Finding promising leaders

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Ako Mātātupu

We believe it is possible for all young people in Aotearoa to realise their full potential.

But we have a problem.


Aotearoa New Zealand has one of the highest rates of educational inequality in the developed world, ranking 33rd out of 38 countries.


This inequality is the result of multiple factors. To help fight the war against it, we bring together outstanding individuals and support them to become highly effective teachers and inspirational leaders to serve the amazing young people in our lowest-income communities.


We hold the space for these outstanding individuals to develop as teachers and leaders to work alongside their colleagues in schools serving low-income communities across the country.

In this way, we contribute to affecting the systemic change that is needed to achieve the vision of equality.

Ako Mātātupu

Our programme

The Teach First NZ teaching and education leadership programme is employment-based and provides carefully selected participants with the opportunity to teach in a secondary school serving a low-income community, whilst completing a Masters qualification over two years.

Summer Initial Intensive
The programme starts in November with a 9 week live-in learning experience which focuses on developing the skills, knowledge and mind-sets needed to effectively work in the classroom.


Teaching in your school
After SII, you’ll begin teaching in your partner school on a full salary at the start of the school year. We make sure you are fully supported to be the best you can be from day one. To do this, you will teach 60 percent of a full-time teaching load (12 hours) to allow you to complete your Masters study alongside teaching.


Develop as a Master of Teaching and Education Leadership
The fully-scholarshipped Masters of Teaching and Education Leadership is delivered in partnership by Ako Mātātupu and The Mind Lab and is a registrable teaching qualification.


Lead social change beyond the programme
After two incredibly rewarding years, you will graduate from the programme and receive your Masters of Teaching and Education Leadership, and join our Kairapu community.

Request an info pack

Benefits of the programme

Our programme has been identified as offering one of the top Graduate Development experiences in Aotearoa. Delivered with support from leading organisations, participants develop as communicators and influencers in a way that no other programme can.

Acceptance into the programme means that you can:


  • Make a real difference in the community and in the lives of our rangatahi
  • Develop your leadership skills and potential
  • Become a qualified teacher as a Master of Teaching and Education Leadership
  • Be paid as you learn
  • Be a part of a national movement towards positive change
  • Receive a competitive salary, as well as 10 weeks of annual holidays
  • Receive a fully funded Masters in Teaching and Education Leadership
  • Build lifelong friendships with fellow participants
  • Access a network of participants, alumni, education leaders and businesses
Benefits of the programme

Eligibility Criteria

Our participants do not start out as teachers - in fact, they come from a range of academic disciplines and backgrounds.

To meet our eligibility criteria you must:

  • Hold New Zealand Citizenship or a Permanent Residency Visa;
  • Have completed a minimum of a Bachelors Degree;
  • Be eligible to teach one of our nine subject areas*:
    • Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, General Science)
    • Mathematics
    • Technology
    • Digital Technology
    • Te Reo Māori
    • Pacific Languages (Tongan, Samoan)
Find out if you're eligible

Ngā Āheitanga

We believe that great teachers and leaders demonstrate some key dispositions, and a range of skills, abilities and understandings and have used these to form our Ngā Āheitanga (Key Competencies).

Throughout the recruitment process, candidates are assessed for evidence of the following:

  • Interpersonal relationships
  • Cultural competence
  • Humility, self-awareness and openness to learning
  • Empathy and respect
  • Leadership and service
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Organisation and planning
  • Commitment and resilience
  • Achievement
  • Commitment to the Ako Mātātupu: Teach First NZ mission and vision
Find out if you're the right fit

Work with us to lead the future

Application process

Online application > Phone Interview > Teach First NZ Assessment Centre > Offer!

To apply for the Teach First NZ Programme you will first need to complete our online application form.


If your online application is successful, you will be invited for a interview where you will have another opportunity to discuss your background and demonstrate key competencies.


Success here will lead you to a Teach First NZ Assessment Centre, incorporating interviews, a group exercise, a sample teaching lesson and self-reflection exercises.


If you are successful at our Assessment Centre – congratulations! You will be made an offer to start your leadership journey with Ako Mātātupu.

Apply now

Key dates

Applications are currently open for the 2019 intake!

Apply Now
Applications close on Monday 1st April.


Phone Interviews
These will take place between Wednesday 3rd April - Monday 8th April.


Assessment Centres
The first round of Assessment Centres will run from Thursday 11th April - Wednesday 17th April.


Offers
Offers will be communicated to successful candidates by Tuesday 23rd April.


Summer Intensive
Begins mid-November 2019.

Take our eligibility quiz

Are you eligible to join our flagship programme? Our quiz will help you understand whether you meet our eligibility criteria as well as what subjects you may be able to teach.

Take the eligibility quiz!

Request an info pack

If you would like to find out more about our programme, how it works and who we are looking for, we have created an information pack just for you!

Request an info pack!