Specialist Education Teacher

Kōwhai School; Hawke's Bay; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exceptional support

Professional growth

Strong culture

Lifestyle

Job summary

Kōwhai Specialist School in Hastings, NZ is seeking an enthusiastic teacher to join our supportive team. You will design inclusive, individualized learning plans for ākonga aged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs, working with a transdisciplinary team and families to promote independence, communication, life skills, and academic confidence.

You will lead a small class with aides, deliver culturally responsive teaching, and contribute to a welcoming, whanaungatanga‑driven school

Qualifications

• Full NZ Registered Teacher status or eligible for registration.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Experience in special education is advantageous; creativity and high expectations are valued.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor personalised learning plans for ākonga goals.
• Foster an inclusive, sensory-rich classroom environment and well-being.
• Collaborate with families/whānau, therapists, and aides to ensure holistic care.
• Integrate Te Ao Māori and culturally responsive practices daily.

Skills

Classroom management

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Creativity

Education

NZ Registered Teacher status

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 artsSDA

Are you a passionate, adaptable, and empathetic educator looking to make a meaningful difference every single day?

Kōwhai Specialist School is seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative teacher to join our supportive team. Based in Hastings, we provide tailored, high-quality education and therapy programmes for ākonga aged 5 to 21 with high and complex learning needs across our base school and satellite classrooms.

As a teacher at Kōwhai, you will lead a small class supported by dedicated teacher aides and a transdisciplinary team of therapists. You will design and deliver individualised curriculum plans that build ākonga independence, communication, life skills, and academic confidence.

What we offer

• Exceptional support: High staff-to-ākonga ratios and daily collaboration with specialised therapy teams and skilled teacher aides.
• Professional growth: Professional development in specialised pedagogy, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), positive behaviour support, and holistic curriculum design.
• A strong culture: A welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment built on whanaungatanga and mutual support.
• Lifestyle: Enjoy everything Hawke’s Bay has to offer—stunning weather, wineries, outdoor pursuits, and a vibrant local community.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and monitor personalized learning plans tailored to individual ākonga goals.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and rich sensory environment that promotes ākonga engagement and well-being.
• Work closely with families | whānau, therapists, and teacher aides to ensure holistic care and progress.
• Integrate Te Ao Māori and culturally responsive practices into daily classroom life.

About you

• Full NZ Registered Teacher status (or eligible for registration).
• Strong classroom management and a positive, strengths-based approach to teaching.
• Outstanding communication skills and a passion for collaborative teamwork across multidisciplinary teams.
• Previous experience in special education is an advantage, but mainstream teachers who are creative thinkers, hold high expectations, and are willing to learn are strongly encouraged to apply!