Frequently asked questions
We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions which may be helpful to you in applying for the Primary Principals' and Teachers' Study Award.
Select a category below to be taken to questions and answers relating to that topic.
How will my application be assessed?
Completing the application form
Principal and board of trustees/employer support
General
Where did the Primary Teachers’ and Principals’ Study Awards come from?
The Primary Principals’ and Teachers’ Study Awards were established in negotiation between the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) and the Ministry of Education. The awards are based on criteria determined by the Ministry of Education in consultation with NZEI and New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA).
What is this award?
This study award is one of the professional learning provisions available to teachers and principals in New Zealand state or state-integrated schools, who are employed under the terms and conditions of the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (PTCA) or Primary Principals’ Collective Agreement (PPCA).
How many are available each year?
Each year there are 75 full-time teacher equivalent (FTTE) study awards available to primary teachers’ and principals’ in state or state-integrated schools. The award provides time for part-time or full-time study in agreed educational priority areas.
When will I find out the outcome of my application?
You will be notified by Friday 9 September 2022.
Are all the study awards allocated each year?
Yes, the selection process for the awards is always competitive as there are a limited number available.
What does a Primary Teachers’ and Principals’ Study Award provide?
The study award provides paid leave at the teachers’ normal salary for the duration of the study award.
‘Normal salary’ includes all permanent salary units and allowances.
Where fixed-term salary units and allowances are held, the teacher should clarify with their principal whether these will continue to be paid. Any salary increases or increments during the period of leave still apply, according to the provisions of the STCA.
The leave counts as service for most purposes. The leave of absence is for full-time or part-time study.
The study award does not include any additional expenses associated with the study, e.g. course fees, or removal and travelling expenses.
The number of weeks is granted at the discretion of the selection panel, based on the study proposed in the application.
How is the study award paid?
You will continue to be paid through your school. Your school receives relief funding, in accordance with the relevant collective agreement, while you are on study leave.
What are the expectations if awarded a study award?
If you are selected for a study award, you must:
- Notify TeachNZ if there are any changes to your contact details, employment status, your study plan, or if you take up a new position
- Undertake the study as stated in your application
- Be at school before and after taking up the study award if you are awarded less than a full year’s study award (e.g. 20 or 32 school weeks rather than 40)
- Provide confirmation of enrolment and proof of completion of study when required.
If you are offered a study award and then decline it, you can re-apply with no prejudice in a subsequent year.
Please note that the study award cannot be deferred to the following year.
Does the award pay for course fees or any additional expenses?
No, there is no contribution to course fees or any additional expenses.
What approval of leave is needed for the leave?
Teachers who are granted a study award will be given leave on pay for the period of study by their principal and board of trustees/employer.
The application form requests a signature from the principal and board of trustees/employer to demonstrate support for your application. If you have not received support from the principal and board of trustees/employer, you may still apply. You should provide an explanation as to why written confirmation of support from the principal and board of trustees/employer has not been included with your application.
What will happen if I have applied for the wrong award?
Your application will only be assessed for the award you have applied for. It’s important for you to check the application information to ensure that you are applying for the correct award.
If my study finishes before the end of the school year, do I need to return to school?
Yes, you are expected to be at school before and after your study leave. A study award will only fund the relief costs up to the total number of school weeks that you have been awarded.
Do I need to return to the same school after completing my study award?
There is an expectation that you will return to either your previous role or a similar one.
Can I apply for more than one award?
Yes, but you can only accept one award. If you are successful in more than one application, you will be asked to choose which award you will accept. Please note that you must send in a separate application for each award.
Can I submit more than one application for the same award?
No, you can only submit one application for each award you apply for.
Can I postpone my award until the next year?
No, a study award cannot be postponed. If you need to withdraw from the study award, you can apply again in the future with no prejudice.
What if I am offered a position at a different school before I take up the study award?
You will need to tell your new principal and board of trustees/employer you have been offered a study award and discuss your options with them. If your new principal and board of trustees/employer supports your completion of the study award, then you would need to provide TeachNZ with confirmation of support from the principal and board of trustees/employer so your new school can receive relief teacher funding.
If you then choose not to take up the study award, for any reason, you must advise TeachNZ as soon as possible. Note that if this is possible before September, the study award can be offered to a teacher on the reserve list.
What if I am offered a position at a different school that will commence while I am on study leave?
You will need to consider your commitment to the study award and discuss your options with your principal and board of trustees/employer. If your new principal and board of trustees/employer supports your completion of the study award, you would need to provide TeachNZ with confirmation of support from the principal and board of trustees/employer so your new school can receive relief teacher funding.
Can I withdraw from a study award?
If you choose to withdraw from the study award, you can apply again in the future with no prejudice. You just need to let us know in writing that you would like to withdraw from the award. We can accept this by email to teacher.studyawards@education.govt.nz.
What if I begin my study and I find I can’t complete it?
The study award is given to you for the purpose of completing the study outlined in your study plan.
If you are unable to complete the study, you will need to contact TeachNZ to discuss your options.
What if I am made surplus to requirements while on study leave?
The usual provisions for surplus staffing apply at the end of that year, as you are still an employee of the school from which you are on study leave. You have the same rights as other teaching staff and you will be able to complete your study award.
You will need to contact the Ministry of Education and talk to your board of trustees/employer about the options available to you through the surplus staffing provisions. Your proposal for the study award may fit the criteria for the retraining option.
Eligibility
What is the eligibility criteria?
To be eligible to apply for a study award, you must:
- hold a full and current practising certificate
- be a full-time or part-time teacher or principal employed in a state or state-integrated New Zealand primary school
- have the support of your principal and board of trustees/employer
- be employed under the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement, Primary Principals’ Collective Agreement or applicable Individual Employment Agreement (IEA)
- have had at least three years’ experience as a fully certificated teacher in New Zealand state or state-integrated schools.
- have not received a TeachNZ award or sabbatical in the last five years
If appointed to a Kāhui Ako | Community of Schools Teacher (across community/schools) role, you cannot undertake a study award at the same time. For clarity the teacher may apply for an award provided, if granted, the entitlement is not taken up until the conclusion of the fixed period of the appointment.
If I am a primary-trained teacher working in an area or secondary school, can I apply for a study award?
The study award you are eligible to apply for depends on which collective agreement you are employed under. You are most likely employed under either the Primary Teachers’ or Principals’ Collective Agreements. You can apply for a primary study award only if you are covered by the terms and conditions of the Primary Teacher’s or Principals’ Collective Agreement and meet all the eligibility criteria.
If you are covered by the terms and conditions of either the Area or Secondary School Teachers’ Collective Agreements, you may be eligible to apply for an area School or secondary study award. Please visit www.TeachNZ.govt.nz/studyawards to find out more.
I am a Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) who works in primary schools, but my lead school is a secondary/area school. Can I apply for this award?
The study award that you are eligible to apply for depends on which collective agreement you are employed under. You can apply for a Primary Principals’ and Teachers’ Study Award if you are covered by the terms and conditions of the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement.
Although you are working in primary schools, if your lead school is a secondary/area school, you could be employed under the terms and conditions of the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement or the Area School Teachers’ Collective Agreement. If you are covered by the terms and conditions of the Secondary Teacher Collective Agreement or the Area School Teachers’ Collective Agreement, you are not eligible for this study award, but you may be eligible to apply for a Secondary Teachers’ Study Award or an Area School Teachers’ Study Award.
Please visit www.TeachNZ.govt.nz/studyawards to find out more.
What if my teaching position is made surplus to requirements after I submit my application?
TeachNZ provides relief funding to a school while a teacher is away on study leave. If your position is disestablished, you will not be able to take up this study award; under the surplus staffing provisions, however, there is a retraining option which offers full-time study leave for 40 weeks.
Talk to your colleagues, your board of trustees/employer and/or your union about the options available to you through the surplus staffing provisions. Your proposal for the study award may fit the criteria for the retraining option available through surplus staffing.
I am a part-time teacher; can I apply for a study award?
Yes, if you are permanently employed. If you are offered a study award, the amount of study leave you receive will be pro-rated on the basis of your current full-time teaching equivalent (FTTE). You will need to let us know your current FTTE on the application form.
I am on a fixed-term contract; can I apply for a study award?
Yes, if you are appointed full time, but you will also need to be employed by a school during study leave as TeachNZ provides relief funding to your school while you are on study leave.
Can I apply if I am a long-term reliever?
Yes, if you are employed full-time, but you will also need to be employed by a school during the study leave as TeachNZ provides relief funding to your school while you are on study leave.
My certification is currently subject to confirmation. Can I apply?
No, only teachers with full practicing certificate are eligible to apply.
I am provisionally certificated – can I apply?
No, only teachers with full practicing certificate are eligible to apply.
Can I apply if I have previously had a study award or sabbatical?
Yes, but only if you have not had a study award or sabbatical in the five years before the beginning of 2022.
Can I apply if I’m not a member of a teachers’ union?
Yes, the study awards are open to all teachers in New Zealand state and state-integrated schools who meet the eligibility criteria.
Can I apply if I am a Deputy Principal?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
I am appointed to the Community of Schools Teacher (across community) role, am I able to take study leave?
No, a teacher in receipt of the allowance for Community of Schools Teacher (across community) role shall not be eligible to take up a study leave award but may apply for a study leave award in the last year of their appointment to the role provided that it is not taken up until after the conclusion of the fixed-term appointment.
If I am appointed to the Community of Schools Teacher (within school) role, am I able to take study leave?
Yes, apply as usual.
How will my application be assessed?
How is my application assessed?
First, your application will be checked to ensure it meets all of the eligibility criteria. A selection panel made up of representatives from the Ministry of Education, NZEI and NZSTA, will then assess your application.
Firstly, priority is given to applicants who:
- are completing a level 7 Bachelor of Education teaching qualification OR
- are undertaking study or research that furthers and contributes to the Ministry of Education’s priorities in education; policy that aims to improve the learning outcomes for priority student groups, including:
- Māori and Pacific students
- students from low socio-economic backgrounds
- students with Learning Support needs.
Then the following four factors are considered when assessing applications:
- The completeness and clarity of your application.
- The benefits to you, your students, your school and your community.
- Issues you face because of distance or professional isolation.
- The commitment and effort you have already made in recent study.
- The selection panel’s role is to ensure that the selection process is open, fair, consistent and impartial;
- that it provides for equal opportunity and non-discrimination,
- and that study leave weeks are
- assigned equitably.
What is considered recent study?
Recent study is defined as study that has been undertaken in the last three years.
What are the Ministry of Education’s priorities for education?
The Ministry of Education’s priorities for education are those referred to on page 2 of the application guide. You can find further information in the Ministry of Education’s current Statement of Intent (Page 10).
You can find a copy on the Ministry of Education’s website: www.education.govt.nz.
What is considered ‘professional isolation’?
It is important that you outline any professional isolation as applications are judged based on the information you provide.
Examples of professional isolation include:
- If you are the sole teacher of a specialist area e.g. the only te reo Māori teacher or in special education
- If you are the sole mentor of beginning teachers in your school
- If you are a teacher in a small isolated school
- If you cannot access professional development opportunities because of distance and/or costs
- The socio-economic status of the school or community or specific requirements of the school.
Completing the application form
What does full-time teacher equivalent (FTTE) mean?
Full-time teacher equivalent means one full-time teaching position, which has a measure of 25 hours per week (five hours per day).
If you are employed part time, please make sure you provide your FTTE (which is the number of hours you are employed per week divided by 25), as the leave awarded will be pro rated on the basis of your part-time hours.
Can I include my professional development in my qualifications on the application form (e.g. National Aspiring Principals Programme)?
You may describe any aspect of your learning and study in support of your overall personal career plan and your application; however, study leave is given according to particular priorities.
Can I include in my employment history time spent training in a teacher education programme?
No, time spent training to be a teacher is not counted as service as a teacher in New Zealand.
I have received a study support grant previously. Does this count as supported study leave?
No, a study support grant is not considered supported leave.
Proposed study
What professional learning (study) can be undertaken?
Teachers can apply to:
- complete a qualification
- improve an existing qualification
- study a new qualification in a new or different curriculum area
- undertake research
- undertake study that is relevant and adds value to primary education
- obtain practical knowledge and skill-related experience in their subject area.
Is there an approved list of qualifications?
You can apply to study any qualification you choose. You will need to justify your choice of study in your study plan.
What is research study?
For the purposes of a study award, research study may be part of, or in conjunction with, a formal study programme provided by a tertiary institution.
Which tertiary institutions are approved for study?
You can apply to study at any tertiary institution, whether on campus or via distance learning.
Can I study overseas?
Yes, you can apply to study at any tertiary institution you choose.
How do I find out the level of the qualification I am studying?
You can find the level of the qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website www.nzqa.govt.nz/studying-in-new-zealand/understand-nz-quals/ or you can ask your tertiary institution.
What if the qualification I am planning on studying is not on the NZQA framework?
Please make sure you provide as much information as possible.
Do I need to be enrolled when applying?
No, but please contact your proposed tertiary institution to find out key enrolment dates.
If you are awarded a study award you will be asked to provide confirmation of enrolment in February or March of the year you go on leave.
Can I apply to study part time throughout the year?
Yes you can, as study leave can be used flexibly throughout the year. It is important your principal and board of trustees/employer understand that you plan to study part time and how this will affect your teaching time.
An example of this could be if you are planning to study 60 credits, you would be awarded 16 school weeks to complete your study. You can take the 16 school weeks flexibly throughout the school year with agreement from your school.
If offered a study award you will need to make TeachNZ aware of the study plan.
How is the leave awarded?
How do I work out the number of weeks I will need a study award for?
The amount of leave awarded is based on the length of the course you study, up to a maximum of 40 school weeks (term breaks are not counted). The period of study leave is granted at the discretion of the selection panel.
For example:
- If you plan to study 120 credits, you will be awarded 32 school weeks to complete your study.
- If you plan to study 60 credits, you will be awarded 16 school weeks to complete your study.
What are school weeks?
School weeks are the weeks during term time. TeachNZ funds relief costs for the school weeks plus any holiday pay the relief teacher is entitled to.
Can I apply to study for one semester only?
Yes you can, but it is important that your principal and board of trustees/employer know that you are planning on study for one semester as they as they will only receive relief funding for the time you are away.
Can I apply to complete my postgraduate qualification, and start work towards my ‘Masters’?
Yes, you can apply to complete more than one qualification in the year. Please make sure you provide all the requested information for both/all qualifications in your study plan.
The study that I plan to complete takes two full years. If I am awarded a study award will it cover both years of study?
No, the study awards are only available for up to one school year.
Can I change my course of study after submitting an application?
Yes, but not substantially. Please notify TeachNZ of proposed changes in writing, and provide details of this and an explanation of the reason for this change as this will need to be approved.
Can I change my study dates after payroll information has been sent to my school?
Yes you can change your study dates but it is important that your principal and board of trustees/employer know before you change them with us.
If I am offered an award for less weeks than I would need to complete the course can I request more?
Yes, but not substantially. The period of study leave is granted at the discretion of the selection panel in accordance with the credits you advised you will be studying on your application. If you need more weeks to complete the course please contact in writing via email or post to advise why, and that your school principal and Board support this.
Please note only if weeks are available will we be able to look to increase.
Study plan requirements
How should I present my application?
Please complete your study plan in the requested format on the application form. This makes it easier for the selection panel to assess study plans consistently.
Why is it important that I explain what study I plan to do?
As you can apply to study any qualification at any tertiary institution, you need to clearly justify your choice of study and explain how this decision will benefit your teaching practice and students. This includes detailing your chosen qualification and papers in your own words and explaining why you have chosen that paper or qualification.
Why do I need to complete all the information on my study plan?
The selection panel will be using only what you provide as the basis for their decisions and you need to present your application as best you can.
Your study plan is a key part of your application and you need to demonstrate to the selection panel that you have taken the time to prepare it carefully and have followed the format structure. Failure to do so may result in your application scoring lower.
Can I submit more than one study plan?
No, you can only submit one study plan.
If my study finishes before the end of the school year, do I need to return to school?
Yes, you are expected to be at school before and after your study leave. A study award will only fund the relief costs up to the total number of school weeks you have been awarded.
Principal and board of trustees/employer support
What can I provide as evidence that my principal supports my application?
We can accept one of the following as principal support:
- A signed letter of support from your school principal.
- An email sent directly from your school principal to TeachNZ.
Principal support, in one of the formats outlined above, must be submitted by Monday 18 July 2022.
Please note that support from the principal is an eligibility factor.
Who can support my application if my principal is away?
The acting principal is the only person who can support your application on behalf of your principal. Please make sure it is clear that the signature is from the person acting in the role of the principal.
Who can support my application if I am acting principal?
The principal should support your application. If your principal is unable to provide support in one of the approved formats please provide an explanation in the box provided.
What can I provide as evidence that my board of trustees/employer supports my application?
We can accept one of the following as board of trustees/employer support:
- A copy of relevant board of trustees minutes confirming support for your application.
- A signed letter of support from the board chairperson/employer.
- An email sent directly from the board chairperson/employer to TeachNZ.
Board of trustees/employer support, in one of the formats outlined above, must be submitted by Monday 18 July 2022. Please note that support from the board of trustees/employer is an eligibility factor.
Who has the authority to support my application on behalf of the board of trustees chairperson?
The deputy chairperson or another trustee who has delegated authority in the absence of the chairperson or their deputy. Please make sure this is clear on the application form.
Who can sign my application form if the board of trustees has been disestablished?
Please ask the commissioner acting in place of the board of trustees to confirm support for your application by signing your application form. Please ensure its clear the signature is that of the commissioner.
Who can support my application if my school has a limited statutory manager employed?
If the limited statutory manager is acting in place of the board of trustees for employment matters, ask the limited statutory manager to confirm support for your application by signing your application form, otherwise the board chairperson should sign. Please ensure it’s clear that the signature is that of the limited statutory manager.
What if I can’t provide confirmation of principal and board of trustees/employer support when I submit my application?
If you have not yet received support from the principal and/or board of trustees, you may still apply, but please send confirmation of support in by Monday 18 July 2022. Please provide an explanation in the box on the application form as to why the support of the principal and/or board of trustees/employer is not included with your application.
Please note that support from the principal and board of trustees/employer is a selection factor and must be submitted by Monday 18 July 2022.
I am a Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) and work in a number of schools. Which principal and board of trustees/employer should I ask to support my application?
RTLBs are employed by the cluster lead school’s principal and board of trustees/employer. The schools where RTLBs are located, but not employed, are called host (or satellite) schools.
Please ask the principal and board of trustees/employer from your lead school to support your application.
Submitting my application
Can I apply online?
Yes, just complete and submit your application form online at www.teachnz.govt.nz/studyawards on or before Monday 4 July 2022.
Can I email you my application?
No, we can only accept applications submitted online or sent in via post or courier. For your application to be considered, it must be sent and postmarked on or before Monday 4 July 2022.
Can I post you a digital copy (on a disc or USB stick) of my application?
No, please submit a printed, unbound document on A4 paper.
What happens if my application is late?
Late applications will not be considered. For your application to be considered, it must be sent and postmarked on or before Monday 4 July 2022.
Can I send in additional information after submitting my application?
You may submit additional information for your application up to Monday 18 July 2022. (two weeks after the closing date), otherwise this cannot be considered with your application.
How will I know that you have received my application?
You will receive an email to confirm that your application has arrived. Please contact us if you have not heard from us by Monday 18 July 2022.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
It’s important to ensure you’ve submitted all the required information. If your application is incomplete, or is not in the correct format, the selection panel will not be able to assess it.
What happens if my application is late?
Late applications will not be considered.
For your application to be considered, it must be sent and postmarked on or before Monday 4 July 2022.
How is my application assessed?
First, your application will be checked to ensure it meets all of the eligibility criteria. A selection panel made up of representatives from the Ministry of Education, NZEI and NZSTA, will then assess your application.
Firstly, priority is given to applicants who:
· are completing a level 7 Bachelor of Education teaching qualification OR
· are undertaking study or research that furthers and contributes to the Ministry of Education’s priorities in education; policy that aims to improve the learning outcomes for priority student groups, including:
o Māori and Pacific students
o students from low socio-economic backgrounds
o students with Learning Support needs.
Then the following four factors are considered when assessing applications:
· The completeness and clarity of your application.
· The benefits to you, your students, your school and your community.
· Issues you face because of distance or professional isolation.
· The commitment and effort you have already made in recent study.
· The selection panel’s role is to ensure that the selection process is open, fair, consistent and impartial;
o that it provides for equal opportunity and non-discrimination,
o and that study leave weeks are
o assigned equitably.
What is considered recent study?
Recent study is defined as study that has been undertaken in the last three years.
What are the Ministry of Education’s priorities for education?
The Ministry of Education’s priorities for education are those referred to on page 2 of the application guide. You can find further information in the Ministry of Education’s current Statement of Intent (Page 10).
You can find a copy on the Ministry of Education’s website: www.education.govt.nz.
What is considered ‘professional isolation’?
It is important that you outline any professional isolation as applications are judged based on the information you provide.
Examples of professional isolation include:
· If you are the sole teacher of a specialist area e.g. the only te reo Māori teacher or in special education
· If you are the sole mentor of beginning teachers in your school
· If you are a teacher in a small isolated school
· If you cannot access professional development opportunities because of distance and/or costs
· The socio-economic status of the school or community or specific requirements of the school.