Working at the Faculty of Education, University of Canterbury: Careers and Opportunities

Discovering a career at the Faculty of Education, University of Canterbury (UC), opens doors to impactful work in shaping New Zealand's educational landscape. Nestled in Christchurch, this dynamic faculty, known as Te Kaupeka Ako, stands as a cornerstone of teacher training, educational research, and leadership development. With a commitment to bicultural practices and innovative pedagogy, professionals here contribute to programmes that prepare educators for diverse classrooms across Aotearoa. Whether you're an aspiring lecturer, researcher, or administrator, the environment fosters collaboration amid stunning campus surroundings and a supportive academic community.

📚 The Structure and Mission of Te Kaupeka Ako

The Faculty of Education at UC is thoughtfully structured into three specialised schools, each driving excellence in distinct areas of educational practice. The School of Leadership and Professional Practice, or Te Kura Whakawhanake Hautūanga me te Ngaioanga, focuses on cultivating leaders who can navigate complex educational systems and foster inclusive environments. Meanwhile, the School of Social and Cultural Studies in Education, Te Kura Mātai Ahurea Ako, delves into the sociocultural dimensions of learning, emphasising equity, identity, and community engagement. Completing the trio is the School of Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment, Te Kura Mātai Marautanga me te Aromatawai, which advances teaching methodologies, curriculum design, and evaluative practices to enhance student outcomes.

Under the leadership of Executive Dean Professor Joce Nuttall, the faculty integrates Māori perspectives through initiatives like the Office of Treaty Partnership, ensuring all activities align with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles. This bicultural approach not only enriches teaching but also positions staff to engage in meaningful cross-cultural research and programme delivery. Recent events, such as the inaugural Hui Rangahau Graham Nuthall Research Symposium in November 2025, highlight the faculty's dedication to classroom-based inquiry, drawing researchers from across New Zealand to celebrate pioneering work in learning processes.

Academic Positions: From Lecturer to Professor

Core to working at the Faculty of Education are academic roles that blend teaching, research, and service. A Lecturer position, often the entry point for new PhD holders, involves delivering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas like teacher education or curriculum studies. Responsibilities include preparing lectures, facilitating tutorials, marking assessments, and supervising student projects. For instance, recent postings for Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Teacher Education required expertise in primary or secondary pedagogy, with a focus on innovative practices suited to diverse learners.

Advancing to Senior Lecturer or Associate Professor demands a stronger research portfolio, typically evidenced by publications in high-impact journals and grants secured for projects on educational equity or digital learning tools. Professors, like the newly appointed Kathryn MacCallum in 2026, lead schools or research clusters, mentoring junior staff and shaping faculty strategy. These roles offer autonomy in course design, allowing educators to incorporate real-world case studies, such as post-earthquake resilience in Christchurch schools, into their syllabi.

• Lecturer: Teach 2-3 courses per semester, conduct preliminary research, salary around NZ$98,000 annually.
• Senior Lecturer: Lead modules, publish regularly, supervise postgrads, salary NZ$110,000+.
• Professor: Strategic leadership, major grants, salary NZ$200,000-NZ$280,000.

Administrative academic support roles, such as programme coordinators, handle scheduling and compliance, bridging teaching and operations.

Research Opportunities and Impact

Research thrives at the faculty, with staff pursuing inquiries into critical issues like culturally responsive pedagogy and youth leadership. Projects often collaborate with local iwi (tribes) and schools, applying findings to national policy. For example, UC's Te Kāhui-a-Te-Rū-Rangahau team earned the 2025 Te Rangaunua Hiranga Māori Medal for teaching guides that embed Māori knowledge systems into curricula. Learn more about this accolade.

Funding from the Teaching and Learning Research Initiative supports early-career researchers, while international partnerships, like the mathematics programme with Qufu Normal University launched in October 2025, expand global horizons. Staff enjoy access to UC's research facilities, including data analytics labs, enabling longitudinal studies on student achievement post-COVID.

Teaching and Student Engagement

Teaching at UC's Faculty of Education means preparing future educators through hands-on programmes like the Bachelor of Teaching and Learning. Staff design immersive simulations, field placements in Christchurch schools, and workshops on inclusive education for neurodiverse students. The Nelson Campus extends reach, offering flexible delivery for regional professionals.

Student advising roles, held by experts like Gemma Harte and Mel Whyte, support academic success, while faculty events build community. This student-centred approach, combined with small class sizes, allows for personalised mentorship, fostering lifelong educator networks.

Support and Administrative Careers

Beyond academics, the faculty employs dedicated administrators who ensure smooth operations. Roles like Faculty Manager (Lucy Sullivan) or Academic Services Manager (Sarah Petersen) involve strategic planning, budget oversight, and compliance with New Zealand Qualifications Authority standards. Marketing partners like Kylie Clark promote programmes, attracting top talent.

These positions suit those with project management skills, offering stable pathways into higher education operations. Casual and tautāwhi (support) roles provide entry points, with opportunities to transition into permanent positions amid faculty growth.

Benefits, Culture, and Work-Life Balance

UC prioritises staff wellbeing with comprehensive benefits, including discounted access to the recreation centre, staff club, and professional development funds. The Collective Employment Agreement outlines generous leave, superannuation contributions, and sabbaticals for academics every three years. Review the full agreement.

Employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor rate UC 4.0-4.5 stars for culture, praising collaborative teams and beautiful campus amid the Port Hills. Challenges include competitive salaries compared to industry, but perks like flexible hours and remote options post-2020 enhance balance. Christchurch's lifestyle—proximity to beaches, ski fields, and a recovering vibrant city—adds appeal for families.

Recent Developments and Growth

The faculty is expanding, evidenced by Kathryn MacCallum's 2026 professorship in digital technologies and AI in education. Eleven new professors university-wide signal investment in talent. Initiatives like UC Online's 2026 AI degrees intersect with education, creating hybrid roles.

Post-2011 earthquakes, resilient infrastructure and community ties have strengthened the faculty's role in disaster education research.

Application Process and Tips

Jobs are posted on UC's careers portal. Tailor applications with a CV, cover letter, and research/teaching philosophy. Interviews often include teaching demos and panels with Dean Nuttall's team. Networking via LinkedIn or UC events boosts chances.

• Highlight NZ teaching registration or PhD.
• Demonstrate bicultural competence.
• Prepare for values-based questions.

Employee Perspectives and Progression

Veteran staff appreciate research freedom and student impact, per Reddit and Indeed reviews. Progression involves performance reviews, publications, and leadership courses. Many advance to deanships or policy roles in the Ministry of Education.

Future Outlook in NZ Higher Education

With teacher shortages and digital shifts, demand for UC Education experts rises. Government investments in Māori-medium education and STEM teaching align with faculty strengths. Working here positions you at the forefront, influencing Aotearoa's equitable future.

Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash