Inclusive Teaching Practice Guidance

Created with teachers. Grounded in real practice. Supporting every ākonga.

The Inclusive Teaching Practice Guidance (ITPG) is a draft resource designed to support teachers and education leaders in building more inclusive, equitable learning environments, places where all ākonga feel accepted, supported, and able to thrive. Whether you're in early learning, primary, secondary, or initial teacher education, the ITPG offers practical guidance you can use, with flexibility to suit your learners and your context.

This draft resource is about supporting you to do what you do best, teach in a way that uplifts every learner. It’s not a rigid manual. You can dip in and out, using the strategies, examples, and ideas that resonate most with your teaching practice and your community.

Developed collaboratively with input from across the education sector, teachers, leaders, inclusive education specialists, disabled people, Māori educators, ITE providers, union reps (PPTA and NZEI), and Ministry of Education advisers, this framework reflects the diverse voices of the profession.

It aligns directly with the Ngā Paerewa | Standards for the Teaching Profession, supporting you to meet professional expectations in ways that are practical, relevant, and grounded in inclusive values.

Learning from what works

The ITPG builds on insights from recent ERO reports:

• Thriving at School? Education for Disabled Learners in Schools
• A Great Start? Education for Disabled Children in Early Childhood

These reports revealed examples of strong inclusive practice, particularly in:

• High equity index schools, where disabled learners and whānau reported more positive outcomes and support
• English-medium schools with high numbers of ākonga Māori, where inclusive cultures were stronger and more deeply felt

The ITPG celebrates and shares these strengths, helping good practice flourish across the sector.

It also responds to ERO’s key recommendations for the Teaching Council, including:

• Strengthening the focus on teaching disabled learners in ITE, induction, and mentoring
• Making inclusive practice more visible in Our Code, Our Standards
• Prioritising disability in professional learning and development (PLD)
• Ensuring accessible, high-quality resources and support are available

What you’ll find in the ITPG:

• Case studies and real-world examples you can relate to
• Strategies, tools, and ideas you can use right away
• Professional learning links to deepen your inclusive practice
• Opportunities to connect with communities of practice

It’s all built on the Martyn Rouse Knowing, Believing, Doing model, and guided by the values of Open Heart, Open Mind, and Open Arms—encouraging empathy, reflection, and meaningful action.

Supporting you, every step of the way

The ITPG:

• Connects inclusive education with effective, high-quality teaching
• Builds on your professional strengths and aspirations
• Embeds the values of the teaching profession: Whakamana, Manaakitanga, Pono, and Whanaungatanga

Trial phase in progress – feedback to come

The ITPG is currently being trialled across a wide range of settings, including early learning services, schools, initial teacher education, and RTLB. Once the trial is complete, teachers and education leaders will be invited to share their feedback to help refine the final version. Your voice will help shape the future of inclusive education in Aotearoa.