From animation studio to classroom

Wednesday 15 July 2026

Bas spent years as an animation director, and it was a career he loved. But at 53, he could see the next decade stretching out in front of him, and he didn't want to spend those years the same way.

"I loved my job, but I had been doing it a long time. When I finished up a project, I realised I didn't want to take the next steps in the career or be in the rat race anymore. I just couldn't see myself doing it another 15 years."

Teaching had been in the back of his mind for a while. He was loving coaching his kids’ football. He'd watched a few friends make the switch to teaching later in life, and he wanted something where he could keep learning. When his last animation contract finished, the timing lined up. “Training to teach was everything I was looking for,” he explains.

Now, having completed a four-week Foundation Programme as a pathway into the Secondary teacher training programme, Bas is training to teach Digital Technology – the design of websites, apps, games, digital media. His animation background was the perfect preparation.

He chose The Teachers' Institute for its apprenticeship-type model. No academic lecture theatre, and the majority of the year based in a school. "The first day in the classroom was amazing – getting to know the students and staff and what a school day feels like. I don't know how you'd go into teaching full time without having that under your belt."

At 53, Bas isn’t the oldest trainee at The Teachers’ Institute, but is grateful for the life experience he has to offer in the classroom.

"It’s been invigorating – I’m newly motivated and have a fresh perspective on everything. I've felt very welcomed and very capable despite being older. It's never too late to make a change, if you find the right fit.”

Bas has also found that his years outside teaching are useful within the school environment.

"Coming in as an older person, you have so much more life experience. You can talk in front of people. You let stuff roll off you - the stress, the pressure. You don't take things personally. You develop a thick skin, and that's so valuable when you're talking to students and teachers all day."

The Teachers’ Institute Foundation Programme provides a pathway into postgraduate secondary teacher training in Te Reo Māori or Technology. It is designed for individuals with relevant experience, but who don’t hold a Bachelors Degree at NZQCF Level 7 or above.