ORS Teacher (High and Complex Needs Focus)

Newlands Intermediate; Wellington; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Newlands Intermediate seeks an ORS teacher to support a small group of students with complex learning and sensory needs. You will ensure they are safely and meaningfully included in school life through adapted, engaging learning programmes.

You will collaborate with our SENCO, kaiāwhina, whānau, healthcare professionals and Ministry of Education Learning Support specialists to coordinate care alongside education.

Qualifications

• Current New Zealand Teacher Registration and Practising Certificate.
• Experience working with ORS-funded students with complex social and emotional needs.
• Strong understanding of inclusive education practices and curriculum adaptation.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• Calm, resilient, and empathetic, with the ability to manage high-stress behavioural situations.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice (manaakitanga & whanaungatanga).

Responsibilities

• IEP development, implementation and monitoring for students.
• Oversee safety and dignity in school settings.
• Differentiate the NZ Curriculum to suit individual needs.
• Engage whānau as active partners in learning and care.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Empathy & resilience

Cultural responsiveness

Education

Teacher Registration & Practising Certificate

Job description

Newlands Intermediate is a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking school dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of our early adolescent ākonga.

About the role

In this role, you will be the ORS teacher for a small group ofstudents with complex learning and sensory needs. You will make sure these ākonga are safely and meaningfully included in school life, balancing their complex social and emotional needs with adapted, engaging learning programmes.

You will work closely with our SENCO, and a dedicated team of kaiāwhina. Collaboration is at the heart of this role – you will partner regularly with whānau, healthcare professionals, and Ministry of Education Learning Support specialists to ensure care alongside education.

Key responsibilities:

• IEP responsibility – develop, implement, and monitor Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that blend academic, social, and health goals.
• Safety management – oversee the implementation of support plans in the school setting, ensuring the utmost dignity and safety of the students.
• Curriculum adaptation – differentiate the New Zealand Curriculum to provide accessible, engaging learning experiences tailored to each student's physical and cognitive abilities.
• Whānau engagement – build high-trust, culturally responsive relationships with parents and whānau, ensuring they are active partners in their child’s learning and care.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Current New Zealand Teacher Registration and Practising Certificate.
• Proven experience working with ORS-funded students, particularly those with complex social and emotional needs.
• A deep understanding of inclusive education practices and curriculum adaptation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
• A resilient, calm, and empathetic nature, with the ability to manage high-stress behavioural situations effectively.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and culturally responsive practice (demonstrating manaakitanga and whanaungatanga).