Teaching practicums as part of your studies

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

How many teaching practicum days are included?

Each teacher education programme includes structured practicum courses of at least:

• Bachelor of Education ([Specialty] Teaching): 120 days
• Graduate Diploma in Secondary Teaching: 80 days
• Master of Teaching and Learning: 80 days
• Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning: 80 days

You’ll meet the practicum days required by the Teaching Council of New Zealand – whether you're in a classroom or an early childhood centre.

Experience diverse learning environments

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

• Age groups
• Socio-economic contexts
• Teaching philosophies
• Types of schools and early childhood education centres (which could include special character, rural and urban settings)

AUT’s School of Education arranges 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 secondary and postgraduate 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 – this is the teacher that will provide in-school mentoring support and you're usually in their classroom with them
• Visits and feedback from an AUT evaluative lecturer – this is a lecturer from AUT who visits you during your practicum and evaluates your teaching practice
• Ongoing check-ins 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. When you've successfully completed your AUT teacher education programme, you can apply for teacher registration with the Teaching Council of New Zealand.