[pleccy2000]

Hi,

We are a couple of 28 year olds looking to move to NZ in November. As couple of questions if I may...

OH is a primary school teacher (born in NZ, lived in UK since age of 14) she teaches Year 1.

1) What kind of salary can she expect? I've done a search but they contain loads of dead links :( She has a UK degree in Early Childhood development and a PGCE. Her teaching experience is 1 year and 2 terms.

2) What is the current demand for Primary teachers - I read mixed messages, probably becasue some of the atricles i read are old.

3) She is really nervous about Maori culture, becasue she doesn't really know about it. Is it a case of learning quickly? Does school support overseas teachers with this?

4) If anybody any made a similar transition, how does teching primary in NZ differ to UK?

5) Last question! When is the time to apply for teaching jobs? As we understand the school year starts in January? Will arriving in November be too late?

I know it's quite a lot to answer, but any comments, are welcomed!!
Thanks.

[Patrick]

I'm a primary teacher from Canada who has been teaching here for the past two years. If you want to know more about pay and other things, use this link http://www.minedu.govt.nz/index.cfm?layout=document&documentid=10109&indexid=1014&indexparentid=1013
Just had a pay rise recently due to government/union negotiations for a new settlement, so you'd need to search for NZEI links to find all of the specifics for that, but the preceding link should give you some answers and ideas for your first question. If you're in Auckland, demand is high in pretty much all areas, especially if you're a male primary teacher like myself. Outside of auckland, couldn't say. Look at ww.edgazette.govt.nz for job links. Maori stuff made me very nervous at first, but my school's lucky to have good support from the local marae, so don't worry, things will work out, and if need be, there are always courses for those kind of things. Jobs are always available, but to get a good position for a new year, September to December would be a good time to look, as a lot of teachers are moving around afetr that time to various jobs and schools are trying to fill potential vacancies for the new year at that time as well. Hope this information helps!

[vitalogy]

Hi,

Recently went through this with my OH, so hopefully this helps.



1) What kind of salary can she expect? I've done a search but they contain loads of dead links :( She has a UK degree in Early Childhood development and a PGCE. Her teaching experience is 1 year and 2 terms.

Hard to say exactly, somewhere between $40K-$50K for that level of experience. There are salary scales somewhere on the Ministry of Education website if you search around.

Keep in mind that having salary assessed is a hassle and takes some time, as you have to deal with NZQA (which has its own sub-forum on this site) along with the ministry of education etc.

Good links & resources can be found at:
http://www.teachnz.govt.nz/overseas-trained-teachers



2) What is the current demand for Primary teachers - I read mixed messages, probably becasue some of the atricles i read are old.

I'd say there are jobs around if you look hard enough. We were moving to Hawkes Bay, and there were at least dozen positions advertised that would have suited my OH at the time. Obviously this is dependent on where you are moving to.

Keep an eye on the Education Gazette website (http://www.edgazette.govt.nz/vacancy.php).




3) She is really nervous about Maori culture, becasue she doesn't really know about it. Is it a case of learning quickly? Does school support overseas teachers with this?

Learn quickly. Also probably depends on where you teach as to how big a deal this is. Some background reading and practice with Maori pronounciation should set you right.




4) If anybody any made a similar transition, how does teching primary in NZ differ to UK?

Can't help, sorry, as we moved from Australia.




5) Last question! When is the time to apply for teaching jobs? As we understand the school year starts in January? Will arriving in November be too late?

That's an ideal time to start looking. Plenty of jobs will be starting to be advertised then.

It will help you out with applications if you have at least gotten the ball rolling with things such as Teacher Registration and your NZQA assessment.

Hope this helps. I'm sure there are plenty of other teachers on here who can offer their advice as well.

Regards,
Alistair

[vitalogy]

Also, teachers new to NZ should be sure to apply for the International Relocation Grant and the Overseas Teacher Time Allowance.

See http://www.teachnz.govt.nz/overseas-trained-teachers/employment/allowances-and-benefits

[tea drinker]

Thanks Vitalogy
Although I had read about this a long time ago I had completely forgotten about it.
gave you rep points as a thankyou :yes

[pleccy2000]

vitalog & Patrick - thank you for your detailed answers!!!!

[vitalogy]

Happy to help. All the best with the move.

- Alistair