Apply for an Extension to Teach

An extension enables a professional leader to be able to employ a person in a teaching position while their registration or authorisation is being processed. An extension to teach may be granted to an applicant if they have a current application for registration, and if they teach in a sector where registration is compulsory. 

Currently, an extension can only be given if the following factors are met: 

  • a formal application is received;
  • it is only considered on the advice and with the support of a professional leader who must request it;
  • the applicant is not under investigation;
  • if any concerns are raised about the applicant, the professional leader must demonstrate s/he is aware of the nature and extent of any concerns. Therefore, if a request for an extension is made the professional leader must include a letter with this showing s/he is aware of these concerns and the action taken to address these.

Why is an extension needed?

The Education Act allows for a teacher to teach in the general education system without a practising certificate for up to 10 full days or 20 half days in a calendar year.  If the teacher is going to need to teach beyond these 10 days then an extension could cover this time. 

An extension enables the school or learning centre to lawfully employ the person while their application is processed.

Who could be eligible for an extension?

Extensions are only available to those who have an application pending and who teach in a sector where registration is compulsory.  This means those employed in a teaching position in school settings and Kindergarten Associations may be eligible for an extension but because it is not mandatory for all those employed in teaching positions in Early Childhood Education centres an extension is not required. 

You may be eligible for an extension if:

  • you currently have an application for registration in with the New Zealand Teachers Council and your registration has expired and you will be teaching beyond the 10 days allowed after the expiry of your practicing certificate or your imited authority to teach; or
  • you are applying for the first time for registration and you have been asked to teach before your registration has been approved, and
  • you are employed in a teaching position in a setting where registration is compulsory, and
  • you are doing everything you can to provide the information as soon as possible and some of the information that is required to finalise your application has been delayed beyond your control. 

Extensions for relief teachers

If the points above apply to you and you are a relief teacher you may be eligible for an extension. However an extension only applies to the school where it was requested.  If you need an extension for more than one school then the professional leader of each school is required to apply for an extension. 

How to apply for an extension?

An extension request needs to come from the professional leader of the school or kindergarten.  It needs to be in the form of a letter on the learning centre's letter head and signed by the professional leader. The letter needs to outline who the extension is for, including the registration or reference number (this is on the acknowledgement letter sent when an application is received), and why the extension is being requested. 

The letter can be sent by post or fax, or by email to extensions@teacherscouncil.govt.nz  

The standard processing time for an extension is 5 working days. An approval for extension is sent directly to the school employing the applicant.