Programme Details
Secondary Teaching Programme
With The Teachers' Institute, you can complete your Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary, School-based) in just one year.
Unlike a traditional campus-based teaching qualification, you'll spend the year based at one of our carefully selected TTI Partner Schools , 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. With guidance from expert mentor teachers, you’ll gradually take the lead on two classes (one junior, one senior).
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 and experienced Subject Leads. The result is a qualification that combines professional study with meaningful classroom experience from the start.
"I really enjoy coming to the workshops and meeting with other like-minded trainees and then going back to school and implementing straight away what we’ve learnt. I don't think I would have done it any other way." - Siobhan, TTI Secondary 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..
TTI Graduates
ShareTheir Experience
Hear more from our trainees, graduates and TTI staff on our news page.
What's
Involved
Workshops
Alongside your in-school experience, you’ll attend weekly 1–2 day workshops with trainees from across our network—diving deeper into best teaching practices and exchanging ideas.
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
Over the year, you’ll complete 40 days in other schools, building relationships with educators and potential employers while broadening your experience.
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.
Subjects
Offered
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Biology
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Chemistry
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English
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Economics/Business/Accounting
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Geography
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History
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Languages - French and Spanish
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Maths
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Music
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P.E and Health
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Physics
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Technology - (Digital Technology, Design & Visual Communication, Hard Materials)
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Te Reo Māori
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Visual Arts
* A minimum of 3 enrolments are needed for each subject.
TTI Subject Specialists
Our Subject Specialists work closely with trainees every week, taking the knowledge gained in workshops and the experiences in the classroom, and exploring how theoretical and evidence-based guidance can be applied to individual subjects. Learn more here.
Courses and
Instructional Design
You’ll complete five credit-bearing courses plus a Te Reo Māori course (no credits). 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.
Throughout the year, students will complete 5 for-credit courses as well as a non-credited course in Te Reo Māori.
Teaching and Learning
35 Points
Explores the research on how we learn and the pedagogical principles, teaching practices and strategies that promote learning. Particular attention is paid to adolescent development, how this influences the teaching-learning process and how to structure teaching and learning to support all students including those who are neurodivergent and/or have special educational needs.
Assessment
20 Points
Critically engage with the research on effective assessment practice and apply this to their teaching practice, with reference to relevant policy documents, by undertaking and evaluating the impact of different formative assessment practices, feedback approaches, and summative assessment.
Creating Supportive
Learning Environments
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 will be paid to culturally sustaining approaches to teaching and to developing strong relationships with Māori ākonga (students).
Curriculum
20 Points
Examines the research and associated practices of effective curriculum design and implementation, encompassing long-term, mid-term, and short-term design. Different streams of this course will explore the intricacies and application of curriculum design and implementation in specific subjects.
Final Integrated Assessment
20 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.
Te Reo Māori
non-credited
Online course, workshop and assessment matched to trainee level.
Course Start Date
12 January 2027
Level
8
Course Fees
$7,910
Delivery
In-person
Bursary
$20,660 paid to each trainee
Duration
1 year full-time
