Head Teacher (BestStart Te Whariki)

About the Company At BestStart Te Whāriki, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing and stimulating educational environment for young learners. Our purpose-built centre is located in the vibrant Te Whāriki subdivision in Lincoln, conveniently close to schools, parks, and the local library. This prime location allows us to engage in regular neighbourhood excursions, enriching our children's learning experiences. We pride ourselves on our strong community connections, collaborating closely with local services and whānau to foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere. Our educational philosophy integrates the principles of Te Whāriki, Te Ao Māori, and the Reggio Emilia approach, emphasizing child-led learning, meaningful relationships, and the celebration of each child's uniqueness. Our multicultural identity is reflected in our three over-two classrooms, including our Tui Room, designed for tamariki aged 3.5 to 5 years. About the Role We are currently seeking a passionate and experienced Teacher to lead our Tui Room. The ideal candidate will bring heart, strong leadership, and innovative thinking to our centre whānau. We are looking for a qualified and registered early childhood educator who is committed to delivering high-quality outcomes for our tamariki. Key responsibilities will include leading curriculum planning, assessment, and internal evaluation, as well as fostering an environment that supports inclusive practices. You will have the opportunity to build social-emotional competence and school readiness among our learners, while also mentoring and coaching team members. Requirements To be successful in this role, you will need: - A Level 7 ECE or Primary teaching qualification and current NZ Teaching Certification - Proven leadership experience or the readiness to step into a leadership role - Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki, child-led learning, and learning through play - Familiarity with the Reggio Emilia philosophy - Expertise in inclusive practices that cater to the diverse needs of all tamariki, including neurodivergent learners and those requiring additional support - Excellent coaching, mentoring, and communication skills - A warm, community-focused approach to teaching and leadership Benefits At BestStart, we recognize and value the contributions of our Teachers. When you join our team, you will enjoy: - Full pay parity - Discounted childcare - Subsidized health insurance and free annual flu vaccinations - Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support - Leadership pathways and ongoing professional development - Fully funded Teacher Certification - A $2000 referral bonus for referring a qualified teacher - One week of additional leave after 10 years of service Ready to Apply? If you are ready to lead with passion, build strong relationships, and make a meaningful difference in a centre grounded in manaakitanga, ako, and whanaungatanga, we would love to hear from you. Join us at BestStart Te Whāriki and be part of an inspiring educational journey.