Frequently asked questions
We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions which may be helpful to you in applying for the Area School Teachers' Study Support Grant.
Select a category below to be taken to questions and answers relating to that topic.
How will my application be assessed?
Completing the application form
Principal and board of trustees/employer support
General
When will I find out the outcome of my application?
You will be notified by Thursday 7 November 2019.
What does an Area School Teachers’ Study Support Grant provide?
An Area School Teachers’ Study Support Grant provides you with study time of 0.16 FTTE (equivalent to four hours per week for the year awarded) while continuing to teach – for example, this may mean that you teach one less class for the year or have four hours of release time each week. Your school receives an additional staffing allowance of 0.16 FTTE for the year to cover relief costs. You can also apply for reimbursement of up to $500 towards your course fees, after successful completion of your course.
I am a part-time teacher – what will be the 0.16 FTTE time allowance I receive?
The time allowance provided with a study support grant is a fixed amount of 0.16 FTTE (or four hours per week) for all teachers and is not pro-rated for part-time teachers. The time allowance is provided to your school as an additional staffing entitlement to release you from four hours of teaching.
Can I use the time allowance flexibly throughout the year?
The time allowance of 0.16 FTTE (equivalent to four hours per week) can be used flexibly throughout the school year to suit your study requirements as long as it is in agreement with your school. For example, if you plan to study for the first semester only you could seek agreement with your school to use all the additional staffing entitlement in the first half of the year (e.g. eight hours a week for six months).
What will happen if I have applied for the wrong award?
Your application will only be assessed for the award you have applied for. It’s important you check the application information to ensure that you are applying for the correct award.
Can I submit more than one application for the same award?
No, you can only submit one application for each award.
Can I apply for more than one award?
Yes, but you can only accept one award. If you are successful in more than one application, you will be asked to choose which award you would like to accept. Please note you must send in a separate application for each award you apply for.
What if I am offered a position at a different school before I take up my study support grant?
You may transfer your study support grant to your new school with the support of your new principal and board trustees/employer. Please tell them that you have been offered a study support grant and discuss your options with them.
If you plan to continue with your study support grant, then you would need to provide TeachNZ with confirmation of support from the principal and board trustees/employer so the additional staffing entitlement can be provided to the correct school.
If you then choose not to take up the study support grant, for any reason, please advise TeachNZ as soon as possible.
What if I am offered a position at a different school which will commence while I am studying?
You may transfer your study support grant to your new school with the support of your new principal and board trustees/employer. Please tell them that you have a study support grant and discuss your options with them. If you plan to continue with your study support grant, then you would need to provide TeachNZ with confirmation of support from your principal and board trustees/employer so the additional staffing entitlement can be transferred to their staffing entitlement.
Can I postpone my study support grant until the next year?
No, you cannot postpone a study support grant.
Can I withdraw from an Area School Teachers Study Support Grant?
If you choose to withdraw from the study support grant, you can apply again in the future with no prejudice. You would need to let us know in writing that you would like to withdraw from the study support grant. We can accept this by email to teacher.studyawards@education.govt.nz.
Eligibility
If I am a primary or secondary-trained teacher working in an area school, can I apply for a 2020 Area School Teachers’ Study Support Grant?
The study support grant which you are eligible to apply for depends on which collective agreement you are employed under. You can only apply for an Area School Teachers’ Study Support Grant if you are employed under the terms and conditions of the Area School Teachers’ Collective Agreement and meet all eligibility criteria.
If you are covered by the terms and conditions of the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement, you may be eligible to apply for a Secondary Teachers’ Study Support Grant. Please visit www.TeachNZ.govt.nz/studyawards to find out more.
Please note there are no study support grants available to teachers covered by the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement.
I am a Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) who works in primary and/or secondary schools, but my lead school is an area school. Can I apply for this study support grant?
The study support grant which you are eligible to apply for depends on which collective agreement you are employed under. Through the reorganisation of the RTLB service some RTLBs retained the employment terms and conditions they had previously, so you will need to check which collective agreement you are employed under.
You can apply for an Area School Teachers’ Study Support Grant if you, are covered by the terms and conditions of the Area School Teacher’s Collective Agreement and meet all eligibility criteria.
Although you are working in primary and/or secondary schools, as your lead school is an area school you may be employed under the terms and conditions of the Area School Teachers’ Collective Agreement.
If you are covered by the terms and conditions of the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement, you may be eligible to apply for a Secondary Teachers’ Study Support Grant. Please visit www.TeachNZ.govt.nz/studyawards to find out more.
Please note there are no study support grants available to teachers covered by the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement.
I am a part-time teacher. Can I apply for a 2020 Area School Teachers’ Study Support Grant?
Yes, if you are a permanently employed part-time teacher. Please note that part-time fixed-term and long-term relieving teachers are not eligible to apply.
I am on a fixed-term contract. Can I apply for a 2020 Area School Teachers’ Study Support Grant?
No, you must be permanently employed to be eligible.
Can I apply if I am a long-term reliever?
No, you must be permanently employed to be eligible.
My certification is currently subject to confirmation. Can I apply?
Yes, but only if you will receive full certification status by December 2019.
Please notify TeachNZ if your certification status changes during the application or selection process.
I have a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) - can I apply?
No, you must be a fully registered teacher to be eligible to apply.
Can I apply if I have previously had a study award or sabbatical?
Yes, but please note that preference is given to teachers who have not received a study award or sabbatical in the last five years.
Can I apply if I’m not a member of a teachers’ union?
Yes, the awards are open to all teachers in New Zealand state or state-integrated schools who are employed under the terms and conditions of the Area School Teachers’ Collective Agreement and meet the eligibility criteria.
I am appointed to the Community of Schools Teacher (across community) role, am I able to take a study support grant?
Yes, apply as usual.
If I am appointed to the Community of Schools Teacher (within school) role, am I able to take
a study support grant?
Yes, apply as usual.
How is my application assessed?
How is my application assessed?
First, we will check that your application meets all of the eligibility criteria outlined on page 1 of the application guide. A selection panel, made up of representatives from the Ministry of Education, the New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA), New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) and the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) will then assess your application on the following:
- Study or research that furthers the Ministry of Education’s priorities in education including policy that aims to improve the learning outcomes for priority student groups, this includes:
- Māori and Pasifika students
- students from low socio-economic backgrounds
- students with special education needs.
- Study that will help in the development of the teacher’s practice and their students’ learning outcomes.
- A relevant study path that benefits the teacher personally and professionally.
- The completeness and clarity of the study plan.
- Length of service in area schools.
- Support from the principal and board of trustees/employer.
- The professional isolation of teachers.
- Equal opportunity factors.
Preference is given to those who have not had a study award or sabbatical in the last five years.
Priority is given to enabling teachers to:
- complete a qualification or improve an existing tertiary qualification with studies at level 5 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework
- begin postgraduate study
- extend into other specialist teaching areas.
The selection panel’s role is to ensure that the selection process is open, fair, consistent and impartial, and that it provides for equal opportunity and non-discrimination.
What are the Ministry of Education’s priorities for education?
Policy that aims to improve the learning outcomes for priority student groups, including:
- Māori and Pasific students
- students from low socio-economic backgrounds
- students with special education needs.
For further information please refer to the Statement of Intent which can be found online at https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/publications/statement-of-intent/
What are equal opportunity factors?
The selection panel will consider equal opportunity factors, which are any barriers that could prevent a teacher form taking up opportunities.
Examples of equal opportunity factors can include:
- family circumstances that prevent you from taking up professional development opportunities
- it is hard to find relief teachers in your subject area so you have been unable to take up professional development opportunities.
What is considered ‘professional isolation’?
It is important that you outline any professional isolation as applications are judged based on the information you provide.
Examples of professional isolation include:
- If you are the sole teacher of a subject area e.g. the only te reo Māori or chemistry teacher
- If you are the sole mentor of beginning teachers in your school
- If you are a teacher in a small isolated school
- If you cannot access professional development opportunities because of distance, and/or costs.
Completing the application form
What does full-time teacher equivalent (FTTE) mean?
Full-time teacher equivalent means one full-time teaching position, which has a measure of 25 classroom hours per week (five hours per day).
Can I include my professional development in my qualifications on the application form (e.g. National Aspiring Principals programme)?
You may describe any aspect of your learning and study in support of your overall personal career plan and your application; however, applications are assessed according to factors and priorities, which are outlined in the section above ‘How is my application assessed’.
I have received a study support grant previously; does this count as supported study leave?
No, a study support grant is not supported leave, but if you have had one in the past it should be identified in your application. This does not preclude receiving another, but all applications in any year are in competition with each other and are assessed according to the priorities and selection factors described in the section ‘How is my application assessed’.
Proposed study
Is there an approved list of qualifications?
You can apply to study any qualification you choose. You will need to justify your choice of qualification in your study plan.
What is research study?
For the purposes of the study support grant research study must be part of a formal study programme provided by a tertiary institution.
Which tertiary institutions are approved for study?
You can apply to study at any tertiary institution, whether on campus or by distance learning.
Can I study overseas?
Yes, you can apply to study at any tertiary institution you choose.
How do I find out the level of the qualification I am studying?
You can find the level of the qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority website
www.nzqa.govt.nz. Alternatively you can ask your tertiary institution.
The qualification I am planning on studying for is not on the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) framework.
Please make sure you provide as much information as possible.
Do I need to be enrolled when applying?
No, but please contact your proposed tertiary institution to find out key enrolment dates. If you are awarded a study support grant you will be asked to provide confirmation of enrolment in February or March.
Can I apply to complete my postgraduate qualification, and start work towards my Masters?
Yes, you can apply to complete more than one qualification in the year. Please make sure you provide the requested information for both qualifications in your study plan.
Can I change my course of study after submitting an application?
Yes, but not substantially. Please notify TeachNZ of proposed changes in writing, and provide details of this and an explanation of the reason for this change as this will need to be approved.
Study plan requirements
How should I present my study plan?
Please see section 6 of the application form and present your study plan in the requested format. This makes it easier for the selection panel to consistently assess study plans.
Why do I need to complete all the information on my study plan?
Your study plan is a key part of your application and you need to demonstrate to the selection panel that you have taken the time to carefully prepare it and followed the format structure. Failure to do so may result in your application scoring lower.
Why is it important that I explain what study I plan to do?
As you can apply to study any qualification at any tertiary institution, you need to clearly justify your choice of study and explain how this decision will benefit your teaching practice and students. This includes detailing your chosen qualification and papers in your own words and explaining why you have chosen that paper or qualification.
Can I submit more than one study plan?
No, you can only submit one study plan.
Principal and board trustees/employer support
What can I provide as evidence that my principal supports my application?
We can accept one of the following as principal support:
- a signed letter of support from your school principal
- an email sent directly from your school principal to TeachNZ.
Principal support, in one of the formats outlined above, must be submitted by Tuesday 24 September 2019.
Please note that support from the principal is a selection factor.
Who can support my application if my principal is away?
The acting principal is the only person who can support your application on behalf of your principal. Please make sure it is clear that the signature is from the person acting into the role of the principal.
Who can support my application if I am acting principal?
The principal should support your application. If your principal is unable to provide support in one of the approved formats please provide an explanation in the box provided.
What can I provide as evidence that my board trustees/employer supports my application?
The application form asks for a signature from the board of trustees chairperson/employer as support for your application.
Alternatively we can also accept one of the following as board of trustees/employer support:
- a copy of relevant board of trustees minutes confirming support for your application
- a signed letter of support from the board of trustees chairperson/employer
- an email sent directly from the board of trustees chairperson/employer to TeachNZ.
Board trustees/employer support, in one of the formats outlined above, must be submitted by Tuesday 24 September 2019.
Please note that support from the board of trustees/employer is a selection factor.
Who has the authority to support my application on behalf of the board of trustees chairperson?
The deputy chairperson or another trustee who has delegated authority in the absence of the chairperson or their deputy. Please make sure this is clear on the application form.
Who can sign my application form if the board of trustees has been disestablished?
Please ask the commissioner acting in place of the board of trustees to sign your application form to confirm support for your application. Please ensure it’s clear the signature is that of the commissioner.
Who should sign to support my application if my school has a limited statutory manager employed?
If the limited statutory manager is acting in place of the board of trustees for employment matters, ask the limited statutory manager to sign your application form to confirm support for your application. Please ensure it’s clear that the signature is that of the limited statutory manager.
What if I can’t provide confirmation of principal and board trustees/employer support when
I submit my application?
If you have not yet received support from the principal and/or board trustees/employer you may still apply, but please send this in by Tuesday 24 September 2019. Please provide an explanation in the box provided on the application form as to why the support of the principal and/or board trustees/employer is not included with your application.
Please note that support from the principal and the board trustees/employer is a selection factor, and must be submitted by Tuesday 24 September 2019.
I am a Resource Teacher: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB) and work in a number of schools. Which principal and board trustees/employer should I ask to support my application?
RTLBs are employed by the cluster lead school’s board trustees/employer. The schools where RTLBs are located, but not employed, are called host (or satellite) schools.
Please ask the principal and board trustees/employer from your lead school to support your application.
Submitting my application
What happens if my application is late?
Late applications will not be considered. For your application to be considered, it must be submitted on or before Tuesday 17 September 2019.
How will I know that you have received my application?
You will receive an email to confirm that your application has arrived. Please contact us if you
have not heard from us.
What happens if my application is incomplete?
It’s important to ensure you’ve submitted all the required information. If your application is incomplete, or it is not in the correct format, the selection panel will not be able to fully assess it.
Can I send in additional information after submitting my application?
You may submit additional information up to Tuesday 24 September 2019 (one week after the closing date). This must be sent and postmarked with a reference to your application no later than Tuesday 24 September 2019; otherwise it cannot be considered with your application.
What will happen if my application is submitted after Tuesday 17 September 2019?
Your application will not be considered.