Teaching opportunities
“There are so many opportunities for energetic and motivated teachers and the benefits of living in such a fantastic country are enormous,” says Linda, Deputy Principal.
We’ve summarised the main teaching opportunities that exist currently in New Zealand schools and early childhood (ECE) services to help you with your decision making. While we’ve emphasised the main opportunities which exist now, New Zealand has an ongoing need for experienced and well-qualified teachers.
- Early childhood teachers (ECE) - new professional registration requirements for early childhood teachers in New Zealand, and the high participation rate in early childhood education are placing pressure on ECE teacher numbers. At this point there are no UK ECE qualifications that are equivalent to 3 -year NZ ECE diploma or degree.
- Primary teachers - currently vacancies are greatest in Auckland where an increasing population is placing pressure on all teaching sectors. The recent Government announcement regarding increased primary staffing levels will create more employment opportunities for primary teachers in the near future. Primary teachers with a minimum of three years relevant teaching experience are now listed on Immigration New Zealand's Immediate Skill Shortage list for work permits or residency. In addition, 2007 saw the highest number of births recorded in New Zealand since 1972. Ministry of Education officials now expect to see more pupils in classrooms during the next 15 years than previously predicted.
- Secondary teachers - teachers of maths, physics, chemistry and technology are in particular demand.
- Special education teachers - qualified, experienced teachers of children with learning or behavioural issues and those working with children with physical disabilities are sought after.
- Auckland - with its rapidly increasing population Auckland is experiencing teacher supply pressure in all sectors - primary and secondary schools, and early childhood services.
The majority of overseas-trained teachers appointed to New Zealand schools have come from countries with strong language, cultural or educational similarities to New Zealand such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and South Africa.
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