Team Leader - Learning Support (Start Term 1 2027) | Flexible Office Location - North Island

Job Description

1 x Permanent Position

Start 5 January 2027

Full-Time 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Based in our Hamilton, Rotorua or Tauranga tari (office)

Ko wai mātou | About Us 

Nau mai, haere mai ki Te Kura

At Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura), our ākonga are always at the centre of what we do. For more than a century, we've supported learners across Aotearoa — evolving from lessons once delivered on horseback to today's future focused learning that can be done anywhere, anytime.

Ākonga at Te Kura choose subjects based on their passions and interests, accessing learning online supported by kaiako who guide, inspire, and drive engagement. Alongside this, kaiako provide pastoral care and connect with ākonga through regular huinga ako — online or face to face — where learners connect, receive guidance, and strengthen their sense of belonging.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this position 

We have an exciting vacancy for an innovative and collaborative Team Leader – Learning Support to join the Te Kāhui Hauāuru Region which is one of Te Kura's larger and fastest-growing regions.

The Te Kāhui Hauāuru region covers Coromandel, Waikato, South Waikato, Tauranga Moana and Rotorua which supports more than 2,398 primary and secondary ākonga. There are approximately 100 kaimahi who work across the region, including Kaiako, Learning Support kaimahi (Teacher Aides, Additional Teachers, Mentors and Reader/Writers) and Support kaimahi.

This is a significant regional educational leadership role responsible for the delivery and operational management of Learning Support with oversight of the support delivered through Te Kura's unique distance learning model, including online, in ākonga homes, communities and local learning environments. This role also works closely with the Learning Support Coordinator to ensure support is well planned, coordinated and aligned to ākonga needs.

Ko koe tēnei | About you

We are looking for someone who has experience leading large or complex education/support functions, ideally with a background as a Principal/Deputy Principal or Learning Support Leadership, Education Sector Operational Leadership or Specialist Education Leadership.

The successful candidate will also:

• Have a teaching background and have experience working with ākonga who have additional learning needs
• Knowledge of special education pedagogy
• Be highly organised, composed and able to exercise sound judgement
• Manage competing demands and make decisions about resources and support provision
• Be comfortable leading dispersed teams whose work is largely autonomous
• Foster and maintain positive relationships with other kaimahi
• Understand educational inclusion, learner support and equity
• Have strong communication skills
• Incorporate bicultural knowledge and implement tikanga and Matauranga Māori into practice

Ngā Uara o Te Kura | Our Values

At Te Kura, we live by our values:

• Manaaki — showing respect, generosity, and care
• Whanaungatanga — building relationships and belonging
• Tika — acting fairly and honestly
• Ākonga at the Centre — guiding every decision we make

Hei whakautu | In return

You'll join a supportive, inclusive team where manaaki and whanaungatanga guide how we work. We offer flexible working options, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful difference for ākonga across Aotearoa.

If you're ready to bring our values to life and support learners in meaningful ways, we'd love to hear from you.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Excited to join our team? Click the Apply button and tell us your story—we'd love to hear from you!

Applications must be submitted through our careers portal. Applicants must have the legal right to teach, reside and work in New Zealand.

E hiahia ana koe ki te mōhio anō? | Like to find out more?

For more information, check out the position description, or contact Christine Shaw via email Christine.Shaw@tekura.school.nz

If you encounter any issues during the application process, please email jobs@tekura.school.nz

🗓 Applications close at 11.59pm on Friday 25 September 2026