Leader of Learning – English

Tikipunga High School; Whangarei; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teacher Bonding Scheme (TBS)

Job summary

Tikipunga High School invites an experienced educator to lead the English department, driving excellence in teaching, learning and achievement for Years 7–13. The successful applicant will demonstrate strong curriculum leadership, structured literacy expertise, and a commitment to accelerating literacy and Māori learner outcomes in a collaborative team setting.

We offer a supportive environment, excellent resources, and professional growth opportunities, including leadership development and the

Qualifications

• Experience teaching and assessing NCEA English, including Years 12 and 13.
• Strong curriculum knowledge and the ability to lead high-quality English programmes.
• Expertise in structured literacy and explicit teaching to accelerate student progress.
• High expectations for ākonga achievement and improving Māori learner outcomes.
• Commitment to Mana Ōrite mō te Mātauranga Māori and culturally responsive practice.
• Ability to build relationships, support staff, and foster a collaborative team culture.
• Effective use of achievement data and evidence-informed practice for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the English department and drive excellence in teaching, learning and achievement.
• Provide curriculum leadership and oversee English programmes for Years 7–13.
• Model and support high-quality teaching practices and assessment.
• Lead improvements using data and evidence, with a focus on literacy outcomes.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive culture that supports diverse learners.

Skills

Curriculum Leadership

English Knowledge

Explicit Teaching

Assessment & Data

Māori Education

Staff Development

Collaboration

Job description

Tikipunga High School is seeking an experienced, passionate and innovative educator to lead our English department and drive excellence in teaching, learning and achievement.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong curriculum leadership, effective English teaching practice across Years 7 to 13, and a proven commitment to accelerating literacy achievement. Experience teaching and assessing NCEA English, including at Years 12 and 13, is essential.

We seek a collaborative and forward-thinking leader who demonstrates:

• strong curriculum knowledge and the ability to lead high-quality, engaging English programmes
• expertise in structured literacy, explicit teaching and effective strategies to accelerate student progress
• high expectations for ākonga achievement and a commitment to improving outcomes for Māori learners
• a commitment to Mana Ōrite mō te Mātauranga Māori, culturally responsive practice and the delivery of an engaging, localised curriculum
• the ability to build positive relationships, support and develop staff, and foster a collaborative team culture
• effective use of achievement data, assessment and evidence-informed practice to lead continuous improvement
• a clear, consistent and relational approach to classroom management, with the ability to meet the needs of diverse learners.

We offer a supportive, collaborative environment, excellent resources, established programmes and opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Join a kura where relationships, cultural identity and achievement matter, and where you can make a meaningful difference to the learning pathways and success of our ākonga.

Applicants are encouraged to identify their curriculum strengths, leadership experience and any additional teaching subjects.

This position qualifies for the Teacher Bonding Scheme (TBS), offering eligible teachers additional financial incentives.