The Opportunities

With growth across our Teacher Education programmes, we have multiple lecturing and leadership opportunities available within our Education team in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and  Ōtautahi Christchurch, for training high-quality, innovative, passionate teachers. You will be joining us in an exciting season, as we are experiencing significant increases in students enrolled in our education programmes from a ‘2025 Zero Tuition Fees’ campaign.  In 2024, Laidlaw relocated its Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland campus into a newly refurbished complex in central Henderson, and this year we will celebrate our 50th year in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority completed an External Evaluation and Review in 2024 and were highly confident in both the College’s educational performance and capability in self-assessment.

Head of Education

We are looking for an inspirational leader to ensure the flourishing of our Education programmes, and to join our Senior Leadership Team in shaping the overall strategic direction of the College. They will be a champion for the importance of Teacher Education in church and society. This is a combined lecturing and leadership role. The successful applicant will lead and develop the Education team, oversee programme administration and development and nurture relationships with programme and College stakeholders, and will have opportunities to teach into the programme. This role will report to the National Principal/CEO with direct reports in Auckland and Christchurch. Travel between our campuses will be required periodically.  

Education Lecturers and Lead Roles

In addition to a Head of Education, we are seeking expressions of interest for up to two full-time Education Lecturer roles. Our ideal applicants will be people who have recent teaching experience in secondary or Initial Teacher Education in New Zealand, alongside experience in mentoring and developing student teachers and/or beginning teachers and understanding their needs. We have opportunities for qualified candidates to take on leadership roles within the programme and team, in addition to lecturing. You will also be looking to join a team who combine a strong sense of mission with the academic mind and educational heart of a Christian College. 

You will bring the following skillsets:

• Proven excellence in teaching 
• Knowledge and demonstration of Aotearoa New Zealand Teaching Council Code and Standards and the Aotearoa New Zealand curriculum 
• Commitment to mentoring students and providing an appropriate level of pastoral care
• Commitment to culturally responsive approaches to learning and support
• Understanding of and commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, particularly as it pertains to education
• Experience and exposure to e-Learning pedagogies and technologies
• Active involvement in a local Christian community of faith and in Christian initiatives in the wider community
• Competence in reo me ona tikanga Māori 
• A postgraduate qualification and active research plan would be advantageous and/or a demonstrated commitment to professional growth
• Relevant experience for teaching into or supporting our other programmes (Counselling & Theology) would be advantageous.

In addition, the Head of Education role requires high levels of personal awareness and relational competence, with proven strong leadership skills.

About Us

Laidlaw College is the largest Christian higher education institution in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a private training establishment, it offers high quality programmes in Theology, Counselling and Education, with campuses in Henderson and Christchurch. Laidlaw is an interdenominational, evangelical College, with a strong commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi and to serving our multicultural study community. Education training at Laidlaw is for both those completing Initial Teacher Education (ITE), as well as those who are seeking to deepen and integrate their faith in a variety of educational contexts. Our current Education programmes include a Bachelor of Education (Primary), and Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary). Our Initial Teacher Education programmes ground graduates in a deeply relational theology, which inspires their presence in the classroom, the way they encounter learners and whānau and their valuing of teaching, learning and knowledge.

Why Laidlaw?

We offer a work environment that supports wellbeing and regularly celebrates successes. These initiatives include: 

• Regular community gatherings and celebrations with staff and students.
• Laidlaw library membership and access to a staff discount card for several retailers.
• Free parking and proximity to public transport options.
• Regular events and training opportunities to support your professional and personal development.

The salary package for these roles includes 5 weeks annual leave and an annual professional development allowance.

You can download position description for Education Lecturer here and Head of Education here.

Please apply via SEEK with a covering letter and CV to register your interest. Christchurch Applicants | Auckland Applicants.

Applications for these opportunities close Monday 16 June 2025, 5pm. 

If you have questions or would like to make a time for a confidential discussion about your interest, please contact: Tracey McDowall, HR Consultant, Laidlaw College, [email protected].