Educational Leadership Programme (Nov 2023)

Ngā mihi nui. Kia manawanui, kia toa. Ko te piko o te māhuri, tērā te tupu o te rākau. 

The way the sapling is shaped determines how the tree grows.

Who is Ako Mātātupu Teach First NZ?

Steered by Tangata Whenua in all that we do, Ako Mātātupu is a social change organisation training graduates to become secondary school teachers, leaders and change-makers through our employment-based Teach First NZ Programme. 

We say enough is enough. This is the call for you to join Ako Mātātupu in reindigenising the education system, to ensure it is fair and equal for all young people.

If this mission sounds like a bit of you, read on!

Here’s the Teach First NZ opportunity in a nutshell: 

• As part of the Teach For All network, you will join a global movement to address educational inequality in Aotearoa and around the world
• You'll earn as you learn, receiving a full scholarship to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching while earning a salary as a teacher in one of our amazing partner schools. (That's right - no pesky fees and a full salary to boot!)
• You'll receive expert mentoring and support from a team of like-hearted kaihāpai (educators) throughout your learning journey
• You'll graduate as a fully qualified secondary school teacher and enjoy job security with a clearly defined career path
• And join a community of incredible Kairapu (alumni) effecting change in schools, communities, government and industry.

What kind of careers do Teach First NZ Graduates pursue? 

95% of our graduates over the last 3 years have continued teaching. Nearly a quarter (22%) have taken up leadership positions with the school they trained in or at another school where they continue making a difference.

Others go on to advocate for change in Aotearoa’s non-profit, social enterprise, research and government sectors. 

And others join the movement overseas, fighting educational inequity with one of our global Teach For All partners.

Wherever you end up - you’ll be doing your bit to see all rangatahi thrive on a local, national or global scale!

How do I know if I'm eligible for the TFNZ programme?

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• have a major, minor, or equivalent knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Technology, Digital tech, Computer Sciences, and Statistics
• or a fluent speaker of Te Reo Māori, Gagana Sāmoa, Lea faka-Tonga or other Pasifika languages
• are looking for a career where you can make a genuine difference in the lives of our rangatahi
• you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident;
• you do not already hold a New Zealand teaching qualification and have not previously received a TeachNZ scholarship

If you would like to confirm your eligibility, take our handy Eligibility Quiz on our website.

Does this opportunity sound like you?

Find more information on the Teach First NZ website, request an e-info pack, and submit your application on our website.

What you can expect from the Teach First NZ recruitment process 

1. Apply online: Complete the application form
2. Phone interview: Successful applicants will be invited to a phone interview. This is an opportunity for you to discuss your alignment with the kaupapa in more detail through a 20-30 minute kōrero (conversation).
3. Ako Centre: Candidates who are successful after the phone interview will be invited to a one-day online Ako Centre. You will participate in a pepehā process; interview; group exercise; and deliver a sample teaching lesson with self-reflection exercises.
4. Offer: If you are successful at an Ako Centre, congratulations! You will be made an offer to start your leadership journey with Ako Mātātupu!
5. Programme Commences: You will participate in a seven-week intensive training programme that will commence in November 2023. You will then start your new career as a trainee teacher in January 2024!

Job Location

Nationwide, we have partner schools all across the motu! Auckland, Wellington, Gisborne, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Northland, Christchurch and more! 

Our commitment to you

Ako Mātātupu is steered by Tangata Whenua and committed to honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi in every aspect of our work. We welcome all applications and work hard to ensure our recruitment process is equitable and responsive. 

If you have any questions or would like to advise us of any individual considerations at any stage in the process, please feel free to email us at apply@teachfirstnz.org or call us on 0800 86 5323.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Ngā mihi nui. Kia manawanui, kia toa.