A teacher watching a student colouring a drawing in a classroom
A teacher watching a student colouring a drawing in a classroom
Current teachers
Te hoki mai hei kaiako

Returning to teaching after a break

See how you can return to the classroom after taking a break
A teacher watching a student colouring a drawing in a classroom
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Last updated 14 May 2024

If you have taken a break from teaching, and are eager to return to the classroom, there are plenty of opportunities for you to consider. There are also some steps you need to take, including re-registering as a teacher, and once you have found a job, applying for a salary assessment if you teach in the state sector.

Teaching opportunities

There is currently high demand for:

  • secondary school teachers for subjects including sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics
  • teachers in remote or rural regions
  • teachers of te reo Māori and teachers in Kaupapa Māori/Māori-medium settings
  • relief teachers.

You can learn more about teaching opportunities across New Zealand on the Education Gazette.

Vacancies – Education Gazette

What you need to do

There are steps you need to take before you can teach again.

 

Registration and certification

To return to the teaching profession, you may need to re-register as a teacher and renew your practising certificate with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Visit the Teaching Council’s website for more information:

Registration status – Teaching Council

Renewing a practising certificate – Teaching Council

Salary assessment  

For pay purposes, you will need to complete a salary assessment if you are working in the state sector and are:

  • returning to teaching after a break of 2 or more years
  • returning to teaching after a break where you have gained some relevant work experience, for example, teaching in a private school.

Visit Education Payroll's website for more information:

Salary assessment – EdPay

 

Teacher refresh process

If you are an experienced teacher, but have not taught in over 5 years, you will need to:  

  • apply for a Returning to Teaching in Aotearoa New Zealand Practising Certificate with the Teaching Council
  • complete a Teacher Education Refresh programme with the Teaching Council.  

Visit the Teaching Council’s website for more information.  

Teacher refresh process – Teaching Council

Contact us

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

Email: teacher.supply@education.govt.nz 

Freephone: 0800 165 225

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