record of over 80 articles and book chapters, success in fundraising, cross-cultural experience and has extensive networks in the education sector and Christian ministries.  He has held visiting fellowships at Otago, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey and the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, and was invited onto the International Visitor Leadership Program at the US State Department and the Lausanne Younger Leaders Gathering in Malaysia. Dr Butcher has tertiary teaching experience and a clear understanding of drivers in the tertiary education sector. His research focuses on the church in New Zealand, foreign policy, pastoral care of international students, and migration.

Dr Butcher holds PhD in Sociology, degrees in Criminology and History, and he has almost completed a Bachelor of Theology.  He has served as a member of several research advisory boards, conference organising committees and the departmental review panel for Otago University’s Department of Theology and Religion.  Dr Butcher is on the preaching team at The Anchor Church in Whitby, Wellington and says “I am committed to faith seeking understanding through prayer, Scripture, scholarship, teaching and leadership. I am excited by this opportunity and look forward to leading a committed team at BTI.“

Based in Tauranga, BTI delivers a range of NZQA accredited faith-informed certificates, diplomas and degree programmes in Career Preparation, Professional Practice, Teaching (Primary and Early Childhood), Counselling, Family Support and Social Work, and is the only non-university to offer a Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary).

NZQA recognises BTI as a category one provider (highly confident in educational performance and highly confident in self-assessment), the highest accolade bestowed upon tertiary providers by NZQA as a measure of quality education.

Dr David Tweed, Chair of BTI’s Board of Directors says of the appointment, ‘Dr Butcher is joining an exceptionally motivated, passionate team led by the current Dean Dr Andrew Smith and, as Directors, we firmly believe that BTI will continue to ‘punch above its weight’ with this next chapter of leadership.”

For those of you who have been following progress, here's the latest newletter from Noh Boh village in Thailand...

Saturday 13th May 2017 is a milestone graduation event for BTI. Three disciplined students who, whilst working in their chosen fields of practice, are the first cohort to graduate with BTI's Master of Professional Practice degree. "They should be very proud indeed", says BTI's Dean, Dr Andrew Smith.

One of the graduating Master's students is Sue Baker. Commencing her life-long learning journey with Bethlehem Tertiary Institute (BTI) almost two decades ago, Sue's passion was, and has remained, transforming and enriching the lives of the children in her care.

After finishing her Diploma of Teaching (Primary) with BTI in the late 1990's, Sue's love of teaching found her upskilling and graduating with the Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree in 2012. "I've been teaching in the classroom for sixteen years. Right from the start, I knew that I had found my place and then sixteen years on I started to ask myself again, "Why am I here?" BTI's Master of Professional Practice couldn't have been a better fit.  As a Christian professional, I just knew from my previous study experience that, not only was this qualification right for me, it was also the right place to study!"

The Master of Professional Practice degree is accredited by NZQA and their approval to teach this qualification has been given to just five tertiary providers nationally. As one of those five accredited providers, BTI offers the only faith-informed option for Christian professionals who include teachers, social workers, counsellors, principals, managers, leaders and lawyers as well as other professionals in people-helping roles. Christian professionals, who wish to focus on human flourishing and both strategically and intentionally align their current practice with the biblical narrative, should contact BTI about the Master of Professional Practice degree.

Dr Bev Norsworthy, the Postgraduate Programme Coordinator and BTI's Head of Teaching & Learning explains, "So many Christians find themselves living a life where their Christian lives are vibrant but where their professional practice is 'added on' or 'on the side'. One of the most important things that happens for students in BTI's Master of Professional Practice programme is that they get a much deeper understanding of who they are, how God has made them and how He has equipped them with the passion, skills and personality that are perfect for His work here on earth".

Study is by distance and available throughout New Zealand. Whilst attendance at half yearly 'intensives' is strongly recommended in order to build relationships with others in the programme, only one 3-day onsite 'intensive' is compulsory.
More information about the Master of Professional Practice degree and other BTI qualifications is available at www.bti.ac.nz

Downtown Tauranga shoppers paused to acknowledge a procession of 96 Bethlehem Tertiary Institute (BTI) graduates on Saturday as they made their celebratory march from Red Square up to Holy Trinity Church for their graduation ceremony.
 
Onlookers may have spotted five graduates wearing green academic regalia amongst a sea of blue and gold.  Those graduating from BTI’s teaching and counselling degree and diploma programmes wear blue and gold regalia. The new colour represents the very first cohort of students to graduate from BTI’s Bachelor of Social Work degree programme, which began in 2012.
 
The Ministry of Immigration includes social work on the long-term skills shortage list for New Zealand, so social work graduates are in a good position to find employment in a variety of social work roles nationally.
 
Each of the five BTI social work graduates found employment as a social worker immediately after completing their study, most of them with the organisations they did their practicum placements with. Tauranga local, Maylene Jennings, has been employed as a Care and Protection Social Worker at the Open Home Foundation in Tauranga and says she finds the work rewarding. “I had set a goal of one day working for a statutory agency that works with the most at-risk families,” says Maylene. “It is such an awesome privilege to be working alongside families, especially those who may have never felt heard before.”  
 
The BTI social work degree programme is unique in New Zealand in that it includes a spiritual dimension, and encourages students to deeply consider how their own beliefs and values impact on their practice as a social worker.
 
Programme Co-ordinator, Heidi Crawford, says that many people come into social work thinking that they are going to learn how to tell people what to do. “At BTI we continually say that it must start with self,” she says. “Many of our students talk about not only a journey of becoming a social worker, but a journey of personal transformation.” 
 
Maylene Jennings agrees. “I really believe that the social work journey has changed me to be a better version of myself from four years ago,” she says. “I am more empathetic, non-judgmental and inclusive. BTI allows you to be yourself, challenges you and provides a safe place to be honest about your values and beliefs.”

Congratulations to the BTI - Bethlehem College Scholarship recipients for 2016.

BTI Dean, Dr Andrew Smith, presented four awards at last night's Senior Prize Giving ceremony:

Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Primary scholarship awarded to:

Jasmine Marie Turnbull
Emma Joy Lee
Joshua McKenzie

Bachelor of Education (Teaching) ECE scholarship awarded to:

Kaya Van de Meer

Each scholarship covers the recipients full student fees for their 3-year undergraduate programme.  We wish them all well with their study and look forward to welcoming them on to campus early in 2016.

In this issue of Christian Life, BTI shares some exciting trends and developments  ...

Meet another one of the BTI students who received a TeachNZ KUPE scholarship this year.  Former Southland rugby star, Richard Apanui, is in the final stages of completing his Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) qualification with BTI... read more

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

READ MORE

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!