Career Guide for International Students Graduate Diploma in Teaching

Career Guide For International Students
Graduate Diploma in Teaching
(Early Childhood Education)

www.nztertiarycollege.ac.nz

Contents Page 3
Page 3
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) Page 4
Pathways Page 5
Job opportunities during study Page 7
Job opportunities after graduation Page 8
Websites for job vacancies and recruitment Page 9
Support agencies for international students Page 9
Graduate Profiles
Video

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Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

An Education Council of Aotearoa New Zealand The Graduate Diploma in Teaching
(Education Council) and New Zealand Qualifications (Early Childhood Education) is best suited to:
Authority (NZQA) approved qualification ▶ Those with a degree who wish to attain certified
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood
Education) gives degree graduates an opportunity to teacher status in early childhood education
become qualified and certified early childhood teachers ▶ Those seeking a career as a qualified and certified
in New Zealand.
teacher in the field of early childhood education,
This qualification prepares graduates to teach in all wishing to work in a wide range of early childhood
teacher-led early childhood services throughout New settings – including kindergartens and early childhood
Zealand and in many overseas countries such as Australia. centres
On completion of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching
(Early Childhood Education), graduates will be eligible to
apply for certification with the Education Council. This
qualification could also lead to leadership or management
positions in the future.

Campuses: This qualification is available at both our
Auckland and Christchurch Campuses.

Pathways Graduate Diploma in Teaching Teacher registration and
(Early Childhood Education) provisional certification by
EMPLOYMENT Level 7 - Duration: 1.33 years Education Council of Aotearoa

New Zealand
EMPLOYMENT

*Alternative pathways through further study with NZTC are available, please visit www.nztertiarycollege.ac.nz

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Job opportunities during study You can also get in touch with the NZTC International Team
on [email protected] or the Pastoral
International students studying towards the Graduate Support Team on [email protected]
Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) are for the list. This will enhance your opportunity to gain
eligible to work up to 20 hours a week during their work experience in early childhood settings as soon as
program of study and full-time (30 hours and above) you start your courses.
during summer vacations on a student visa.
Please click HERE for the vacations. Salary:
The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood The expected salary is from $15.25 to $19.00 per hour
Education) places a strong emphasis on practical depending on previous experience, qualifications and
experience in a variety of early childhood services and place of work. Source: CareersNZ (2016). Early Childhood
centres. To fulfil the program requirement, students must Teacher retrieved from www.careers.govt.nz
apply for teaching vacancies (paid or voluntary) in a variety www.dol.govt.nz
of early childhood services, including early childhood care
and education centres, crèches and kindergartens. The Recruitment agencies:
Ministry of Education maintains an up-to-date database of Many recruitment agencies assist with the placement of
all licensed early childhood centres in New Zealand. You can people for relief work. Refer to page 7 for website listings.
find out about ECE services that may have open positions at
www.educationcounts.govt.nz

NZTC’s program provided me with a lot of childcare centre practice
during my study which gave me a better chance to find a job.

Lily (Chan) Wang (China)

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Lily graduated with a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) and
immediately found a full-time teaching job in New Lynn, Auckland.

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Job opportunities after graduation

1. Early childhood teacher 2. Corporate career
Early childhood teachers educate and care for young Various positions are available in the corporate offices
children in early childhood education services such as of large early childhood centre chains, e.g. Kidicorp,
kindergartens, kōhanga reo, home-based care agencies or Barnados New Zealand, Kindercare Learning Centres,
education and care centres. Kōhanga reo kaiako (Māori Lollipops Educare and Porse In-Home Childcare. Please
language nest teacher) also help children learn te reo visit the ‘Career’ section of their websites for the latest
Māori and tikanga Māori (culture and customs). vacancies. You can find out more information about
New Zealand qualified centres and their corporate
Early childhood teachers may work from entry level organisations through the link:
teaching positions to senior roles such as head teacher. www.educationcounts.govt.nz
They may also move into other fields like youth/ 3. Travelling and teaching abroad
community work, policy work and teacher education. There are numerous agencies that specialise in recruiting
Kōhanga reo kaiako may use their knowledge of te reo graduates from New Zealand to work overseas. Teaching
and tikanga Māori to move into training and policy roles. abroad offers exposure to new challenges and experiences
in teaching. The Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early
The profession of early childhood teaching is held in high Childhood Education) adequately prepares students for
esteem, with very positive job outcomes. For further teaching abroad, and the more experience you have, the
information please read the NZ government’s Occupation better equipped you will be to teach overseas.
Outlook 2016 on early childhood teaching. In addition, NZTC’s Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early
Childhood Education) is recognised by the Australian
The salary range for early childhood teachers commences National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR)
from approximately $34,000 to $78,000 a year, depending and the Foreign Credentials Service of America (FCSA).
on their work, their qualifications and their experience. The Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality
Source: CareersNZ (2016). Early Childhood Teacher Authority (ACECQA) recognises New Zealand Tertiary
retrieved from: www.careers.govt.nz College qualifications as enabling holders to work as
early childhood teachers and educators in Australia.
In 2014, New Zealand Tertiary College conducted a The authority further recognises that New Zealand
survey of NZTC graduates and 350 graduates responded. Tertiary College qualifications are exempt from the IELTS
The survey focused on the impact that our graduates’ requirements to work as early childhood teachers and
qualifications have on their working roles, income and educators in Australia.
career development. New Zealand Tertiary College graduates who attain
New Zealand Teacher Certification may transfer that
2014 Graduate survey snapshots: certification to a number of Australian states and
territories through the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition
Were you “work ready” NO Agreement. Australian teacher certification allows holders
upon graduation from your 4% to work in the public sector in those states and territories.
program?
Y96ES%

Are you currently working in NO 4. Other career opportunities
a role that utilises your early 8% Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early
childhood qualification? Childhood Education) may choose to study towards a
9Y2ES% higher degree which may offer other career opportunities
including:
UNLIKELY ▶ Hospital play specialist
5%
How likely are you to Hospital play specialists provide therapeutic play and
recommend NZTC to others? L9I5K%ELY recreation programs for infants, children and young
people so they can continue to enjoy normal activities
despite being sick, and feel less anxious about their
hospital experience and treatment. They also help
prepare and support children for medical procedures
and treatment in hospital and provide programs in
activity rooms, on wards and in areas where procedures
are carried out, such as treatment rooms and
emergency departments. Play specialists sometimes
work in the community as well. Most hospital play
programs include early childhood education services.

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In these programs, children can continue to participate in ▶ ECE entrepreneur
curriculum-based educational activities just as they would Graduates with business acumen, leadership and
in their regular early childhood centre. management skills might be attracted to the possibility
of owning their own early childhood education centre
Most play specialists are certified teachers with early or service. Other services might include resource
childhood teaching qualifications and many have development or education consultancy.
additional qualifications in fields such as special education,
health science, health management or psychology. The ▶ Tutor / lecturer
Hospital Play Association recommends that all hospital Your qualification in early childhood education will
play specialists are qualified early childhood teachers. not limit you to working with 0-5 year olds. You
can opt to become a tutor or a lecturer working at
The salary is between $40,000 and $50,000 a year, teacher education providers. This will require further
depending on the level of experience. Those working in postgraduate studies up to doctoral level depending on
private practice usually charge between $45.00 and $65.00 the type of institution.
an hour. Sources are from www.healthcareers.org.nz and
www.kiaorahauora.co.nz Tutors in early childhood education are responsible for
teaching a student or a small group of students. In New
▶ Special education teacher / early intervention teacher Zealand tutors are usually hired by institutions offering
Special education teachers in early childhood settings qualifications in early childhood education from Level
teach children with hearing, vision, emotional or 3 to Level 5. Lecturers are responsible for teaching
behavioural difficulties, physical and/or intellectual qualifications offered by tertiary education providers
disabilities, or special needs in learning or from Level 5 to Level 7. Lecturers teach at universities,
communication. They also help centres and other college of education, polytechnics, wānanga and other
teachers provide suitable learning programs for these tertiary education providers. They may carry
children. In New Zealand, this career has qualification out research to be published.
requirements. All teachers need to be certified.
Teacher certification is desired by tertiary education
The NZTC Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early employers for teaching positions in the field of early
Childhood Education) meets the entry requirements childhood education. In the case of lecturers in
for positions as special education teachers. Following programs that lead to teacher certification, visiting
two years of teaching to gain full teacher certification, lecturers are required to have certification.
and preferably further experience of teaching pre-
school children, those who want to work in the field Private teachers/tutors who are qualified, certified
may need to complete a graduate or postgraduate teachers can earn $17.00 to $25.00 an hour. Those
qualification in specialist teaching, specialising in early who have a relevant degree, teaching qualification and
intervention. Special education teachers may become a specialist qualification can earn between $30.00 and
senior teachers or heads of department, or move into $120.00 an hour, depending on previous experience,
management roles as centre managers. They may also qualifications and place of work. Tertiary lecturers
become advisers, such as special education adviser, or usually earn $50,000 or above per year. Source:
move into research and policy roles at the Ministry of CareersNZ (2016). Private Teacher/Tutor
Education. www.careers.govt.nz
Tertiary Lecturer www.careers.govt.nz
The salary for special education teachers depends on
experience and qualifications. It is usually from $44,000 Graduates who want to apply for teaching positions
per year. Source: Special Education Teacher www. at a tertiary level may get information from the list of
education.govt.nz education organisations offering ECE qualifications:
www.nzqa.govt.nz
▶ Early childhood educational psychologist
An early childhood psychologist/psychotherapist
investigates, assesses and provides treatment and
counselling for children’s behavioural and mental
health issues. Graduates of the Graduate Diploma
in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) who want
to become childhood psychologists normally need a
higher degree in psychology and a number of hours
of supervised practice approved by the New Zealand
Psychologists Board.

The annual salary for new graduates is usually from
$51,000. Source is from www.careers.govt.nz

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NZTC graduates with New Zealand Teacher Certification can use this
qualification to work all over the world.

Emily (Yanting) Lin (China)

Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)

“I chose New Zealand because I heard that it is an environmentally friendly country.
I enjoy the relaxed pace of life here compared to China. I chose the NZTC Graduate
Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education) program because you can get
practical experience in the actual job while you study to find out what the working
environment is like. When I found a home centre, I immediately got an interview and
within one week I got my offer letter from NZTC.”

Websites for job vacancies and recruitment

Early childhood services are responsible for employing ▶ Oasis Education Ltd
their own staff. There is no central staffing agency and no A Ministry of Education-accredited teacher employment
government department responsible for staff placement. agency, useful for teachers seeking employment in New
Teachers are employed by the licensee or owner of the Zealand (Auckland-based), and schools looking for a
service and you should apply directly to the employing teacher (relief or full-time)
centre.
You can also find work through the Ministry of Education’s ▶ Randstad Education
preferred teacher recruitment agencies, which offer a A recruitment agency specialising in education. Contains
free recruitment service to teachers. Teaching positions vacancy listings
are advertised in a range of ways including:
1. Websites for education and teaching jobs: ▶ Preschool Staffing Solutions
Education and teaching job websites specialise in listing job A specialist recruitment company providing both
vacancies in the field of education and teaching. temporary and permanent staff to early childhood
▶ Education Personnel centres, afterschool programs and holiday programs
throughout New Zealand. They are New Zealand owned
A recruitment agency specialising in education vacancies and operated with their head office based in Rangiora,
▶ TeachNZ website Canterbury

A Ministry of Education site with useful information 2. Websites for volunteer jobs:
about working and living in New Zealand Volunteer jobs can help you learn new skills and open
▶ KiwiOz Nannies doors to careers in New Zealand. The skills and work
A company that fills childcare vacancies in Auckland experience gained, as well as contacts made, will prove
▶ NZ Education Gazette invaluable when it comes to job hunting as the position
The Education Gazette advertises current teaching can be added to CVs. Volunteer jobs increase chances to
vacancies at early childhood education services find full-time jobs in New Zealand.
▶ Barnardos NZ

A New Zealand organisation offering opportunities to
work as a volunteer helping children in need
▶ VolunteerNet
Matches volunteers with short-term, event-based
volunteer opportunities

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▶ Volunteer Now ▶ Seek
Information about volunteering in New Zealand, An extensive list of job vacancies from a range of employers
including details of local volunteer centres and jobs across New Zealand and Australia. Also provides an
available email notification service as well as career development
resources and training information
▶ Volunteeringnz.org.nz and volunteeringauckland.org.nz
New Zealand volunteer information websites ▶ Student Job Search
Listings of temporary job vacancies for tertiary students
General websites:
There are many general websites for job vacancies and ▶ TradeMe Jobs
recruitment such as: Job vacancies advertised on TradeMe
▶ Carefinder
▶ Alpha Recruitment
Register for jobs in childcare and elderly care A recruitment agency specialising in executive roles
▶ New Kiwis
▶ Hudson
A site that links New Zealand employers with skilled A recruitment agency operating over a range of industries
migrants who are eligible to work, and currently live,
or intend to live, in New Zealand ▶ Kelly Services
▶ NZ Herald Jobs Browse temporary, part-time, and permanent jobs on
Search the New Zealand Herald’s jobs section online offer through this agency

▶ Kinetic Recruitment
Browse temporary, part-time, and permanent jobs on
offer through this agency

Support agencies for international students

International students experiencing settlement issues can 3. Auckland Regional Migrant Services (ARMS)
go to the following organisations for support: ARMS is the first point of contact for migrants in New
1. Immigration New Zealand websites Zealand for information and services. Their mission is
Immigration New Zealand has launched the following to facilitate the successful settlement of newcomers,
websites to assist international students working in New economic empowerment of communities and intercultural
Zealand during and after their studies. respect. They provide a range of services which are free
nzstudywork.immigration.govt.nz (NZ Study + Work) or at a very nominal cost. International students may use
This website outlines the rights and responsibilities the information online as a resource.
at work for international students and New Zealand
employers. It provides links to more detailed information. Some of the important services provided by ARMS are as
worktalk.immigration.govt.nz (WorkTalk) follows:
This website is designed to help improve communication
between New Zealand employers or managers and new www.settlement.org.nz
migrants/international students. It explains how New ▶ Workshops and Events
Zealanders communicate at work. There is a section ▶ Job Seeker Support
for migrants/international students and another for ▶ Community Collaboration & Service Provider Support
employers. ▶ English Language Advisory Services
2. Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
The CAB is a one-stop-shop for any information required. 4. Careers New Zealand
The CAB has become a place of essential community Careers New Zealand is the leading government
service where the general public can go to know their careers support agency for all New Zealanders needing
rights and obligations as well as how to best use this information, advice and support to make life-defining
information. The CAB provides general and specialist decisions. Careers New Zealand offers expert, free advice
advice free of charge. www.cab.org.nz and support to help New Zealanders make smart, well-
informed decisions about their careers.
www.careers.govt.nz

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Careers New Zealand offers a range of services including: 6. Christchurch Educated
▶ Step by step guide to job hunting Christchurch Educated Inc. is a group of education
▶ Finding work when jobs are scarce providers based in the city of Christchurch and the region
▶ Volunteer work can help make career decisions of Canterbury, New Zealand. One of the objectives of
5. Christchurch Migrants Centre Christchurch Educated is to create an education and living
The Migrant Centre hosts organisations that are dedicated experience for students that is positive and genuinely life-
to servicing the settlement needs of migrants. changing. www.christchurcheducated.co.nz
www.migranthub.org.nz

Graduate profiles

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“I was glad to know that NZTC offered this program via an online learning method, which was exactly what I was looking
for. NZTC Online is indeed the best option to enable students like me to maintain a balance between study with work
and family commitments. It also makes my student life easy as all the course study materials and academic resources are
available online, so one doesn’t have to worry about the library due dates, taking care of books and so on.”

Video

Career as an early childhood educator
Click on the link to learn more about a career as an early childhood educator.
▶ www.teachnz.govt.nz

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