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children working together
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children working together
Current teachers

Relief teaching

Relief teaching roles are perfect for registered teachers, recently retired teachers or teachers looking for a more flexible schedule.
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children working together

Being a relief teacher means you can support your education colleagues who may need time away from the classroom for various reasons including sick leave or professional development.

Benefits of being a relief teacher

  • Relief teaching allows you to work a schedule that fits with your life, earn an income while maintaining important community and social links.
  • You can support your school community and permanent teachers.
  • You will work in partnership with the school on what needs to be delivered in the classroom you will be looking after.
  • You will not work school holidays.
  • You can maintain your registration and possible PLD opportunities
  • There are opportunities to work in a range of schools and levels of your choice
  • There are travel allowance and sick leave entitlements.

How do I get started as a relief teacher? 

You need to hold an approved teaching qualification, have NZ teacher registration, and hold a current practising certificate to be employed as a teacher. This is a legal requirement. However, there are several ways you can get started as a relief teacher.
 

Temporary funding to support relief teacher supply pressures
We are funding 150 practising certificate renewals for those whose practising certificate expired more than 12 months ago, and 200 1-year Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) applications from previously registered teachers who hold an expired certificate (of any length). See eligibility criteria below.

Information on free practising certificate renewals and 1-year LAT applications

There is a temporary arrangement in place to fund up to 150 practising certificate renewals (expired more than 12 months) and up to 200 1- year LAT applications from previously registered teachers who hold an expired certificate (of any length of time). 

The funding applies to applications received by the Teaching Council between 6 September and 13 December 2024, or earlier if the funding allocation is exhausted. 

You will need to apply to the Teaching Council for a renewal or LAT application in the usual way and seek reimbursement once your application has been assessed and the eligibility criteria is met.

Eligibility requirements 

If you were previously certificated and your practising certificate expired more than 12 months ago you may be eligible for one of the free 150 practising certificate renewals. If a school | kura is offering you employment as a relief teacher, there is no requirement to complete a TER (Teacher Education Refresh) programme. The Teaching may require a light-touch 'Return to Practice Plan' to be completed with the agreement of your principal | tumuaki.

If you were previously certificated and your practising certificate has expired (for any length of time) you may be eligible for one of the 200 free 1-year LATs available.  To be eligible you must have an offer of employment from a school or kura.

All other existing requirements for a practising certificate renewal or LAT application remain in place.

Apply to the Teaching Council for a practising certificate renewal of 1-year Limited Authority to Teach
Apply now launch
Relief teaching registration options
Type of registration
Teachers with a current practising certificate
Nothing – you can become a relief teacher today
Registered teacher with no practising certificate
Can relief teach 20 half days while renewing certificate
Out of teaching for an extended period of time (over five years)
May need to complete a TER programme. Talk to the Council
Have a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT)
The Teaching Council can issue a LAT for relieving
Trained in either secondary or primary education
Can teach in either setting
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