BeTTER Jobs Programme

The BeTTER Jobs Programme helps match beginning teachers (BeT) or returning teachers (TER) with schools identified as having recruitment or retention challenges. The programme supports beginning and returning teachers into the classroom and helps teachers find a job by notifying them weekly about vacancies at eligible schools (“matching”).

Eligibility

To be eligible for the 2024 intake, you need to have completed an Initial Teacher Education (ITE) qualification since 1 January 2023, or a Teacher Education Refresh (TER) programme since 1 January 2023. This must be your first teaching position since completing either of these qualifications.

Your teaching position must be at least 0.8 Full Time Teacher Equivalent (FTTE) at a state or state-integrated school or kura that is eligible for the BeTTER Jobs Programme.

Note: BeTTER Jobs Programme does not cover the Early Childhood Education sector.

Financial support

If you find employment through the BeTTER Jobs Programme, you will receive $5,000 per year for up to two years if you remain at an eligible school. The school you are employed at will also receive financial support for mentoring and induction costs associated with employing beginner or returning teachers.

After up to two years in the BeTTER Jobs Programme, beginning teachers may also be eligible for the Voluntary Bonding Scheme.

Registering your interest

To receive notifications about job vacancies at eligible schools, please fill out the Expression of Interest form here.

Availability of places

There are 130 places available for the 2024 school year for those who have completed their ITE qualification or TER programme since 1 January 2023. The positions are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Confirmation of employment

If you have already gained employment at an eligible school since 01/12/2023 for the 2024 school year you can still sign up for the programme. Visit this form to establish if the school you are working at is eligible by using the drop-down lists (organised by region) and to confirm your employment, and the Ministry will get back to you.

Contact the team at vacancy.hub@education.govt.nz if you have any questions.  

More information

New Zealand Teachers Council New Zealand Education Gazette New Zealand Qualifications Authority Immigration New Zealand