Teacher Aide

Pukenui School (Te Kuiti); Waikato; On-site; NZD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Pukenui School in the Waikato region is seeking a caring and adaptable Teacher Aide to join our team in a permanent, full-time role. You will support learning, wellbeing and inclusion across classrooms and work with a Deaf student, with NZSL training provided.

We value patience, reliability and teamwork and welcome applicants who are eager to learn and contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting tamariki or students with additional needs is desirable.
• Must be patient, adaptable and willing to learn.
• Commitment to inclusive and culturally responsive practice.

Responsibilities

• Support learning, wellbeing and inclusion across classrooms.
• Assist with classroom and learning support programmes.
• Support a Deaf student; NZSL training will be provided.

Skills

Compassionate

Team player

Communication skills

NZSL willingness

Job description

Certificated teacher, General, Teacher Aide
English, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The arts

Pukenui School is looking for a caring, enthusiastic and adaptable Teacher Aide to join our team in a permanent, full-time position.

This is a varied, school-wide role supporting the learning, wellbeing and inclusion of our tamariki. The successful applicant will work alongside teachers and support staff across a range of areas, which may include supporting students with high or additional learning needs, working with individuals and small groups, and assisting with classroom and learning support programmes.

An important part of the role will include supporting a Deaf student. Full specialist training and ongoing support in New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) will be provided. No previous NZSL experience is required; however, you must be enthusiastic and committed to learning and using NZSL to support the student’s communication, learning and independence.

We are looking for someone who is:

• caring, patient and compassionate
• reliable, flexible and willing to learn
• a positive team player who can also use their initiative
• able to build strong relationships with tamariki and staff
• calm and confident when supporting students with additional needs
• committed to inclusive and culturally responsive practice
• willing to undertake professional learning, including NZSL training.

Previous experience working with tamariki or students with additional needs would be an advantage, but finding the right person who is positive, committed and willing to learn is most important to us.

As this is a school-wide position, the students, classrooms, programmes and responsibilities associated with the role may change over time according to the needs of our tamariki and kura.

If you are passionate about supporting tamariki to feel included, confident and successful at school, we would love to hear from you.

Key dates

Applications close: 7 October. Shortlisted applicants notified: 8 to 9 October. Interviews: 13 October. Start date: Term 4, 2026.