NZQA and Teaching Council Approval of TTI’s Innovative Postgraduate Secondary Teaching Programme

The Teachers’ Institute (TTI) has announced that its Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching
(Secondary, School-based) has received approval from the New Zealand Qualifications
Authority (NZQA) and the Teaching Council. Industry representatives on the approval panel
were impressed by the programme’s research-based approach and its potential to effectively
prepare teacher trainees for their first year as provisionally certified teachers. Furthermore,
TTI has obtained approval from the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), allowing teacher
trainees to apply for student loans through StudyLink.

David Ferguson, the incoming CEO of TTI and departing Headmaster of Westlake Boys’
High School, expressed his gratitude: “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone
involved in this process, from the programme development team to the TTI staff, our
community of schools, and industry stakeholders who contributed to the consultation. Your
hard work, expertise and commitment, have been invaluable in bringing this programme to
life.”

The Teachers’ Institute’s Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary, School-based) is a
one-year, full-time programme leading to New Zealand teacher registration. The programme
is unique as it places trainees in a home school for the entire year, where they engage fully
in all aspects of school life. Additionally, trainees attend weekly workshops at TTI’s
Newmarket campus.

In January 2025, TTI will welcome its first cohort of up to 50 teacher trainees. The
programme has attracted a diverse group, mainly consisting of career changers from various
industries, who are passionate about making a positive impact in education.