People with dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities often suffer years of failure and despondency at school. You could be the one to nurture them to success.

  • This programme is for those who wish to extend their knowledge and expertise in teaching people with specific learning disabilities (SLD);
  • Applicants should have a  teaching qualification and a minimum of one year of classroom experience;
  • The programme is mainly online with a five day face-to-face workshop in Auckland during the July school holidays;
  • Because of the huge demand for our services nationwide, we do give priority to applicants intending to become a SPELD NZ Teacher;
  • Read about Pip Coombes’ experiences training with SPELD NZ;
  • Read about Katie Knight’s journey training with SPELD NZ;
  • Discover more about working as a SPELD NZ probationary teacher;
  • Take a look at NZQA’s most recent evaluation of SPELD NZ  (“Excellent”in all categories from 2018 up until 2023 when SPELD NZ retired from NZQA.)
  • See more details on this programme below.
NZ Certificate in Teaching Individuals with Specific Learning Disabilities

What is it like to be a SPELD NZ Teacher?

Classroom teacher and SENCO, Sarah McIntyre, describes how SPELD NZ training has brought enormous benefits to her school.

“The most informative and positive experience I have ever had in my teaching career of 15 years.”

The programme runs between  February and November.  We recommend allocating (on average) 16 hours per week to complete the study and practicum requirements.

Costs

The total cost of the 2025 programme TBC.

SPELD NZ training subsidies may be available in some parts of New Zealand for those who intend to become registered SPELD NZ Teachers.

The training subsidy criteria and application form is available below. Please note, subsidies are only for those who are able and committed to taking SPELD NZ students.  They are provided by funders to increase SPELD NZ’s teaching capacity and ease the pressure on our waiting lists.  Graduates unable to complete the practicum must return subsidy funding.

For all enquiries, please email us here or call 028 2550 7415

How to apply

Please fill in and send us a copy of:

•  Training application
•  Training subsidy application (if applicable) .
•  Reference form
•  Police Vetting request

Please also provide certified copies of:

•  Your NZ teacher registration card (if applicable)
•  Your teaching or related qualification
•  Your NZ Passport or Birth Certificate or NZ Permanent Residency Permit
(if your overseas passport has expired, please provide a letter from NZ Immigration confirming your residency status)
•  Your driver’s licence (if available)
•  If you have had a name change since your qualification was issued, your Marriage Certificate/Dissolution of Marriage documentation

We welcome applications for our 2025 programme.
Preferably applications should be received  before 27 October 2024.  Applicants will be invited to a Zoom information session at the beginning of November.

Please email your application documents to training@speld.org.nz and post original documents to SPELD NZ, National Office PO Box 24-617, Royal Oak, Auckland 1345.

For information about the SPELD NZ’s commitment to pastoral care and support
click here.