Pūkenga/Pūkenga Matua - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education (Primary)

• Are you looking for a permanent, full-time position?
• Have you completed (or are close to completing) a PhD in Education?
• Do you have experience and specialisation in applied research related to primary education and/or teacher education?

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is currently recruiting a Pūkenga/Pūkenga Matua - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer to join the Initial Teacher Education team within Te Whānau o Ako Pai - School of Education, on a permanent, full-time basis. This position will commence as soon as possible. 

The successful candidate will have an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the bicultural nature of Aotearoa New Zealand education, hold relevant academic qualifications, an Aotearoa New Zealand recognised teaching qualification and have successful experience in primary teaching and/or teacher education. Specific expertise in one or more of the following is required: reo Māori me ngā mātauranga Māori, visual arts, or learning languages. Having experience in ESOL teaching and/or developing teaching students' understanding of inclusion, professional practice and professional responsibility is desirable. Experience in and knowledge of culturally sustaining and enhancing practices and the science of learning in primary school teaching is essential. In particular, we welcome applications from people with expertise in mātauranga Māori and/or with expertise, knowledge and experience working with Māori and Pacific communities and tamariki. 

The successful candidate will undertake the Pouakorangi - Programme Director role for the Master of Teaching and Learning (Primary) cohort of international students. They will develop and support implementation of an extended orientation and ongoing support programme for international MTch(Primary) students, designed to support students’ transition into the Aotearoa New Zealand schooling system and understanding of te Tiriti o Waitangi and the bicultural nature of Aotearoa New Zealand education and society. A key requirement is the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with schools.

The successful candidate will teach graduate and postgraduate courses within the Primary Initial Teacher Education programmes and may also be required to teach into the Secondary Initial Teacher Education programmes in line with their learning area expertise. They will be expected to undertake visiting of Student Teachers on Professional Practice Placements in schools. They will seek external research funding, and recruit and supervise Masters and PhD students in research topics related to their area of specialisation. 

Contribution to Hautūtanga/leadership to the profession, University, Faculty and School and engagement in scholarly and administrative services is also expected.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

You will have completed (or be close to completing) a PhD in Education and have experience and specialisation in applied research related to primary education and/or teacher education. Registration and certification (or eligibility for registration and certification) with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand is essential. 

You will be able to effectively engage and mentor students from different backgrounds, and also demonstrate the ability to work collegially in a team, contribute effectively to the administration of the Primary Initial Teacher Education programmes and provide evidence of a commitment to our obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in an academic and professional context. The School of Education holds a commitment to research and teaching that engages with mātauranga Māori and reflects the bicultural foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Role Description - If these links are not available, click 'apply' to view this on the University career's page.

Pūkenga - Lecturer: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

Pūkenga Matua - Senior Lecturer: Click here to see further information, including salary details.

Closing date for vacancy: 16 September 2025.

Contact details for vacancy: If you have any questions regarding this role, please get in touch with Associate Professor Sue Cherrington, Tumuaki - Head of School (sue.cherrington@vuw.ac.nz).

How to apply: Please ensure you are applying for this role directly on our career's page and not via email.When applying for this position, candidates must submit supporting documents along with their resume, such as a cover letter. Applicants who do not have residency or citizenship and require a visa to work at the University must clearly indicate their visa status in their application and understand that if they do not have a current, relevant visa, they will need to secure this independently.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Applications from recruitment agencies are not accepted.

Ētahi kōrero hai āwhina i a koe - Why you should join our team

Our team of Initial Teacher Education academics consists of internationally recognised scholars with expertise in a range of areas related to teacher education and the Aotearoa New Zealand education system. Our Initial Teacher Education programmes are accredited by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, and we have strong, reciprocal connections with our educational community. You would benefit from joining a collaborative and supportive team of scholars and professionals committed to the development of the next generations of teachers.

Mō Te Herenga Waka - About Our University

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is renowned for its high-quality research and exceptional teaching. We attract people from around the world. Our university campus spans Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington - the creative, scientific and political centre of Aotearoa New Zealand - and our students thrive on the connections we have made here.

Explore the many benefits of working at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. Find out where you fit in our strategic direction and learn more about our research expertise.