Qualified Teacher (BestStart Petone)

• Full Time
• Application Closes 27 Feb 2026
• Wellington - Lower Hutt
• Preschool Teacher

BestStart Petone is seeking a passionate, culturally grounded Qualified and Certificated Teacher to join our energetic and tight-knit team. We are looking for someone who thrives on building meaningful relationships with tamariki and their whānau, and who is committed to creating a warm, responsive, high-quality learning environment.

Your Role:

This is a Permanent position, working 32–40 hours per week over 4 or 5 days. Depending on where your passion lies, you could work with:

Infants & Toddlers:

• Support the youngest tamariki in developing secure attachments and a love of learning 
• View caregiving moments as rich learning opportunities 
• Bring a calm, responsive presence that nurtures relationships with children and whānau

Preschool:

• Strengthen learning dispositions like curiosity, creativity, resilience, and independence 
• Foster innovative thinking in our Reggio Emilia-inspired art area 
• Encourage active play and skill development in our large outdoor playground

We’re Looking For:

• A qualified ECE teacher with a heart for infants, toddlers, or preschool children 
• Someone who values collaboration, reflection, and intentional practice 
• Commitment to Te Whāriki and bicultural practice in everyday teaching 
• A teacher who celebrates diversity and fosters empathy, respect, and belonging

Why BestStart?

We are proud to be a progressive leader in ECE, committed to supporting our teachers and recognizing the difference they make:

• Full pay parity for teachers 
• Teacher mentoring and induction programmes 
• Online learning through Whare Ako 
• Leadership development for current and future leaders 
• Discounted childcare and referral bonus ($2,000*) 
• Health and wellbeing support including subsidised insurance, free flu vaccinations, EAP counselling, and wellbeing programmes 
• Sick leave from day one and additional leave for long service 

Role Requirements:

• B Ed/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE or Primary) and current Teacher Certification 
• Understanding of child-led curriculum and the ability to extend children’s learning 
• Knowledge of current ECE Regulations and Te Whāriki 
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in pedagogical practice 
• Passion for high-quality teaching and learning

How to Apply: Click Apply Now and join a team that values growth, collaboration, and the joy of teaching. We can’t wait to welcome you to BestStart Petone!