Recruitment Stories

 


Dave Tinker
Dean, Auckland.

Dave Tinker is a Science teacher from the UK who contacted Education Personnel from overseas and is now a Dean of Year 9 and Teacher of Biology and Environmental Science


 

 



"I heard about Education Personnel via the internet and as they are recommended agency by the Ministry of Education, I thought they must be ok!


Education Personnel were great with the whole transition process, from deciding to move to NZ through to finding my ideal role.  Although they did not get me a placement until about two weeks before I came out here it wasn't from lack of trying. They were wanting to get a quality placement for me - which they did at Sacred Heart College in Auckland. 

I will be in NZ for the rest  of my career ( I'm 31).  I picked up a Deans role at Sacred Heart College in Auckland and after 3 years am now on the move to Nelson where I will be Head of Year 9 from 2008, Science teacher with Biology and Environmental Science.  This is the place to teach - take the risk - if you don't like it home is not that far away!!

Negative Points:  1) get you salary assessed before you come out.  It takes ages and while it is being processed you are earning a very very basic salary (you will be given back pay!)  2) Superannuation - set up a scheme as soon as you can and in my opinion, house prices in Auckland are high.

Positive Points:  1) NZ is a fantastic country to teach in  - beautiful county, respectful students, multicultural classrooms, good non contact time, very little if any relief (cover) , easy commuting(although this differs from city to city), small classes, good union, great quality of life, good weather and only 23 hours from home.

My point of view - positives far outweigh the negatives - don't convert salaries or you'll never move!!!!!

Dave Tinker, Sacred Heart College, Auckland