Programme Details
Primary Teaching Programme
The Teachers’ Institute Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Teaching is a one-year, full-time school-based programme leading to New Zealand teacher registration.
Unlike a traditional campus-based teaching qualification, you'll spend the year embedded in a TTI Partner School, learning alongside experienced mentor teachers and gradually taking increasing responsibility in the classroom. From day one, you'll be immersed in school life, working alongside experienced educators and building meaningful relationships with students.
The in-school experience is complemented by a series of TTI workshops and block courses, where trainees come together to build knowledge with our dedicated team of Teaching Fellows. The result is a qualification that combines professional study with meaningful classroom experience from the start.
"You have a workshop, and then the next day you’re back in class, and you can see what you've been taught and why you've been taught it. That goes into my head a lot quicker than just sitting and listening all day." - Katie, TTI Primary trainee.
The programme is designed for people who already hold a degree and want a direct pathway into teaching, whether you're changing careers, returning to study, or looking for a more practical route into teaching.
Graduates who successfully complete the programme are eligible to apply for provisional teacher registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, following the same registration pathway as graduates of university-based teaching qualifications. The difference is how you get there: through a school-based model that places classroom practice at the centre of your teacher training.
For full eligibility details check our Enrolment Process page. All eligible 2027 trainees receive at $20,660 bursary towards study costs.
Why Choose Primary Teaching?
Primary teaching is a career that offers purpose, variety, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference. During the primary and intermediate years, children develop the foundational knowledge, skills, and confidence that shape their future learning. As a primary teacher, you play a key role in supporting this growth and helping young people thrive.
No two days are the same. Primary teachers work across a range of curriculum areas, from literacy and mathematics to science, arts, health and physical education. This variety keeps the role engaging and allows teachers to continually expand their own knowledge and expertise.
One of the most rewarding aspects of primary teaching is the relationships you build. Working closely with students, whānau, and colleagues creates a strong sense of connection and community. Seeing students develop academically, socially, and emotionally, and knowing you have contributed to their success, makes teaching a uniquely fulfilling profession.
Primary teaching also offers ongoing professional growth. Whether you're refining your classroom practice, learning new approaches to teaching and learning, or collaborating with experienced colleagues, teaching is a career that continues to challenge and develop you throughout your professional journey.
Learn more about TTI's programme from Sarah Taylor, TTI's Primary Programme Director.
Hear from 2026 trainees Jackson and Katie about their experiences.
What's
Involved
Workshops
The in-school experience will be complemented by a series of 2-3 day weekly workshops and block courses, where trainees from across the TTI network will come together to build their knowledge of effective teaching practice.
Away Practicum
All trainees will complete 40 days of “away practicum” to experience working and teaching in other schools. This assists in developing professional relationships with other educators and prospective employers.
Courses and
Instructional Design
Course materials are online, with in-person workshops to practice and refine new teaching strategies. Assessments are spread throughout the year and align with real classroom tasks.
Teaching Literacy and English
30 Points
Explore the research on the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy approaches that promote reading (decoding and comprehension), spelling and writing. Learn how to extend these foundational skills to teach the English Curriculum in Phases 1 to 3, and in particular how to teach diverse students to read and respond critically to increasingly complex texts.
Teaching Mathematics
15 Points
Examines the research and associated practices of effective curriculum design and implementation in mathematics, as well as effective instructional approaches in mathematics which build both procedural and conceptual knowledge and mathematical confidence in students including: explicit instruction, structured inquiry, rich problems, open exploration and practice.
Creating a Supportive
Learning Environment
25 Points
Explores the research literature and its practical application on how to create supportive learning environments that are inclusive of and responsive to all students and maximise the opportunity to learn. Particular attention is paid to culturally sustaining approaches with teaching and developing strong relationships with akonga Māori.
Teaching the Wider Curriculum
25 Points
Explore the wider curriculum, while critically engaging with the research on how we learn, the pedagogical principles, teaching practices and strategies that promote learning in all learning areas. Particular attention is paid to integrating various curriculum areas and content authentically and with purpose.
Te Reo Māori Tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori
10 Points
Builds knowledge of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and te ao Māori, with a particular focus on how these relate to the work of teachers in schools and educational contexts. It draws on the research literature to enable participants to undertake a personal journey of discovery and advancement.
Final Culminating Integrated Assessment
15 Points
Draws together the research and practice from across the other four courses to focus on the integrated nature of teaching and learning and the role that continuous improvement through reflection and inquiry plays in a teacher’s professional practice.
Course Start Date
18 January 2027
Level
8
Course Fees
$7,910
Delivery
In-person
Bursary
$20,660 paid to each trainee
Duration
1 year full-time