Specialist Classroom Teacher (SCT) and Specialist Teacher (ST)
The Specialist Classroom Teacher (SCT) role was implemented in secondary schools across New Zealand in 2006 and was followed shortly after by the Specialist Teacher (ST) role in area schools. These roles were implemented as a result of the PPTA Te Wehengarua collective agreement claims in the early 2000s, and were seen as providing for professional support and learning in schools, as well as providing classroom teachers with an alternative career path.
All secondary schools are entitled to employ one SCT for 4 hours per week, and larger schools (1201 students and over) are entitled to employ someone for 8 hours per week.
2026 Working Party
The original SCT role was meant to be an expanding career pathway. That did not eventuate, and the intended pathway was to a large degree replaced by the Kāhui Ako roles. With the disestablishment of those roles, the Annual Conference 2025 determined:
“That PPTA consider the value of an expansion of the Specialist Classroom Teacher model and inclusion of this into the PPTA long-term vision under vision area ‘Teachers are well supported in their roles.’”
A Working Party has been established and they are involved in:
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Making suggestions to update the two documents that cover the appointments of Specialist Classroom Teachers and Specialist Teachers.
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Updating and streamlining the handbook to become a more user-friendly and accessible (online) Guidelines for Effective Practice and Toolkit.
SCT Positions
PPTA would be keen to see more of these positions in secondary schools, but has so far been unsuccessful in persuading the Ministry to increase the numbers.
It is clear from the review of the pilot that SCTs significantly assist with the professional learning and development of individual teachers and with the development of schools as learning communities.
Review of the Specialist Classroom Teacher Pilot Full Report (2006)
Review of the Specialist Classroom Teacher Pilot Summary Report (2006)
Background / History
Toolkit - Downloadable templates
Last modified on Tuesday, 7 July 2026 15:18