Qualified Teacher (BestStart Petone)
BestStart Petone is seeking a passionate, culturally grounded Qualified and Certificated Teacher to join our energetic and tight-knit team. We are looking for someone who thrives on building meaningful relationships with tamariki and their whanau, and who is committed to creating a warm, responsive, high-quality learning environment.
Your Role:
This is a Permanent position, working 32–40 hours per week over 4 or 5 days. Depending on where your passion lies, you could work with:
Infants & Toddlers:
- Support the youngest tamariki in developing secure attachments and a love of learning
- View caregiving moments as rich learning opportunities
- Bring a calm, responsive presence that nurtures relationships with children and whanau
Preschool:
- Strengthen learning dispositions like curiosity, creativity, resilience, and independence
- Foster innovative thinking in our Reggio Emilia-inspired art area
- Encourage active play and skill development in our large outdoor playground
We're Looking For:
- A qualified ECE teacher with a heart for infants, toddlers, or preschool children
- Someone who values collaboration, reflection, and intentional practice
- Commitment to Te Whariki and bicultural practice in everyday teaching
- A teacher who celebrates diversity and fosters empathy, respect, and belonging
Why BestStart?
We are proud to be a progressive leader in ECE, committed to supporting our teachers and recognizing the difference they make:
- Full pay parity for teachers
- Teacher mentoring and induction programmes
- Online learning through Whare Ako
- Leadership development for current and future leaders
- Discounted childcare and referral bonus ($2,000*)
- Health and wellbeing support including subsidised insurance, free flu vaccinations, EAP counselling, and wellbeing programmes
- Sick leave from day one and additional leave for long service
Role Requirements:
- B Ed/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary) and current Teacher Certification
- Understanding of child-led curriculum and the ability to extend children's learning
- Knowledge of current ECE Regulations and Te Whariki
- Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in pedagogical practice
- Passion for high-quality teaching and learning
How to Apply: Click Apply Now and join a team that values growth, collaboration, and the joy of teaching. We can't wait to welcome you to BestStart Petone!