Becoming a teacher
Teaching is a rewarding profession where your work will make a real difference. If you're thinking about becoming a teacher you can find some guidance on this page.
Studying to be a teacher
Approved Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes of study will lead you towards a teaching qualification. With it you can teach in New Zealand early childhood education centres, schools (primary, intermediate and secondary) or kura (Māori medium or immersion).
Your ITE programme will fully prepare you for your teaching career with a mix of curriculum, learning and pedagogical theory, professional studies, practicum experiences and cultural studies.
The TeachNZ website has a search tool to help you choose an approved programme that suits you. Make sure you are studying an approved programme that is recognised by the Teaching Council for registration purposes. You can also:
- Find entry requirements to train as a teacher
- Find Māori and Pacific teaching options
- Use their search tool to help choose a programme that suits you
- Explore financial support and scholarship opportunities
When you complete your ITE qualification you can apply to the Teaching Council for registration and a practising certificate.
Finding a teaching job
Schools and early childhood services are responsible for employing their own staff. There is no central staffing agency and no government department responsible for staff placement.
You can apply directly to schools or centres.
Teaching positions are advertised in a range of ways including:
- Education Gazette Online - Ministry of Education's main source of teaching jobs
- websites such as Seek and Trade Me
- advertisements in large daily newspapers (most commonly on Wednesday and Saturday) although many of these are also on the job section of the Trade Me website
- Auckland-based Oasis Education website
- Education Personnel
- Ranstad Education - National supplier of teachers across New Zealand for full-time, contract, fixed term and day to day relief