How to become a teacher in New Zealand

Interested in becoming a teacher in New Zealand? How does it work?

Thankfully the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and Ministry of Educaton has detailed information on how it works.

The Teaching Council says that before you apply, you need to know the following:

In New Zealand teachers hold a trusted position in society. Together as a profession they have high standards of integrity, conduct, competence and effective teaching practice. There are several steps involved with joining the 105,000 strong profession.

For information about moving to New Zealand, including immigration and visa information, please see the Ministry of Education's website.

If you are registered in Australia, you may be eligible for a New Zealand practising certificate under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act.

The Teaching Council recommends that you read the following: Our Code, Our Standards | Ngā Tikanga Matatika, Ngā Paerewa - these documents set out the expectations for teacher behaviour and effective teacher practice.

Ready to move?

The Ministry of Education says that once you have decided to live and work in New Zealand as a teacher, there are a number of important things you have to do. If you don’t have these things sorted, you will not be able to teach here.

Here is their suggested order of the things you need to complete to teach in New Zealand. You don’t have to follow this order.

Step one: get your qualifications assessed by New Zealand Qualifications Agency (NZQA)

Step two: apply to become a registered teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand

Step three: find a job Education Gazette

Step four: apply for your visa through Immigration NZ

Step five (School Teachers only): have your salary assessed so you are paid the right amount for your experience. This step is done by your employer through Education Payroll.

What you need to apply

The Teaching Council says that to practice as a teacher in New Zealand you need to be registered and hold a current practising certificate.

To gain registration and certification as an overseas-trained teacher you will need to fill out an application form and attach certain supporting documents. You must:

1. Show you are satisfactorily trained to teach

2. Demonstrate English language competency

3. Obtain overseas Police clearance

4. Verify your identity: Proof of Identity form (there are two forms one for if you are currently residing overseas and one if you are living in New Zealand)

5. Gather further supporting information for your application:

   1. Copies of qualifications, transcripts, NZQA assessment (if applicable)

   2. Testimonial letters (from previous employers regarding your teaching

   3. Assessment of your teaching practice (including observation or annual appraisal)

   4. Any evidence of induction and mentoring you have completed during your teaching career

   5. Statements/certificate of professional standing (this includes evidence of Qualified Teacher Status awarded in the United Kingdom

   6. A copy of your CV

6. Apply for teacher registration and a practising certificate, submitting the above information and more. You can apply for these at the same time.

Important! If you have received an employment offer to teach at a New Zealand school, kura or early childhood centre, please let the Teaching Council know. Their priority is to have teachers able to teach when they have a definite job offer.

Please keep in mind that it can take between six to 12 weeks to process an application depending on its complexity.

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