Avenues for Professional Development for teachers

2 weeks ago

Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Amoura Development Company, Inc. Full time

For me, the greatest issuein NZ High School Music Education is how do we get more schools teaching Music Technology – MIDI and audio (microphones, DAW's, interfaces, etc) to produce music. While I'm a huge believer in teaching reading music and notation (in my professional career most of the work I got was because I was known as one of the few good sight-reading bass players in town) the reality is that these skills are of less importance to students wanting a career in pop and rock music.

For these students, knowledge of how to produce with Logic or Pro Tools is of a lotmore importance. Now, I know that if I wrote this on the Artsonline Musicnet email network (an email network connecting NZ High School Music Teachers) the daggers would be out with plenty of people attacking me (but also plenty of people in support). But in all my reading, research and experience running a recording studio and teaching high school for over ten years I'm becoming more and more convinced of the importance ofmusic production skills using technology.

Let me say out front that this is not my background. I'm not trained in music technology. I have two music degrees majoring in classical and jazz music. But the longer I'm involved with the music industry the more I see the need to train our high schools students for the realities of our music world. The simple fact of the matter is that if they are into Pop or Rock, then it's more important to know how to produce music with a DAW than it is to be able to read Figured Bass or to be able to analyse Sonata Form.

What is heartening is that there are plenty of teachers that agree with me but many teachers who have been around for a while often have the question: "Where do I start?"

My business, Learning Ideas Ltd , has been providing Music Technology workbooks for the New Zealand Unit Standard system for the last few years and as best I can tell, these workbooks and tutorials have been of great help to many students. I have also been running workshops for teachers all over NZ for the last few years. And while I think these are very positive and helpful sessions for teachers I'm mindful of the fact that many teachers are overwhelmed with information.

What many teachers need, particularly older teachers, is someone to walk along side them in the teaching of their first year of music technology. By all means use the workbooks and tutorials from Learning Ideas butteachers should seek the help of someone else who knows the 'content' very well (even if they're not trained teachers).

These might be teachers at other schools, but probablynot as most teachers are struggling with the workload at their own school so can't help other schools too much.

So far, I think the solution lies with our Tertiary providers. Places like MAINZ , SAE , CPIT and Universities that are running music production courses (like Massey, Auckland, etc). Teachers should seek out the people who run those music schools to find thebest students in their 2nd, 3rd or 4th years of study. After all, in NZ, everyone involved in the music industry is involved in education in some way so getting 'placement' into high schools to assist teachers can only be good for those Tertiary students. And because they're not qualified yet teachers shouldn't have to pay them too much (Teachers need to remember though that any resources or teaching associated with Performing Arts Technology Standards can be paid for with STAR funds).

I see this as a win/win situation. Teachers can offer Music Production/Tech courses that will attract higher numbers into their programmes, and they can be in charge of assessment. But in the teaching of complicated things like Compressor Threshold and Ratio, Phase, RT, Parametric EQ, and so on... they can have Tertiary students who should know the basics of all the knowledge and basic techniques of use. Teachers will still need to do their own PD(see here for some good options ) but the pressure on the teacher to know everything immediately is takenaway.

So, if you're one of those teachers that want to offer a music technology course in 2016 but don't know where to start send me an email to

I'll set you up with the resources and I'll help you touch base with your local Tertiary Music Tech provider who maybe in a position to send some talent students or recent graduates your way.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • German teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Diocesan School For Girls Full time

    Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 29/07/2024, End Date: 04/12/2024 (To cover a subject area for terms 3 and 4)Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherLearning languagesAre you our new languages teacher (German)? Fixed term contract (terms 3 and 4, 2024).Behind every great school is a great team of people. We'd love you to join ours in term...

  • Teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Newmarket School Full time

    Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsWe would love you to come and join our fun and fabulous team of hardworking, collaborative teachers, and work with our keen and happy...

  • French teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Diocesan School For Girls Full time

    Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 19/08/2024, End Date: 04/12/2024 (To cover a subject area for term 3–4.)Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherLearning languagesAre you our new languages teacher (French)? Fixed-term contract (term 3–4).Do you have a passion for French, and would love to teach in a supportive school with motivated...

  • Junior school teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Diocesan School For Girls Full time

    Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsWe strongly believe that behind every great school is a great team of people – and we'd love you to join oursYou will be: Passionate...

  • Scale A teachers

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Central Auckland Specialist School Full time

    Central Auckland Specialist School AucklandScale A teachers (several positions)Full time, PermanentPrimary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsSDAScale A teachers + SDA –...

  • Scale A teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Mairangi Bay School Full time

    Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 17/06/2024, End Date: 17/12/2024 (Teacher allocation for 2024)Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsAre you a passionate educator, wanting...

  • Y1 teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Sherwood School (Auckland) Full time

    Part time, Fixed term, FTTE up to: 0.2, Start Date: 26/07/2024, End Date: 20/12/2024 (ASL release)Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsWe require an enthusiastic and...

  • Religious education teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Marist College Full time

    Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 22/07/2024, End Date: 09/12/2024 (Covering staff on leave)Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsWe are a state integrated Catholic girls' college for...

  • New entrant teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Te Matauranga Full time

    Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 22/07/2024, End Date: 13/12/2024 (Roll growth)Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsA position has become available for a teacher keen to...

  • Physical education teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Sherwood School (Auckland) Full time

    Part time, Fixed term, FTTE up to: 0.4, Start Date: 22/07/2024, End Date: 19/12/2024 (ASL release)Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacherHealth and physical educationWe require an enthusiastic and competent teacher to take our phys ed lessons for our Y1, 2 & 3 classes on Mondays and Thursdays for terms 3 & 4. Previous...

  • Release teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Te Matauranga Full time

    Full time, Fixed term, Start Date: 22/07/2024, End Date: 13/12/2024 (ACC leave)Primary and intermediate (Years 1–8) / kura tuatahi, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsA position is available for a teacher to provide release...

  • English teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Mt Albert Grammar School Full time

    Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherEnglishEnglish teacher – commences term 3 or earlier by negotiation.This is a rare opportunity to join one of New Zealand's top schools. Applicants should be able to teach up to NCEA Level 3. The successful applicant must be a NZ registered teacher and will endorse the school's academic priority, as...

  • Maths teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand James Cook High School Full time

    Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherMathematics and statisticsJames Cook High School is a diverse and vibrant learning community committed to doing the very best for our students. Our current roll of 1,600 students has grown considerably in 2024 and with a further predicted roll growth for 2025.We are looking for a full-time, permanent...

  • Mathematics teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Mt Albert Grammar School Full time

    Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherMathematics and statisticsThis is a rare opportunity to join one of New Zealand's top schools. Applicants should be able to teach up to NCEA Level 3 statistics and/or calculus. For the right applicant there is also the possibility for leadership within the department. The successful applicant must be...

  • Unqualified teacher ECE

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Christopher Robin Childcare Full time

    Unqualified teacher ECE / teacher-in-trainingFull time, PermanentFull-time position for unqualified teacher ECE / teacher-in-training. We are a small, family owned and operated Childcare centre in Grey Lynn, offering quality care and education for children 6 months to 5 years-old in a mixed age setting with a license for 26 children.We pride ourselves in...

  • Mathematics teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Long Bay College Full time

    Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherMathematics and statisticsWe are seeking a maths teacher (please state speciality subjects) to join our warm, supportive, and inquiring Maths Faculty. This is an opportunity to be part of a motivated, creative and best-practice informed faculty and to support exceptional learning outcomes for our...

  • English teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Rosehill College Full time

    Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherEnglish We seek a dynamic, passionate and enthusiastic teacher of English to join our English Faculty. Applicants should have a current New Zealand teacher registration and a working knowledge of the New Zealand Curriculum with the ability to teach Y9-13 the English New Zealand Curriculum consisting...

  • Y7-8 teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand De La Salle College Full time

    Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherEnglish, Health and physical education, Learning languages, Mathematics and statistics, Science, Social sciences, Technology, Te reo Māori, The artsWe are seeking an enthusiastic classroom teacher who has a passion for boys' education.A willingness and ability to take part in religious instruction...

  • Senior teacher

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Vanguard Military School Full time

    Senior teacher - mathematics, science and life skillsFull time, PermanentSecondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherMathematics and statistics, ScienceThis position is for a permanent, full-time senior teacher of mathematics, science and life skills, commencing in Term 1 of 2025.Vanguard is a highly regarded special character, senior secondary...

  • PE and health teacher. Regraded

    2 weeks ago

    Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Rosehill College Full time

    Secondary (Years 7–15) / wharekura, Certificated teacherHealth and physical educationPlease note that this is a regraded position. We seek a dynamic, passionate and enthusiastic teacher of PE and health to join our PE and Health Faculty. Applicants should have a current New Zealand teacher registration and a working knowledge of the New Zealand...