Primary school teacher
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours
- Usually work in schools and may travel locally
- Need to be responsible, organised and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Plan lessons and teach students
- Encourage students
- Set learning objectives
- Give students advice and guidance
- Set rules for student behaviour
- Collaborate with other teachers
- Use different teaching methods
- Change teaching styles for different students
- Meet with parents, caregivers and whānau
- Set up classroom materials and equipment
Outlook
Primary education is evolving as schools respond to changing learning needs, new technologies and greater emphasis on wellbeing and inclusion. In New Zealand, teachers are increasingly using digital tools alongside traditional teaching approaches, while ongoing curriculum developments continue to shape learning. Internationally, there is growing focus on preparing young people with the creativity, communication and problem-solving skills needed for the future.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Patience, empathy and understanding
- Classroom organisation and planning ability
- Creativity and adaptability
- Cultural awareness and respect for diversity
- Commitment to supporting student learning and wellbeing
Professional registration
Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
04 471 0852
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Tips from AUT graduates
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.

