[NatalieM]

As teacher hubby and I are getting psyched to get the ball rolling to come work in NZ next year, I was just disappointed to see info posted on the Education Personnel recruitment agency that the market for primary teachers in NZ is currently saturated! Yet I've seen on other websites that they are on the immediate skill shortage list. Which is true? As I midwife I know I'm certain to find work, but hubby needs work, too! Any insights on the current situation for primary teachers in NZ?

thanks,

Natalie

[jent]

Natalie The NZ govt have legislated that the primary school teacher: pupil ratio is to be 1: 18, having been 1:24. This in effect means that they are going to be needing an extra 700 teachers. Our agent tells me that it is highly likely that primary teachers are to be put on the long term skills shortage at the end of the month. They are keen for experienced teachers who don't have strong foreign accents! I am certain that he will find a job, but you may have to physically go over and have interviews like I am going to, in October. Good luck and don't listen to the negative talk. There will always be negative talk that you can choose to listen to, or not. Go for it!

[kowhai]

It would be lovely to have more male teachers in the schools too. Give it a whirl !:)

[Carey]

Natalie The NZ govt have legislated that the primary school teacher: pupil ratio is to be 1: 18, having been 1:24. This in effect means that they are going to be needing an extra 700 teachers. Our agent tells me that it is highly likely that primary teachers are to be put on the long term skills shortage at the end of the month. They are keen for experienced teachers who don't have strong foreign accents! I am certain that he will find a job, but you may have to physically go over and have interviews like I am going to, in October. Good luck and don't listen to the negative talk. There will always be negative talk that you can choose to listen to, or not. Go for it!

However I was told by teacher agencies and the M of E that this increase of staff would be by May 6th, ie. this term just started and yet hardly any increase in adverts so not sure how schools have managed. There are certainly jobs in Auckland and several agencies who seem to recruit for these. However every job I applied for appeared to have 'an overwhelmingly high number of high calibre applicants'. Some schools I know don't like to recruit from overseas; once you're there in NZ may well be different, which I can quite understand from the schools point of view.

If you can offer supply work then you'll probably get known ( but can't do unless already have work permit or visa). Good luck!