How I Became - a Teacher.
How I Became - a Teacher w/ Tyla Middleton.
Welcome to the ‘How I Became’ series where Billie talks to girls across New Zealand who are killing it in their chosen career and see how they got there!
Trying to decide what you ‘want to be when you grow up’ is hard enough as it is and your careers counsellor probably won’t have all the answers you need.
HIB aims to give you a bit of insight into different career paths and what it takes to get there.
Name: Tyla Middleton
Age: 26
Job title: Teacher
Current job: Year 2 Primary Teacher
Firstly, what drew you to teaching?
What drew me to teaching was my love for working with kids. I’ve always enjoyed babysitting and nannying, and I found it really rewarding to help children learn and grow. I’ve always had a lot of patience (and maybe a little enjoyment in bossing people around too!). From a young age, I could picture myself as a teacher, creating a positive space where kids feel supported and excited to learn. The idea of making a difference in their lives has always been really motivating for me.
What subjects did you take in high school that you think helped?
In high school, English and Social Studies were key in developing my communication skills and understanding diverse perspectives, which are essential in teaching. I also loved Dance and Drama, which helped me build creativity and confidence—skills I use to engage students.
What did your pathway towards starting your career look like?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, inspired by a wonderful Kindergarten teacher. My passion for working with younger children grew through my work experience in a daycare, where I later did casual relief. I initially thought I would become an early childhood educator, influenced by my own experiences growing up with a younger brother, with a 12-year age gap, along with many babysitting/nannying experiences as that gave me a special connection to younger kids.
However, during my studies, I realised my calling extended beyond early childhood to teaching in broader primary classroom settings. My first primary teaching role solidified my commitment to education, and now, I'm in my 6th year of primary school teaching!
What did you study/where/how long did it take?
I studied at AUT (Auckland University of Technology). I completed a Bachelor of Education, Specialised in Early Childhood. It is a 3 year degree.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is seeing the growth and development of my students. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about watching a child grasp a new concept or achieve something they once thought was beyond their reach. The moments when they light up with excitement or surprise themselves with what they can do make all the hard work worthwhile.
I also love the relationships I build with my students, as well as their whanau. Being part of their learning journey and knowing that I’m helping to shape their future is a powerful and rewarding experience. Every day is different, and that variety keeps me passionate about what I do.
What’s the hardest part?
The hardest part of teaching is managing the increasing behavioural challenges, especially with limited government support. I take pride in doing everything I can to support my students, but it’s tough when there's not enough 1:1 assistance from teacher aides or additional resources to address individual needs effectively.
Another challenge is the administrative workload. While assessments and paperwork are necessary for tracking progress, they can be overwhelming and take time away from directly engaging with my students. Balancing the demands of testing, lesson planning, and maintaining a positive classroom environment can sometimes feel like a struggle.
Ultimately, teaching requires balancing many roles—supporting students emotionally and academically, staying on top of admin, and keeping up with professional development. It can be demanding, but knowing that I’m making a difference in students’ lives is what keeps me going.
What surprised you most about your job once you started working?
What surprised me most about teaching was how much of the job goes beyond just delivering lessons. I knew teaching would involve planning, but I didn’t fully realise how much time and energy would be dedicated to managing different learning needs, building relationships, and supporting students emotionally. Each child is unique, and adapting to their individual needs requires constant flexibility and creativity.
What does an average day look like for you?
An average day for me starts around 7:30 am, getting everything ready for the day—printing, cleaning, and setting up materials. Once the students arrive, we settle in before the second bell, followed by roll call, notices, and calendar maths. I like to kick things off with a quick fitness activity or game to get the students moving and engaged.
The day then flows into core subjects: maths, structured literacy (phonics, handwriting), and reading groups. I also incorporate learning through play, where students explore different inquiry topics in a hands-on way. Depending on the day, they may attend specialist subjects like ICT, dance, drama, or P.E.
Te Reo Māori is woven into the day, with more specific lessons around tikanga at times. Of course, we also fit in brain food, morning tea, and lunch, and I often have outdoor duties during breaks. My day at school usually runs from 7:30 am to around 4 pm, though sometimes I stay late or work from home to prepare for the next day.
What advice would you give to those looking to follow a similar career path?
My advice would be to gain as much hands-on experience as possible, whether through volunteering, work experience, or casual roles like teacher aide positions. It’s important to understand the practical side of teaching and develop a genuine connection with students. Also, be patient and flexible—no two days are the same, and the ability to adapt is key. Don’t forget to focus on your own well-being too; teaching can be demanding, so finding balance and staying passionate about your work is crucial. And finally, always keep learning—teaching is a profession where you grow with your students, so continual professional development is essential.
What are the biggest challenges in your opinion to getting into teaching?
One of the biggest challenges in getting into teaching is the amount of time and effort it takes once you’re in the role. Teachers work well beyond school hours—planning lessons, making resources, marking work, and supporting students—which isn’t reflected in the pay. The job can also be emotionally demanding, with the need to manage a diverse range of student needs while staying engaged and patient. Despite these challenges, the work is incredibly rewarding, but it does require a lot of dedication and passion.
What kind of skills does your job require?
As a teacher, we wear many hats. Strong communication, patience, and empathy are essential for working with students, parents, and colleagues. Classroom management, creativity, and organisation help keep everything running smoothly. Flexibility and problem-solving are also key, as each day brings new challenges. Ultimately, teaching involves balancing many roles, from educator to counsellor, while always keeping the students' needs at the centre.
What part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?
The most satisfying part of my job is seeing my students grow and succeed. Whether it's watching a child master a new concept, build confidence, or overcome a challenge, those moments make all the hard work worthwhile. Knowing that I’ve made a positive impact on their learning and development is what drives me to keep going every day.
What has been an absolute highlight of your career?
An absolute highlight of my career will be watching my first-year class graduate at the end of this year. I’ve had the privilege of teaching them since they were in Year 1, and now, seeing them as Year 6 students ready to move on to the next chapter will be incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the academic growth, but seeing how far they’ve come as individuals. Being a part of their journey from the very beginning makes this moment extra special.
What’s an unexpected element to your job that people don’t realise you have to do?
An unexpected element of teaching that people don’t always realise is the amount of behind-the-scenes work we do—things like planning, marking, and organising resources outside of classroom hours. While it might seem like teaching is only about the time spent with students, a huge portion of our job happens before and after school. Another misconception is about the holiday breaks—while it’s true that we get time off, many teachers continue to work during these breaks, planning for the next term, attending professional development, or preparing materials. It’s a rewarding job, but there's a lot more work involved than most people realise.
Describe your job in three words
Rewarding, Evolving, Fulfilling.
Follow Tyla’s teaching journey, @teachingwithmrsmiddleton, on Instagram.
