The 2017 Standards
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Key information
Ngā Paerewa | The Standards 2017 continue to be the Standards for the Teaching Profession that are in force for most purposes until the end of 2026.
This includes certification endorsements, competence processes and initial teacher education requirements. From 1 January 2027, the Standards for the Teaching Profession in force for all of these purposes will be the 2026 Standards. You can read about the 2026 Standards on this webpage.
2026 is a transition year
This means that the 2026 Standards will be used for the purpose of the professional growth cycle and settings will be preparing for its use across all purposes from 2027.
The purpose of the Standards
Standards for the Teaching Profession
The Standards for the Teaching Profession describe what effective teaching looks like in Aotearoa New Zealand. They apply to all certificated teachers across early learning, school, and kura settings.
Purpose
The Standards for the Teaching Profession:
- set out the essential professional knowledge, practice, professional relationships, and competence required for effective teaching
- define the level of practice teachers must meet to be issued with a practising certificate
- promote high-quality teaching and leadership for all learners
- provide a shared framework for ongoing professional learning throughout a teacher's career.
The Standards for the Teaching Profession outline the expectations of the teaching profession in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Ngā Paerewa | Standards for the Teaching Profession 2017
Ngā Paerewa | The Standards were approved in 2017. They provide holistic descriptions of what high-quality teaching practice looks like and what it means to be a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand. They apply to all practising teachers and are designed to support you in your professional journey.
Ngā Paerewa | The Standards 2017 contains six standards, each offering a broad and flexible guide to great teaching practice. They were designed at a high level so every practitioner could apply them to suit the context they are working in - whether that is early childhood, primary, secondary, or another setting.
Each standard included an elaboration to provide depth and context and supports teachers to identify and develop high quality practices in their settings.
Resources
Upcoming changes
The Secretary for Education sets out and maintains the Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Teaching Council applies the Standards through its regulatory role. The 2026 Standards for the Teaching Profession build on the 2017 Standards, while preserving many of their key features.
Early Childhood Education (ECE) services, schools, and kura should expect to use the 2026 Standards:
- for the Professional Growth Cycle (PGC) from 2026
- as the basis for re-certification from 2027.
You can read more about the 2026 Standards through our webpage.
Your go-to hub: My Rawa
My Rawa brings the Code and Standards to life with practical tools and real-world guidance. No matter where you are in your journey, it helps you stay grounded and connected to the heart of the profession.
