American Teacher considering New Zealand

[mittenprof]

Hi!

I'm new to this forum. In august I'll have my teaching license (in English) and I'm considering moving to New Zealand. But I'm wondering...Am I at a disadvantage because I'm not from a commonwealth country? Do most non-kiwi teachers come from the commonwealth, or can Americans break into the market too?

I'm very familiar with british english and all of it's spellings. In fact, I feel just as confident teaching British English as I would American English

Any response would be great.

[mittenprof]

Hello? Anyone out there? Last time I checked there were 4 million New Zealanders. There's bound to be someone who can help me?

[Bevdeforges]

Hi, and welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately I have no experience with New Zealand, other than having met many Kiwis during a lovely stay in Tahiti. But one thing I can tell you based on my experience elsewhere in the world is that teaching credentials often don't transfer between countries very well.

You may want (or have) to look into private schools (which are usually free to hire according to their own requirements), or to research what is required for a teaching credential in New Zealand. In some countries I'm familiar with, public school teaching is considered a "civil service" job and is not open to non-nationals except on a temporary or exchange basis.
Cheers,
Bev

[mittenprof]

hmm...not the answer I was looking forward to, but thanks for the response. It's very helpful.

[kdixon]

Your qualificationas should transfer(at least most). There is a web site teachnz dot govt dot nz . It will provide you with lots of info. Hope it helps.

[Dolly]

Originally Posted by mittenprof

Hi!

I'm new to this forum. In august I'll have my teaching license (in English) and I'm considering moving to New Zealand. But I'm wondering...Am I at a disadvantage because I'm not from a commonwealth country? Do most non-kiwi teachers come from the commonwealth, or can Americans break into the market too?

I'm very familiar with british english and all of it's spellings. In fact, I feel just as confident teaching British English as I would American English

Any response would be great.

Hi there,

No you won't be at a disadvantage if you don't come from a Commonwealth country. NZ is a multi-cultural society.

Dolly

Hi,

Teaching is not our specialty but I would contact soemone like 'Education personnel' in New Zealand, they would be happy to give free advice. Without seeing your actual qualification its hard for me to gauge NZQA and Teachers Council results.

Definately visit the teachers council website. hope this helps.

[mittenprof]

Thank you for the responses. I'll definitely look into them.

Tell me, what are the schools in New Zealand like? (grade breakdown, quality etc...) Specifically, what are the schools in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch like?

[oddball]

That is what forums are all about !!!!!

[Fugitive]

Dolly :

NZ is a multi-cultural society.

Hmmmm Dolly. I think the Asians in NZ will beg to differ with you on that one.

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