Head Teacher (BestStart Te Whariki)

About the Company At BestStart Te Whāriki, we are a purpose-built early childhood education center located in the vibrant Te Whāriki subdivision in Lincoln. Our center is conveniently situated within walking distance of schools, parks, and the local library, allowing us to take advantage of regular neighborhood excursions. We pride ourselves on our well-established community connections and work closely with local services and families to foster a rich and inclusive learning environment. Our educational philosophy integrates the principles of Te Whāriki, Te Ao Māori, and Reggio Emilia, emphasizing child-led learning, strong relationships, and the celebration of each child's uniqueness. We embrace our multicultural identity through our three over-two classrooms, including our beautiful Tui Room, which serves as a prep school environment for children aged 3.5 to 5 years. Our supportive and experienced team values collaboration, intentional teaching, and the creation of inspiring spaces that encourage curiosity and creativity. We are currently searching for an exceptional Head Teacher to join our team. About the Role We are looking for a passionate and experienced Teacher to lead our Tui Room. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our tamariki. In this role, you will be responsible for leading curriculum planning, assessment, and internal evaluation while fostering an inclusive environment that recognizes and responds to the diverse learning needs of all children. Requirements To be considered for this position, you will need to meet the following criteria: - A Level 7 ECE or Primary teaching qualification and current New Zealand Teaching Certification - Proven leadership experience or readiness to step into a leadership role - Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki, child-led learning, and learning through play - Experience or understanding of Reggio Emilia philosophy - Expertise in inclusive practices, particularly for neurodivergent learners, dual language learners, and those requiring additional support - A passion for building social-emotional competence and school readiness - Strong coaching, mentoring, and communication skills - A warm, community-focused approach to teaching and leadership Benefits At BestStart, we truly value our Teachers and the incredible work they do. When you join us, you will enjoy a range of benefits, including: - Full pay parity - Discounted childcare - Subsidised 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 eager to lead with passion, build strong relationships, and make a meaningful difference in a center grounded in the values of manaakitanga, ako, and whanaungatanga, we would love to hear from you.