Teaching practicums as part of your degree

At AUT, teaching practicums are more than just placements – they’re immersive, hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Whether you're studying early childhood, primary or secondary teaching, you'll gain invaluable classroom experience that prepares you to teach with confidence from day one.

How many teaching practicum hours are included?

Each teacher education programme includes structured practicum courses:

• Bachelor of Education ([Specialty] Teaching): 25 weeks
• Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching: 16 weeks
• Master of Teaching and Learning: 80 days
• Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning: 80 days

Experience diverse learning environments

As part of your studies you usually complete teaching practicums in different settings to expose you to a variety of:

• Age groups
• Socio-economic contexts
• Teaching philosophies
• School types (including special character, rural and urban schools)

AUT’s School of Education handles all practicum placements. You must be prepared to travel up to an hour each way for placements in Auckland, with some out-of-Auckland options available for primary teaching students including in Te Tai Tokerau Northland, Waikato and Taranaki.

Mentorship and support

During each practicum, you’ll be supported by:

• A designated associate teacher at the placement school
• Regular visits and feedback from an AUT mentor lecturer
• Ongoing check-ins via Teams calls and text messages with AUT staff

Evaluation is aligned with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand’s Standards for the Teaching Profession, ensuring that students meet national expectations for professional practice.