Head Teacher (BestStart Totara Park)
BestStart Totara Park is excited to welcome a qualified, registered, and relational leader to step into the role of Head Teacher in our Mahuri (preschool) room. We’re looking for someone who leads with clarity, integrity, and purpose, someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is committed to building a culture of trust, growth, and high‑quality practice.
This role blends strong pedagogical leadership with people‑centred team leadership, making it ideal for a Kaiako who is confident, reflective, and ready to inspire others.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Providing clear and confident pedagogical leadership aligned with Te Whāriki and BestStart priorities
- Coaching, mentoring, and supporting kaiako to build capability and professional confidence
- Creating and sustaining a positive, inclusive, and high‑performing team culture grounded in relational trust
- Ensuring high‑quality planning, assessment, and internal evaluation practices
- Building warm, respectful, and responsive partnerships with whānau
- Modelling professionalism, accountability, and reflective practice
- Approaching challenges with calm, clarity, and a solutions‑focused mindset
What You Bring
- A relational leadership style with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to build strong, trusting relationships with kaiako, tamariki, and whānau
- Confidence in leading courageous conversations with empathy and professionalism
- Strong organisational and decision‑making capability
- Experience leading change and supporting continuous improvement
- A reflective, growth‑oriented mindset
- High emotional intelligence and self‑awareness
Qualifications & Experience
- ECE qualified and fully registered in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Proven leadership experience in ECE or readiness to step into a leadership role
- Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki and current ECE best practice
- Experience coaching, mentoring, and supporting adult learning
Why BestStart?
At BestStart, we’re committed to being a progressive, responsive leader in the ECE sector—where teachers are valued for the impact they make every day. Our benefits include:
- Full Pay Parity
- Discounted childcare
- Subsidised health insurance, free flu vaccinations, and confidential EAP support
- Leadership programmes for current and aspiring leaders
- Multiple career pathways with wraparound support
- $2000 referral bonus for referring a qualified teacher*
- One week of additional leave after 10 years of service
Joining BestStart means joining a whānau—where innovation is encouraged, achievements are celebrated, and everyone is supported to bring their authentic selves to work.
About the Role
This is a permanent, full‑time position, working 40 hours Monday–Friday.
What We’re Looking For
A natural leader who shares our values and vision—someone with strong pedagogical knowledge, confidence in programme planning and assessment, and a passion for high‑quality teaching and learning.
You will also have:
- BEd/Dip Teaching Level 7 (ECE) and current teacher certification
- Strong understanding of curriculum, pedagogy, and planning
- Solid knowledge of ECE regulations, Te Whāriki, and compliance expectations
- A genuine passion for delivering quality outcomes for tamariki
Apply now! If you’re ready for a role where you can grow, contribute, and truly belong, we’d love to hear from you. Click apply now!
