Opportunities for beginning and returning teachers

About the programme

The BeTTER Jobs Programme supports beginning teachers (BeT) and returning teachers who have completed a Teacher Education Refresh (TER) programme into teaching positions at schools or kura where they are needed most. 

The programme works like a matching service, Eligible teachers complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) to receive weekly notifications about vacancies at eligible schools or kura.

If an eligible teacher successfully applies for a position at an eligible school | kura, then both the teacher and school | kura are funded. This helps support the teacher’s induction into the school. 

There are 130 funded matches for beginning and returning teachers looking for their first teaching position since completing their qualification in 2024. To be eligible for the 2025 BeTTER jobs programme, teachers must be starting in their new role after 1 October 2024.

Financial support

You will receive $5,000 (before tax) per year for up to 2 years if you meet the eligibility criteria, and remain employed at an eligible school or kura. 

Schools | kura will receive $5,000 (excl. GST) for up to 2 years, which can be used to support mentoring and induction of the teacher.

After 2 years in the BeTTER Jobs Programme, beginning teachers may also be eligible for Voluntary Bonding Scheme payments.

Voluntary Bonding Schemes – Education Workforce

Completing an Expression of Interest (EOI)

If you are an eligible teacher, completing an EOI tell us where and what you want to teach. The Ministry will compare your preferences to available jobs and email any potential matches. You can then decide if you want to apply for the position by following the instructions in the job ad.

The EOI process will remain open until the last Friday of Term 1, or until the 130 funded matches are exhausted. We monitor matches closely and this webpage will be updated if the allocation has been exhausted.

We encourage eligible teachers to complete the EOI as soon as possible after completing their ITE or TER qualification. This will give you more access to matched employment opportunities. 

You do not need to be wait until you are registered as a teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

Confirming your employment

If you are successful in securing a teaching position at an eligible school, you will then need to complete the Employment Confirmation form. 

You will need to confirm and attest that:

• you meet the eligibility criteria for the BeTTER jobs programme
• you are, or will be employed at an eligible school | kura
• you have registered or will be registering as a trained teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

We strongly recommend confirming your employment as early as possible. There are a limited number of funded matches, and they are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

More information

Contact us

If you have any questions, we’re here to help.

Email: vacancy.hub@education.govt.nz