The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Early Childhood) is a 10-month, full-time programme with 16 weeks based in early childhood centres. The programme is focused on Te Whriki, the early learning curriculum in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will help children transform their complex, diverse and changing worlds, and empower them to be lifelong learners.

 

Successful graduates will be able to teach in early childhood centres throughout New Zealand and be eligible for provisional teacher certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

 

New Zealand teachers live the values of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and use te reo Mori in their teaching practice. During your studies you will strengthen your knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership and practice using te reo M?ori in everyday situations.

 

Practical teaching experience

You will gain valuable experience on three teaching placements. These placements will develop your skills and enable you to see how theory and practice are interlinked in your development as teacher.

 

The study experience

You can expect to spend 40 to 50 hours studying each week.

 

Courses are taught over three trimesters, between February and November.

 

The programme has blended delivery with block courses and online learning. You’ll need to attend two week-long block courses at the University in Wellington (held at the beginning and end of the programme). Students will be supported by a professional learning community (a small group of 10-15 peers) and an academic mentor.

 

Undergraduate preparation for Teacher Education

You may be able to include courses in your undergraduate degree that will help prepare you for a career in teaching, such as courses in te reo M?ori, Education and Education Psychology.