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Secondary School Teacher

Kaiako kura tuarua.

Alternative titles for Secondary School Teacher:

  • High School Teacher
  • College Teacher

Secondary school teachers plan, prepare and teach one or more subjects to students between the ages of 13 and 18.

Untrained secondary school teachers usually earn

$49K-$89K per year

Trained secondary school teachers usually earn

$57K-$103K per year

Source: MoE, 2022 -2025.

Job opportunities

Job opportunities are good

Length of training

special education teacher nz

4 years of training required.

Vocational Pathways More

  • Social and community services

About the job

Pay for secondary school teachers varies depending on experience and qualifications. 

Untrained secondary school teachers with a Limited Authority to Teach:

  • usually earn between $49,000 and $82,000 a year
  • this will rise to between $53,000 and  $89,000 in December 2024.

Secondary school teachers with a relevant diploma or degree

  • usually earn between $57,000 and $95,000 a year
  • this will rise to between $61,000 and $103,000 in December 2024.

Secondary school teachers may also qualify for higher pay and allowances if they have extra responsibilities.

Source: Ministry of Education, 'Secondary Teachers' Collective Agreement 2022 - 2025'.

  • Ministry of Education website - Secondary Teachers' Collective Agreement  

Voluntary bonding scheme in hard-to-staff schools

Secondary school teachers who work in schools identified as hard to staff may be eligible for an extra $10,500 after three consecutive years of teaching, then $3,500 after the fourth year, and a further $3,500 after the fifth year.

  • TeachNZ website -  Voluntary Bonding Scheme

Pay in private schools

Secondary school teachers who teach in private schools may earn higher salaries.

  • PAYE.net.nz website - use this calculator to convert pay and salary information

(This information is a guide only.  Find out more about the sources of our pay information )

What you will do

Secondary school teachers may do some or all of the following:

  • plan, prepare and present lessons
  • set and mark assignments and tests
  • assess students' work for national qualifications
  • keep records and write reports on students
  • observe and manage student behaviour in the classroom and other environments such as the gym and sports fields
  • attend departmental and staff meetings
  • meet with parents, whānau or caregivers, individually or at parents' evenings
  • participate in or organise extracurricular activities such as sport, camp or drama
  • keep up to date with curriculum changes and assessment methods.

Skills and knowledge

Secondary school teachers need to have knowledge of:

  • different teaching methods and learning styles
  • the curriculum subjects they teach
  • curriculum assessment and planning
  • classroom management skills, including an understanding of behaviour management
  • research skills to keep up to date with best practice in teaching
  • school rules, policies and procedures, including safety and emergency procedures.

Working conditions

Secondary school teachers:

  • work regular school hours, but often work additional hours to plan lessons, assess work or attend meetings
  • may be involved in extracurricular activities during lunchtimes, weekends, school holidays or after school
  • work in offices and classrooms, and sometimes at locations such as school camps and museums when they accompany students on trips and visits
  • may travel nationally to attend conferences and courses.

What's the job really like?

Secondary school teacher video.

Kate Sullivan talks about life as a secondary school dance teacher – 2.13 mins.

How to enter the job

Entry requirements.

To become a secondary school teacher you need to have one of the following:

  • a specialist subject degree followed by a one-year Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) or a Master of Teaching (Secondary)
  • a Bachelor of Education (Technology)
  • a Bachelor of Teaching conjoint degree (a combination of teaching and specialist subjects).

Employers prefer you to train in at least two subject areas for your specialist subject degree so you can teach more than one subject. 

You also need to be registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and have a current practising certificate.

  • TeachNZ website - secondary school teacher education qualifications

Scholarships available for Māori, Pasifika and STEM teachers

Secondary school teacher scholarships for course fees and sometimes allowances are available for teaching science, technology, maths, te reo Māori and Pasifika languages. Scholarships to encourage Māori and Pasifika to become teachers are also available.

  • TeachNZ website - scholarships

The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 means that if you have certain serious convictions, you can't be employed in a role where you are responsible for, or work alone with, children.

  • Ministry of Justice website - Vulnerable Children Act requirements

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training.

Additional requirements for specialist roles:

Special education teacher.

To become a special education teacher you need to have two years or more of secondary school teaching experience, full teacher registration, and a postgraduate qualification in the area of special education you wish to teach in.

  • Education.govt.nz website - careers in special education

Personal requirements

Secondary school teachers need to be:

  • skilled at communicating clearly with students and adults from a range of backgrounds and cultures
  • organised, and good at solving problems quickly
  • understanding, tolerant and good at listening
  • enthusiastic, open-minded and able to motivate young people
  • able to work well under pressure
  • firm and fair, with a sense of humour
  • able to work well in a team.

Useful experience

Useful experience for secondary school teachers includes:

  • counselling experience
  • tutoring or coaching work
  • work with people with disabilities
  • work as a youth group leader
  • work as a teacher aide.

Physical requirements

Secondary school teachers need to be reasonably fit and healthy, and able to stand for long periods.

Physical education teachers and sports coaches need to have a good level of fitness and health.

Registration

Secondary school teachers need to be registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and have a current practising certificate.

  • Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand website - teacher registration and certification

Find out more about training

What are the chances of getting a job, shortage of secondary school teachers.

Demand for secondary school teachers is expected to remain high. This is because:

  • many teachers are leaving the job or retiring
  • the number of secondary school students is rising, as those born in high birth rate years reach secondary school age.

As a result, the following roles appear on Immigration New Zealand's Green list: Principal, Kaiako,  Pouako, intermediate, middle school, special needs, teacher of hearing impaired, teacher of sight impaired, special education teacher, teacher of English to speakers of other languages (if working in primary, intermediate or secondary school).

This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled people in those roles from overseas to work in New Zealand.

According to the Census, 24,996 secondary school teachers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Chances best for English, STEM and te reo Māori secondary school teachers

According to the Survey of Principals on Secondary Teacher Supply, 78 principals said they found it difficult to hire secondary school teachers who could teach English, digital technology, maths, science subjects, and construction and mechanical technologies.

Qualified secondary school teachers who also speak te reo Māori are in high demand to teach in kura kaupapa Māori (Māori language immersion schools) and in general secondary schools.

The Government offers scholarships and additional salary payments to encourage teachers to train in this area.

Chances good in hard-to-staff schools

Your chances of securing a job are best in schools in rural areas, and in Auckland. Auckland secondary schools have difficulty recruiting teachers due to high housing costs, but some provide housing subsidies to attract them.

Most teachers employed by the Government

State schools are the biggest employers of secondary school teachers, but teachers may also work in private and state-integrated schools such as Catholic schools.

  • TeachNZ website - finding a teaching job
  • Education Counts, 'National School Roll Projections, 2011 Update', accessed November 2017, (www.educationcounts.govt.nz).
  • Education Counts, 'Teacher Headcount by Age', accessed February 2019, (www.educationcounts.govt.nz).
  • Gerritsen, J, 'Principals Worried By Teacher Shortage Forecast', 18 October 2018, (www.radionz.co.nz).
  • Immigration New Zealand, Transport Sector Agreement Finalised and Green List Changes Confirmed, 26 April 2023, (www.immigration.govt.nz).
  • New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association, 'Secondary School Staffing Survey Report 2018', May 2018, (www.ppta.org.nz).
  • New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association, 'Survey of Principals on Secondary Teacher Shortages', November 2017, (www.ppta.org.nz).
  • New Zealand Post Primary Teachers' Association, 'Survey of Principals on Secondary Teacher Supply', August 2017, (www.ppta.org.nz).
  • Stats NZ, '2018 Census Data', 2019.
  • TeachNZ, 'Scholarships', accessed January 2019, (www.teachnz.govt.nz).

(This information is a guide only. Find out more about the sources of our job opportunities information )

Progression and specialisations

Secondary school teachers may move into managerial roles, such as head of department, dean or principal, or progress into work such as:

  • teaching trainee teachers at universities
  • doing research, policy or advisory work in the education sector
  • working in training and education roles in a museum or art gallery.

Secondary school teachers may specialise in one or more subject areas, including:

  • English as a second language
  • health and physical education
  • kaiwhakaako Māori
  • mathematics
  • social sciences (accounting, economics, geography, history, or social studies)
  • technology.
  • Kaiwhakaako Māori job information

With further training, secondary school teachers may progress to become special education teachers.

A female science teacher and two teenage students in school uniform look at a model of a double helix

Secondary schoolteachers often specialise in a subject, for instance science

Related jobs:

Kaiwhakaako māori kaiwhakaako māori.

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Primary School Teacher Kaiako Kura Tuatahi

Primary school teachers teach children between the ages of five and 13 at primary or intermediate schools.

Psychologist Kaimātai Hinengaro

Psychologists diagnose, treat, and work to prevent a range of psychological problems that affect people's behaviour, thoughts and emotions. 

Teacher Aide Kaiāwhina Kaiako

Teacher aides assist teachers in a classroom by working with students on a one-to-one basis, or in groups. 

Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Kaiako Reo Pākehā (ki te Hunga Kōrero Reo Kē)

Teachers of English to speakers of other languages (ESOL teachers) teach people from non-English speaking backgrounds how to speak, read and write English.

Related courses:

Curriculum studies, teacher education: secondary (pre-service), general primary and secondary education, teacher professional development, teacher education: special education, bilingual secondary teacher training (pre-service), immersion secondary teacher training (pre-service), job vacancy websites:.

  • NZ Education Gazette - education job vacancies

View a list of job vacancy and recruitment websites

Last updated 15 August 2023

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Listed date, salary estimate, 502 jobs – special education teacher in new zealand, special education adviser special education adviser.

  • Support children with challenging behaviors in educational settings
  • Collaborate with educators, parents, and wider support services
  • Bachelor of Teaching or Post-graduate Diploma in Special Education required

Special Education Needs Coordinator - SENCo Special Education Needs Coordinator - SENCo

  • Collaborate with school leadership team to support students and families
  • Awarded 2 permanent management units for vital role at school
  • Possibility of teaching component; application deadline 16th August 2024

Teacher 2025 (Special Character Position CL47) Teacher 2025 (Special Character Position CL47)

  • Teach children aged five to thirteen in Catholic school setting
  • Join warm, inclusive staff; engage in religious instruction
  • Position starts term 1, 2025; special character form required

Specialist education teacher Specialist education teacher

  • Trauma-informed educator for students with high and complex needs
  • Small class sizes, supportive environment, high staff to student ratio
  • Resilience, energy, sense of humor, and genuine desire required

Don't miss out!

We will notify you when new Special Education Teacher jobs in New Zealand are posted.

Teacher - specialist school Teacher - specialist school

  • Support students with special needs aged 5-21
  • Embed creativity into daily practice, make learning fun
  • Collaborate with team to develop personalized goals for students

Sen Teacher Sen Teacher

  • Deliver tailored lessons for students with diverse learning needs
  • Collaborate with colleagues and professionals to create support plans
  • Require QTS or equivalent, experience in SEN school setting

Transition room teacher Transition room teacher

  • Support learners with identified learning needs in transition room
  • Focus on emotional regulation, routine, structure, and positive relationships
  • Implement individual learning plans and engage with learners and colleagues

0.5 FTE Continuing Inclusion Support Teacher 0.5 FTE Continuing Inclusion Support Teacher

  • Support classroom teachers in implementing universal in-class strategies
  • Provide targeted essential supports to small groups and individual students
  • BC certified with Masters' in Special Ed, teaching experience

0.5 CRT Release Teacher - South Auckland 0.5 CRT Release Teacher - South Auckland

  • Experienced teacher with focus on Deaf/Hard of Hearing students
  • Part-time role covering classroom release time in Flatbush area
  • Small class sizes, adapting curriculum for literacy and numeracy

Early Intervention Teacher Early Intervention Teacher

  • Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood) qualification required
  • Post-graduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching: Early Intervention needed
  • Minimum of three years teaching experience with deep child knowledge

special education teacher nz

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  • You are currently on: Inclusive Education page. Open sub navigation overlay.

Inclusive Education

Develop advanced knowledge and capabilities in inclusive practices to support diverse learners in educational settings.

Subject overview

The Inclusive Education subject specialisation is designed for education professionals in the workplace wanting to improve their theoretical and applied knowledge to become more effective teachers.

Designed to be undertaken part-time while in full-time employment, it’s ideal for teachers and professionals working in learning support roles (such as Special Education Needs Coordinators) as well as allied professionals working in increasingly diverse education settings.

You’ll develop advanced knowledge and capabilities in inclusive practices to support diverse learners in educational settings. You’ll also extend your research skills through an inquiry-based approach and gain the skills and knowledge needed to take leading roles in effective planning, coordination and management of projects and in professional learning.

This specialisation is able to be studied as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education (Teaching) (Honours), Master of Education Practice and Master of Education, meaning there’s flexibility for you to enter at the level that is right for you.

Where can this subject take you?

Graduates from the specialisation will be equipped to move into national, regional and centre/school-based leadership and learning support roles. They will have the skills and knowledge needed to take leading roles in effective planning, coordination and management of projects, and in professional learning that is focused on the development of inclusive early childhood and school communities.

The importance of Inclusive Education

Read an interview with Senior Lecturer Dr Jude MacArthur and Associate Dean Equity and Diversity, Professor Missy Morton, as they discuss the value and importance of Inclusive Education.

Explore your study options in Inclusive Education

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SPELD NZ Teaching Certificate in Specific Learning Disabilities

People with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities often suffer years of failure and despondency at school. you could be the one to nurture them to success..

  • This programme is for those who wish to extend their knowledge and expertise in teaching people with specific learning disabilities (SLD);
  • Applicants should have a  teaching qualification and a minimum of one year of classroom experience;
  • The programme is mainly online with a five day face-to-face workshop in Auckland during the July school holidays;
  • Because of the huge demand for our services nationwide, we do give priority to applicants intending to become a SPELD NZ Teacher;
  • Read about Pip Coombes’ experiences training with SPELD NZ;
  • Read about Katie Knight’s journey training with SPELD NZ;
  • Discover more about working as a SPELD NZ probationary teacher;
  • Take a look at NZQA’s most recent evaluation of SPELD NZ  (“Excellent”in all categories from 2018 up until 2023 when SPELD NZ retired from NZQA.)
  • See more details on this programme below.

NZ Certificate in Teaching Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities

What is it like to be a SPELD NZ Teacher?

Classroom teacher and SENCO, Sarah McIntyre, describes how SPELD NZ training has brought enormous benefits to her school.

“The most informative and positive experience I have ever had in my teaching career of 15 years.”

The programme runs between  February and November.  We recommend allocating (on average) 16 hours per week to complete the study and practicum requirements.

The total cost of the 2025 programme TBC.

SPELD NZ training subsidies may be available in some parts of New Zealand for those who intend to become registered SPELD NZ Teachers.

The training subsidy criteria and application form is available below. Please note, subsidies are only for those who are able and committed to taking SPELD NZ students.  They are provided by funders to increase SPELD NZ’s teaching capacity and ease the pressure on our waiting lists.  Graduates unable to complete the practicum must return subsidy funding.

For all enquiries, please email us here  or call 028 2550 7415

How to apply

Please fill in and send us a copy of:

•  Training application •  Training subsidy application (if applicable) . •  Reference form •  Police Vetting request

Please also provide certified copies of:

•  Your NZ teacher registration card (if applicable) •  Your teaching or related qualification •  Your NZ Passport or Birth Certificate or NZ Permanent Residency Permit (if your overseas passport has expired, please provide a letter from NZ Immigration confirming your residency status) •  Your driver’s licence (if available) •  If you have had a name change since your qualification was issued, your Marriage Certificate/Dissolution of Marriage documentation

We welcome applications for our 2025 programme. Preferably applications should be received  before 27 October 2024.  Applicants will be invited to a Zoom information session at the beginning of November.

Please email your application documents to [email protected]  and post original documents to SPELD NZ, National Office PO Box 24-617, Royal Oak, Auckland 1345.

For information about the SPELD NZ’s commitment to pastoral care and support click here.

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SEPAnz Conference 2024 will be in Christchurch, 6th - 8th of November. This  conference is intended for both principals and Deputy Principals. Agenda will be posted soon.

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special education teacher nz

Master of Specialist Teaching

UC's Master of Specialist Teaching (MSpecTchg) is ideal for educators who work with children and learners who have special educational needs. Learn more about studying an MSpecTchg through our Te Kaupeka Ako | Faculty of Education.

Introduction

The Specialist Teaching programme is relevant for educators working with children and learners who have special educational needs in early childhood, primary, and secondary sectors.

The programme is coursework-based, meaning it is ideal for educators who aim to provide professional leadership in their area of expertise but who do not wish to undertake a thesis. The Master of Specialist Teaching (MSpecTchg) employs a mix of distance and blended learning delivery options that provide flexibility for all students, regardless of location.

The degree can be awarded unendorsed, or endorsed in one of four areas. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of their selected specialism, and will have the expertise, knowledge, interdisciplinary networks, and strategies to provide innovative approaches to meet children’s and learners’ special education needs in their workplace.

Master of Specialist Teaching Child with Hearing Aid Reading Book

Entry requirements keyboard_arrow_down

Entry requirements.

To enrol in the Master of Specialist Teaching you must have previously completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching with at least a B Grade Point Average, and approval to enrol from Amo Matua, Ako | Executive Dean of Education.

If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements .

For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Specialist Teaching or use the admission requirements checker .

How to apply

You can apply online at myUC .

See Admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC.

Degree structure keyboard_arrow_down

How do i plan my degree.

The MSpecTchg consists of two 30-point courses, which can be completed by distance study.

You can study this Master's in 6–12 months full-time.

For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Master of Specialist Teaching .

Fees keyboard_arrow_down

2025 tuition fees estimate (per 180 points):

  • Domestic — to be confirmed
  • International — $55,200

2024 tuition fees estimate (per 180 points):

  • Domestic — $12,276
  • International — $53,100

SSL estimate (per 180 points):

  • 2025 — to be confirmed
  • 2024 — $1375.50 (capped at 150 points per academic year)

Additional costs

Students pay a  Student Services Levy (SSL)  at a rate of $9.17 per point of study in 2024 ($1,100.40 for 120 points). 2025 SSL is yet to be set.

International students must have insurance while studying at UC. Studentsafe insurance is $810 per year of study in 2024.

Domestic tuition fees

International tuition fees

Student Services Levy (SSL)

Insurance for international students

Funding your study

Subjects and courses keyboard_arrow_down

Subjects and courses.

The degree can be awarded unendorsed, or endorsed in one of four areas:

  • Complex Educational Needs
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Early Intervention
  • Learning and Behaviour.

Choose one of the following:

  • EDEM637 Distributing Leadership Through Coaching and Mentoring
  • EDEM638 Teachers as Leaders
  • EDEM669 Leading and Managing Decision-Making in Organisations

Plus 30 points of courses selected from these options .

Careers keyboard_arrow_down

Career opportunities.

Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits, such as specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.

Useful information:

  • Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student stories .
  • Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
  • For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website .
  • Find out more about what can you do with a degree from UC .
  • Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.

Postgraduate Prospectus 2024

Whakatairanga tāura, domestic students.

Key Information for Students

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Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching – PGDipSpecTchg

Want to create a more equitable and diverse education system? With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching you can contribute to bringing about better learning outcomes for all.

Entry requirements

  • Qualification structure
  • Courses & specialisations
  • Fees & scholarships

Type of qualification

Level of study.

Once you’ve graduated with a bachelor’s degree – or have equal experience – you can study at the postgraduate level. Doctoral qualifications require additional entry requirements.

More about study levels

Our courses follow the New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) levels.

Find out more about NZQF levels

Time to complete

  • International students

International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.

Definition of New Zealand citizens and residents

Admission application due dates Course enrolment dates for accepted students Semester dates

Study a Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching – PGDipSpecTchg

The Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching will give you the skills and networks to work in a principles-based, interprofessional way to transform outcomes for all learners.  You will work collaboratively at universal, targeted and tailored levels to bring about barrier-free access to education.

The qualification uses inquiry and evidence-based approaches to support you in working with practitioners, kaiako and whānau in proactive and positive ways. Through developing strong and productive partnerships you will be able to support identity, language and culture across educational contexts.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching has four compulsory courses:

Professional Learning Pathway (year 1 interprofessional)

Specialist Theory and Foundations (year 1 specialist area)

Community-based Practice (year 2 interprofessional)

Practicum (year 2 specialist area)

The inter-professional approach allows you to learn with, from and about each other within a community of practice.

Your qualification options

Note: The Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching does not qualify you to be a teacher.

A PGDipSpecTchg is a good fit if you:

  • have a passion for inclusive education
  • want to work alongside practitioners, whānau and kaiako
  • enjoy hybrid learning opportunities

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

  • Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

This  is a selected entry qualification. This means there are a number of extra requirements you must meet.

To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching you will have:

  • been awarded or qualified for a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent; and
  • been awarded or qualified for a relevant professional qualification; and
  • have completed at least two years of relevant professional experience.

Application closing date

Applications close on 10 December for study commencing the following year.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English or Te Reo Māori and you have not gained a New Zealand university entrance qualification, or an overseas entrance qualification in a country where the main language is English, you will be required to provide evidence of proficiency in English in the form of an academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.0 with no band less than 7.0 (or the equivalent TOEFL score) or other evidence that is acceptable to Massey University.

IELTS EXEMPTION: A teacher who has registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and holds a current Practising Certificate, will be exempted from meeting this English language requirement. For more information, see the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand .

Documents you need to supply to support your application

  • copies of all official academic transcripts for studies taken at all universities other than Massey University
  • a copy of your current CV (including education and employment for at least the last five years. If you have recently changed jobs to a resource teacher role, please ensure the new role is included as your current employment)
  • a verified copy of your current practising certificate issued by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (if a registered teacher with a current full practising certificate)
  • a completed NZ Police Request and Consent form, along with two pieces of verified identification (one of which must be photographic) from the list of acceptable forms of identification
  • a copy of a police report from every overseas country you have lived in for more 12 months in the last 10 years. Please do not supply originals as these will need to be supplied to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand at a later date.
  • if you do not hold a current New Zealand Professional Registration you will be required to undergo police vetting prior to gaining entry into the qualification.

Curriculum vitae

Please provide a full CV including details of your educational and professional qualifications, employment history with dates and descriptions of roles and responsibilities, membership of associations/organisations, and a list of professional publications and research reports.

Health and disability

If you have any short or long-term disability including learning disability or heath issue that may affect your study, please upload a summary in your application. If you disclose any disability, health or personal information as part of your application, this will be assessed during the selection process and is confidential to the University staff processing your application.

Time limits for Honours, Distinction and Merit

Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with Distinction or Merit. 

  • Look for information under ‘Student Progression’ in the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
  • Contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

English language skills

If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.

Maximum time limits for completion

There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications.  If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the qualification if you wish to continue your studies.

Official regulations

To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification .

You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and Postgraduate Certificates.

Returning students

For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.

In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.

Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.

Structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching

Completion of this qualification requires attendance at compulsory contact workshops. See course pages for details.

If you have previously graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate in Specialist Teaching you can apply to credit your courses to the Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching.

Courses and specialisations

Credit summary, 120 credits.

  • Core courses – 60 credits
  • Endorsement courses – 60 credits

A specialisation (endorsement) is compulsory, requiring 60 credits from the endorsement.

Course planning key

Part a: core courses.

Bespoke learning modules for professional educational practice

Theory and practice of culturally responsive and relational engagement in local learning communities

Prerequisites: 254766 and 1 of 249746 or 249760 or 249740 or 249747 or 262751 or 249753 or 249758

Part B: Endorsements

Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

Completing an endorsement is compulsory. An endorsement requires 60 credits. 

Blind and Low Vision

With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Blind and Low Vision) you can create more equitable learning outcomes for all learners.

Complex Educational Needs

With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Complex Educational Needs) you can create more equitable learning outcomes for all learners.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) you can create more equitable learning outcomes for Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners.

Early Intervention

With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Early Intervention) you can create more equitable learning outcomes for all learners.

Gifted Education

With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Gifted Education) you can create more equitable learning outcomes for all learners.

Learning and Behaviour

With Massey’s Postgraduate Diploma in Specialist Teaching (Learning and Behaviour) you can create more equitable learning outcomes for all learners.

Fees and scholarships

Fees, student loans and free fees scheme.

Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.

There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.

  • Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
  • View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable

Already know which courses you're going to choose?

You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.

  • Course search

Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme

You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.

The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.

Current and returning Massey students can find their National Student Number in the student portal.

  • Student loans ( StudyLink )
  • Student portal

Scholarship and award opportunities

  • Edna Joyce Howe scholarship

Fees disclaimer

This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice .

Useful planning information

  • Find more courses or qualifications
  • Planning your study
  • Application process overview
  • Semester dates
  • Fees and funding
  • Scholarships and awards search

Key information for students

Key information for students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz

Special education Jobs in All New Zealand

Perform a job search.

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  • All Wellington
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St Patrick's School (Bryndwr) Canterbury

Teacher 2025 (Special Character Position CL47)

Full time, Permanent

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacher English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

St Patrick’s School Bryndwr is a state-integrated Catholic Full Primary School that provides quality education for children aged five to thirteen. Our school roll currently sits at 175. As part of the Catholic Parish of Christ the Redeemer, the school is situated in the heart of Christchurch servicing the suburbs of Bryndwr, Fendalton, Merivale and Strowan.

Due to the retirement of our much loved new entrant teacher, we have a vacancy in the junior area of our school for 2025. We are a warm and inclusive staff who put children at the heart of all that we do. Our school community is deeply involved in the education and catholic faith of their tamariki and this position offers a unique opportunity to join a truly special school.

An application pack is available to download on our WEBSITE - St Patrick's . Please note that a willingness and ability to take part in religious instruction appropriate to the special character of the school is a condition of appointment. Please complete The Special Character Position Form  CI-47-FORM and return with your application.

This position commences at the beginning of term 1, 2025.

How to apply

Please send your CV, and direct enquiries to:

Nathan Burford 57 Plynlimon Road, Bryndwr Christchurch, 8146 [email protected] (03) 351-5590

Vacancy link: https://stpatricks.school.nz/employment/

Vacancy reference #: 1HAhSu

St Patrick's School (Bryndwr) NZ

School details

St patrick's school (bryndwr).

Type: Full Primary Authority: State : Integrated Gender: Co-Ed Decile: 0 Roll: 169 Medium: Some students in Māori Medium --> Website: http://www.stpatricks.school.nz

School number: 3537 ERO school report View more on Education Counts

Physical address: 57 Plynlimon Road, Bryndwr, Christchurch

Postal Address: 57 Plynlimon Road, Strowan, Christchurch, 8052

View on map

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