Senior Teacher (K3)
Bring a high level of professional capability and pedagogical leadership across kindergartens
This role reports directly to the General Manager - Professional Services
Based at our head office on Witako Street, Epuni
The terms and conditions for this position are set by the Kindergarten Teachers, Head Teachers and Senior Teachers' Collective Agreement 2026-2028.
Who are we?
Hutt City Kindergartens have been growing young learners for 98 years in Lower Hutt, providing quality and affordable early childhood education. Our teaching teams are passionate about providing rich learning environments where children can explore, develop and have fun. We welcome people who share that passion.
We are a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to making quality early childhood education accessible to all. We have 22 kindergartens throughout the Hutt Valley, including Stokes Valley, Central Hutt, Western Hills, Wainuiomata and Wallaceville. We are proud to be an integral part of our local community and celebrate our cultural diversity and identity.
The Senior Teacher role:
If you’re already thriving in a senior leadership role and ready for your next challenge, bring your confidence, capability and passion for exceptional teaching to Hutt City Kindergartens.
You’ll have strong pedagogical knowledge, a deep understanding of Te Whāriki, and the ability to articulate your thinking and share your knowledge with others. You’ll be an excellent written and verbal communicator, confident engaging in courageous conversations, and have sound professional judgement.
We’re looking for someone who combines professional capability with a positive, solutions-focused mindset. Our ideal Senior Teacher takes initiative, follows things through and contributes positively to the culture and practice of the wider team.
You'll be someone who:
is a highly skilled and experienced qualified ECE Teacher, with a current practising certificate and a proven track record of successful leadership within kindergarten or the wider ECE sector
has strong pedagogical knowledge and can confidently articulate the thinking behind their practice
has a deep understanding of Te Whāriki and how it comes to life through high-quality teaching and learning
demonstrates advanced written communication skills and can communicate complex ideas clearly and professionally
is a confident and credible leader, comfortable facilitating discussions, presenting at meetings and speaking in public
works independently and proactively, taking ownership and using sound professional judgement
brings a positive, solutions-focused mindset and responds constructively to challenges
builds strong, respectful relationships with colleagues and whānau
is reflective, curious and committed to their own ongoing learning
is comfortable sharing their knowledge and experience to strengthen practice across the team
has high professional standards and can be relied upon to follow through on commitments.
The Senior Teacher opportunity:
As a Senior Teacher, you’ll remain closely connected to teaching and learning while bringing a high level of professional capability and pedagogical leadership across kindergartens.
Our two Senior Teachers each lead professional practice across eleven kindergartens, and work closely with our Early Intervention Teacher, Speech Language Therapists, Pouako and Executive Management team.
You’ll have the opportunity to contribute your expertise and support a strong culture of learning and continuous improvement. You’ll be confident influencing practice, addressing difficult issues professionally, and communicating with clarity when situations are complex or challenging.
You’ll be trusted to work independently to manage your portfolio of responsibilities, while also recognising the importance of collaboration and working effectively as part of a wider team.
Most importantly, we’re looking for someone who brings energy, professionalism and a positive outlook to their work, and who is passionate about creating exceptional learning experiences for tamariki.
Applying for this role
If you’re an established leader in kindergarten or another part of the ECE sector and ready for your next opportunity, we’d love to hear from you.
Please email a cover letter and CV, along with your Practicing Certificate to: hr@huttkindergartens.org.nz.
To apply for this role, you must have:
a minimum qualification of Dip. Tch (ECE or Primary)
a current Practicing Certificate from the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
the legal right to work in New Zealand.
Applications close Monday 28th September at 5pm. Please note that applications may be reviewed before this date.
All applicants must have the existing right to work in New Zealand because Hutt City Kindergartens is not an accredited employer.
If you have any questions or to request a copy of the Position Description, please contact Kristine Allen, HR Manager at hr@huttkindergartens.org.nz or phone 04 920 9841.
