Ko Taku Reo - Deaf Education New Zealand New Zealand (nationwide)

Head of Pedagogy and Professional Development

Ko Taku Reo Deaf Education New Zealand is seeking an experienced and inspiring Head of Pedagogy and Professional Development to lead teaching practice and professional capability across our national services.

Reporting to the Deputy Principal, Pedagogy and Curriculum, this senior leadership role is responsible for shaping high-quality teaching practice and building the capability of teachers, Resource Teachers of the Deaf, NZSL tutors and support staff who work with Deaf and hard of hearing ākonga across Aotearoa.

The Head of Pedagogy and Professional Development leads the development of a shared pedagogical framework that reflects Deaf pedagogy, bilingual education in New Zealand Sign Language and English and inclusive teaching practice. The role ensures teaching approaches across Enrolled School, Outreach services, Early Years programmes, Residential services, and online learning environments reflect current research, Universal Design for Learning and best practice in Deaf education.

A key focus of the role is designing and leading a coherent PLD strategy that strengthens staff capability and supports career-long professional growth. This includes overseeing mentoring, coaching, and induction programmes, and ensuring professional learning reflects the needs of Māori and Pasifika learners while embedding Te Reo Māori me ōna tikanga and the organisation’s commitments under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The role also leads innovation and best practice initiatives, including the strategic NZSL bilingual–bicultural (Bi/Bi) project, working collaboratively with Deaf leaders, educators, and community partners to strengthen bilingual teaching and learning across Ko Taku Reo.

This is a permanent, full-time role, based in either Auckland or Christchurch. This role is 0.8 released with a 0.2 CRT release teaching component and is remunerated with MU.

The successful candidate will bring experience in educational leadership, a deep understanding of Deaf education and bilingual practice, and a commitment to equity and culturally responsive teaching.