Scale A Teacher

Pongakawa School; Bay of Plenty; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Pongakawa School in the Bay of Plenty region is seeking an NZ-registered teacher for Years 1–8 to join our rural kura for the 2027 school year. You will contribute to a warm, collaborative team that puts learners at the centre of everything we do and fosters curiosity through structured learning and engaging, inquiry-driven experiences.

We value strong relationships with tamariki and whānau, evidence-informed teaching practices, and a supportive, fun-loving country school culture that supports

Qualifications

• Must hold NZ teaching registration.
• Experience delivering structured, inquiry-based learning.
• Commitment to whānau engagement and positive relationships.
• Ability to foster curiosity and high expectations.

Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will join a warm, collaborative team focused on learner-centred teaching.
• Deliver strong foundational skills while embedding inquiry-driven learning.
• Contribute to a supported school culture with ongoing professional development.

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

Pongakawa School is a vibrant rural kura where our school is our "second home." Guided by our commitment to nurture, respect, motivate, and challenge every learner, we equip our tamariki with the life skills to make positive choices and follow their aspirations. We are seeking an enthusiastic, NZ-registered teacher to join our passionate team for the 2027 school year.

About the role

The successful candidate will join a warm, collaborative, and team-focused environment where learners’ needs are at the centre of everything we do. We are looking for a teacher who will bring a strong foundation and exerience in structured learning while creating rich, aspirational experiences that spark curiosity and excitement.

What we are looking for

• Relational pedagogy: Deep commitment to whakawhanaungatanga and building positive, mana-enhancing relationships with tamariki, whānau, and colleagues.
• Science of learning: Confidence integrating evidence-informed Science of Learning principles into daily classroom practice.
• Structured and curious learning: Ability to deliver strong foundational skills while embedding engaging, inquiry-driven learning pathways.
• Team players: Highly collaborative educators who thrive in a supportive, fun-loving country school culture.

Why join Pongakawa School?

• Work alongside dedicated, experienced teachers in a well-resourced environment.
• Access targeted professional development to grow your practice and collective capacity.
• Enjoy a deeply supportive whānau community and a Board committed to staff wellbeing.