“Don’t hesitate”: TTI CEO Heather McRae on the need for more teachers
28 September 2026
With Ministry of Education data showing a shortage of more than 700 Secondary teachers in 2026 and a predicted shortage of more than 500 in 2027, The Teachers’ Institute CEO Heather McRae’s advice to anyone considering teaching is simple. “Don’t hesitate."
With four of the five highest teacher shortages in the country in Auckland regions, and urgent subject shortages in Sciences, Technology, Mathematics, English and Te Reo Māori, Auckland-based TTI has a clear and pressing focus – to recruit the next generation of teacher trainees in those areas.
“Our aim right now is to target subjects that are the most critical for delivery of the new curriculum and qualifications. English, Te Reo Māori and Mathematics are springboards for further academic learning. These subjects, along with Science and Technology, also reflect feedback from our partner schools who we’re working with to help solve the problem of shortages in these curriculum areas.”
While there are developing strategies nationwide to better track subject needs in different regions of New Zealand, it is a complex and constantly moving challenge, she says. This is coupled with an aging teacher workforce and significant changes to curriculum and qualifications.
The problem has become so bad that some schools are bringing in unqualified people to fill gaps, but it’s a temporary solution that doesn’t address the wider shortage.
“We’re fortunate at TTI in that we work with a network of 70+ outstanding partner schools, who are actively looking to employ qualified teachers, particularly in those high-demand subjects. It’s why we’re appealing to people who can fill those gaps – people who might have been considering teaching, but need a reason to make the change now.”
She says career changers, in particular, are an important part of the solution, offering not only life wisdom and applied experience, but also a strong desire to make a difference.
“Many of our trainees have had successful careers in other areas and we love their commitment to seeking a rewarding career in education. Many careers are relevant to our high-demand subjects – Technology, for example, can draw on design, modelling and product making in a range of genre - hard materials, machinery, technology, clothing and food. Likewise, a business background can offer a range of experiences to teaching.”
She says there’s nothing like the personal fulfilment that comes from the sense of purpose teaching provides. “As Winston Churchill said ‘we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.’”
The Teachers’ Institute is actively recruiting for Secondary teacher trainees in English, te reo Māori, Mathematics, Science, and Technology. In 2027, SOTP teacher trainees receive a Bursary of $20,660.
