Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary)
Teaching
A course by
Bethlehem Tertiary Institute
A one-year programme combining theory, practice, professional placements, and a Christian worldview to prepare graduates to teach in New Zealand secondary schools. Zero tuition fees in 2026 for domestic students.
Blended study
This is a mix of online learning & face-to-face sessions
Bethlehem Campus, Tauranga
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Develop teaching skills and theoretical knowledge
Understand and apply key principles of education, learning theory, classroom management, and professional teaching practice for secondary school contexts.
Demonstrate professional practice through placements
Complete extended professional placements in a range of secondary school settings, demonstrating effective, authentic, and agentic teaching practice.
Integrate Christian worldview and mātauranga Māori
Incorporate Christian and Māori perspectives in teaching, contributing to culturally responsive education.
What You're Signing Up For
The Graduate Diploma of Teaching (Secondary) at BTI prepares students to become responsive, relational, and transformative teachers in secondary schools across Aotearoa New Zealand. The programme delivers a unique blend of Christian worldview, mātauranga Māori, innovative coursework, and professional experience placements. It is available full-time or part-time, and can be completed from anywhere via a combination of onsite intensives and online learning. Graduates will be eligible to apply for teacher registration and provisional certification with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Course Content
- Introduction to Education & Teaching in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Te Kākano
- The Inquiring Teacher: Te Kaimāra
- Professional Experience Placement One - Noho-ā-Kura Tahi
- Professional Experience Placement Two - Noho-ā-kura Rua
- Contextualising Education – Theory & Practice: Te Māra Tahi
- Contextualising Education – Theory & Practice: Te Māra Rua
- Becoming a Wise Teacher - Understanding Adolesence: Kete Māra Tahi
- Becoming an Agentic Teacher - Understanding our Educational Context: Kete Māra Rua
- Intensive onsite and online wānanga courses
- 25-day Te Māra placement and further professional placements
What you need to know first
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification
Meet New Zealand Teaching Council entry requirements
Subject to police vetting and referee checks
English language proficiency (if applicable)
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Education
Teaching
Future employment opportunities might be
Secondary school teacher (Years 7-13)
Teaching roles in kura and schools across New Zealand
Pathway to teacher registration and provisional certification