Qualified Teacher (BestStart Highfield)

BestStart Education; Timaru; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidised health insurance

Free annual flu vaccinations

Confidential counselling (EAP)

Wellbeing initiatives and support

Sick leave from day one

Extra leave after 10 years

Discounted childcare

Refer a qualified teacher $2,000

Job summary

BestStart Highfield in Timaru is seeking a Qualified and Certificated Teacher to join our Over 2's room, full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. You will support energetic tamariki with a nurturing environment that fosters belonging and wellbeing, working with a passionate team dedicated to meaningful learning experiences.

Ideal candidates hold a BEd/ Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary) and current NZ Teacher Certification, with knowledge of Te Whāriki and Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Qualifications

• Understanding of child-led learning and curriculum planning.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in teaching and learning.
• Able to build strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Support the Over 2's room full-time (40 hours/week, Mon–Fri).
• Provide a nurturing, engaging environment where children explore and build belonging.
• Collaborate with a passionate team to create meaningful learning experiences and wellbeing for tamariki.

Skills

Child development understanding

Collaborative teamwork

Relational communication

Education

Bachelor of Education / Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

BestStart Education – Timaru, South Island

Are you a passionate and dedicated teacher looking for a centre where relationships, belonging, and community are at the heart of everything we do?

At BestStart Highfield, we pride ourselves on creating a genuine "home away from home" for our tamariki, whānau, and teaching team. Our warm, intimate centre fosters strong connections and meaningful partnerships, ensuring every child feels safe, valued, and supported to thrive.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to meeting the individual, cultural, and developmental needs of every child. Through strong relationships with parents, whānau, and our wider community, we create rich learning experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Why BestStart Highfield?

Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive and collaborative environment where teachers are encouraged to grow, share ideas, and make a lasting difference in children's lives.

At BestStart, we're proud to be a progressive leader in the ECE sector, and we've opted into FULL Pay Parity.

We also offer:

• A supportive mentoring and induction programme
• Ongoing professional learning through our online platform, Whare Ako
• Career development opportunities and pathways for growth
• Leadership development programmes for current and aspiring leaders
• Discounted childcare
• Refer a qualified teacher and receive $2,000*

Your wellbeing matters to us:

• Subsidised health insurance (eligibility criteria apply)
• Free annual flu vaccinations
• Confidential counselling through EAP
• Wellbeing initiatives and support programmes
• Sick leave from your first day of employment
• An additional week of leave after 10 years of service

About the Role

We're looking for a Qualified and Certificated Teacher to join our Over 2's working full time, 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday.

This role focuses on supporting our energetic and curious tamariki providing a nurturing and engaging environment where children are encouraged to explore, build relationships, and develop a strong sense of wellbeing and belonging.

Our rooms are thoughtfully designed to support the developmental needs of tamariki. You'll work alongside a passionate team dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences that help every child flourish.

Whether you're newly qualified or bring experience, we'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about early childhood education and making a positive impact.

What We're Looking For

You will have:

• BEd/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary) and current New Zealand Teacher Certification
• A strong understanding of child-led learning and curriculum planning
• Knowledge of Te Whāriki and current ECE regulations, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of practice
• A genuine commitment to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi through teaching and learning
• Passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to providing high-quality education and care
• A collaborative approach and a commitment to building strong relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues