Thinking of a career change? Come train with us at Rangitoto College!

Rangitoto College is proud to be a founding school within the Auckland Schools’ Teacher Trainee Programme (ASTTP/Waikato) and The Teacher Institute (TTI).

We are now recruiting our future trainee teachers for 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who is thinking about becoming a teacher, particularly those considering a career change and looking to be immersed in a school environment while they train.

Check out two testimonials below from two teachers who have trained through Auckland Schools’ Teacher Trainee Programme and The Teacher Institute. Fees are paid and a generous stipend is provided. For more information and to apply, please email traintoteach@rangitoto.school.nz

What is your name and what program were you with?

My name is Dr. Kevin Huh, and I was part of the Waikato University’s Auckland Schools’ Teacher Training Programme. I recently earned my Doctorate of Philosophy from Sungkyunkwan University and my Graduate Diploma in Teaching from Waikato University.

What have you enjoyed about being at Rangitoto College?

As a former student, I have wonderful memories of my time at Rangitoto College, from being educated here to simply growing up within these halls. Now, as a teacher of Social Science and History, I genuinely enjoy teaching the curriculum. I also love getting involved in the various extra-curricular activities available to both students and staff, such as Korean Night, Korean Language, and football.

Why is it important for you to spend time in the classroom while learning to teach?

There is so much about teaching that you can not learn from a textbook, lecture, or journal article alone. Having completed a year of classroom experience during my teacher training, I now realise just how invaluable that time was. It allowed me to become comfortable in the classroom, build relationships with students, collaborate with the department, and develop a strong understanding of the curriculum. I also learned about essential yearly routines like classroom seating plans, internal assessments, school trips, reports, and parent interviews, which are often prepared a year in advance. Because of this, the start of the new school year felt like a natural continuation of my training year.

What kind of support do you need from a school to do your best as a new teacher?

I feel incredibly fortunate to be at a school that fully supports new teachers. At the department level, I have two approachable Head of Departments who are always happy to answer my questions and provide helpful clarification. Additionally, the school pairs us with a mentor teacher and offers weekly professional development sessions specifically for new teachers. I believe new teachers thrive when they feel comfortable asking questions to staff at all levels.

What do you hope to learn or get better at while training to be a teacher?

One area I am keen to improve is classroom management, ensuring all students are well-behaved during class. Ultimately, I want to help create an atmosphere where every student can excel in their learning and feel comfortable asking questions.

What is your name and what programme are you with?

My name is Riley Smith, and I am studying my Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching with The Teachers’ Institute as well as a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology.

What have you enjoyed about being at Rangitoto College?

I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to complete my school-based programme here at Rangitoto College, as an alumni of the school myself. From my experiences as both a student and a trainee teacher, I can attest to the fact that the quality of teaching at the school is outstanding. It has been invaluable to learn from such skilled, dedicated teachers. 

Why is it important for you to spend time in the classroom while learning to teach?

The school-based programme offered by The Teachers’ Institute allows me to spend the entire school year in the classroom. This has allowed me to continually put the theory I am learning into practice throughout the year, and given me the opportunity to build strong relationships with my students.

What kind of support do you need from a school to do your best as a new teacher?

As a new teacher, strong mentorship, curriculum support, and a supportive school culture is critical. The consistent, tailored feedback I receive from my mentor teachers has been essential for growing in my practice. The curriculum support I have received is outstanding, with access to carefully planned schemes and resources, and colleagues willing to share information and materials. Finally, the culture of the school has supported me in and out of the classroom, with a collegial staff environment, and school-wide expectations focused on student learning and wellbeing. 

What do you hope to learn or get better at while training to be a teacher?

As the year progresses, I hope to advance not only my pedagogical knowledge, but my pedagogical content knowledge – learning how to teach my specific subject effectively. I would absolutely recommend training through the programme, and at this school!