Experienced Classroom Teacher, Year 4–6

Wairakei School; Waikato; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wairakei Primary School in New Zealand seeks an experienced classroom teacher for Years 4–6. You will bring structured literacy knowledge, strong curriculum understanding, and a commitment to student-centered teaching in a supportive rural setting.

Join a staff that values whānau connections, respectful collaboration, and clear, confident decisions that prioritise children. A Full Practising Certificate is required, with opportunities to contribute to leadership as your strength grows.

Qualifications

• Tūturu (Full Practising Certificate) is required; Pūmau or Tōmua holders are welcome to apply for the Year 4–6 classroom role.
• Experience with structured literacy and strong curriculum knowledge.
• Ability to engage with learners, whānau and staff to support student outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Teach Year 4–6 classroom lessons in a rural primary school.
• Contribute to school decisions and child‑centred planning with leadership.
• Engage with whānau to support student learning and wellbeing.
• Uphold the POWER values in daily practice and school culture.

Skills

Structured literacy

Curriculum knowledge

Classroom teaching

Team leadership

Education

Full Practising Certificate

Tools

BSLA structured literacy

Oxford Maths

Maths No Problem

Job description

Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacher
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

You have done the hard yards. This is a school that will actually use what you know.

Wairakei Primary School wants an experienced teacher with something to offer — structured literacy training, real curriculum knowledge, and one strength that is particularly yours. You will be asked to share it, not sit on it.

Expect professional company. Colleagues who challenge your thinking respectfully and expect the favour returned. Leadership that wants clear, confident, child-first decisions from you rather than a request for approval. If long‑term leadership is where you are heading, say so — that ambition is welcome here.

The school is rural, and that shapes the job in good ways: strong relationships, whānau you actually know, and staff who get out on the field with students. Assessment here means knowing your learners and adapting your teaching, not collecting data for its own sake. Behaviour management is calm, relational and consistent, in class and out.

Bring your professionalism, your understanding of New Zealand tamariki, and a willingness to keep improving. The POWER values — Pride, Opportunity, Whānau, Excellence, Respect — describe how people treat each other.

A Tūturu (Full Practising Certificate) is required; Pūmau or Tōmua holders are warmly invited to apply for the Classroom Teacher, Year 4–6 role instead. BSLA structured literacy, Oxford Maths or Maths No Problem also valued.

Year 4–6, reporting to the Team Leader. Primary Teachers' Collective Agreement 2026–2028, step set by qualifications and experience.

Physical address:
2 Kauri Drive, Wairakei, Taupo