Secondary Senior Managers’ Sabbatical

2018 Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical 

Applications for the 2018 Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical are now closed.

Applications for the 2018 Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical closed Tuesday 6 June 2017.

If you're thinking of applying, we can also offer you some helpful advice before you complete your application form. Get ready to apply by clicking here.

What is a Secondary Senior Manager's Sabbatical?

A Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical provides 10 school weeks' leave for senior managers to engage in a balance of professional learning activities, reflection and rejuvenation.

How many sabbaticals are available?

Each year there are 10 sabbaticals available to senior managers, in state or state-integrated secondary schools, covered by the Secondary Teachers' Collective Agreement (STCA).

What is the definition of senior manager?

A senior manager is defined as a teacher who holds the position of 'Assistant Principal' or 'Deputy Principal'. These terms are defined by role and not necessarily title. Please see clause 4.3B.2 of the STCA or the application information for further information.

What does the sabbatical provide?

A Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical provides you with paid leave from school for 10 school weeks. TeachNZ (Ministry of Education) covers the relief costs to replace you while you are on leave, including any holiday pay due to a relief teacher.

Relief costs are paid in accordance with the STCA. Please note that there is no contribution to any additional expenses.

What are the eligibility criteria?

To be eligible to apply for a Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical, you must:

• be employed under the Secondary Teachers' Collective Agreement or applicable Individual Employment Agreement (IEA)
• be a full-time, fully registered teacher
• be currently employed as a senior manager in a New Zealand state or state-integrated secondary school
• have a period of at least seven years' unbroken teaching service
• be able to demonstrate that you will benefit from a period of professional learning related to your role as a senior manager
• intend to continue in a management role after the sabbatical
• not currently be under review for competence and/or conduct and discipline (as per sections 3.3 and 3.4 of the STCA)
• have not received a Secondary Teachers' Sabbatical or Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical within the last five years
• have the support of the principal and board of trustees/employer.

You can apply for both a Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical and a Secondary Teachers' Sabbatical if you meet the eligibility criteria but you can only accept one sabbatical. Please note that previous Ministry-funded leave taken is a factor considered in the selection process.

How are applications assessed?

Each application is assessed by a selection panel comprised of representatives from the New Zealand School Trustees Association (NZSTA), Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) and the Ministry of Education. Applications are ranked on the quality of the application provided, and how well they address the selection factors outlined in the 2018 Secondary Senior Managers' Sabbatical application information. The professional learning activity to be completed must also be within an approved field.

Contact Us

We're here to help. If you can't find the answer you're looking for in the application FAQs, get in touch with us by calling 0800 165 225 or email teacher.studyawards@education.govt.nz.