Teaching at Otago: Real experiences
Hear from Otago students as they share their experiences studying teaching – classroom learning, hands-on placements, and the support that makes the College of Education special.
Read transcript
I chose Otago because it’s nice and close to home. I can still ... [interview interrupted by children] ... Thank you. Cool, would you better look after it for a minute? I just got to do this video, and then I’ll be able to come find it with you.
Kia ora, my name is Kane Johnson. My name is Erica Kormack. Talofa lava my name is Sami Seao. Hi, I am Alisha de Courcey, I am a third-year student doing a Bachelor in Teaching endorsed in Primary Education. I think the really great thing about the College of Education as that the lecturers are always available for you, so you can go and ask for help or guidance or anything really. I think that’s what makes the College of Education really special.
The Te Pōkai unit is an opportunity for anybody to be part of. Whether you’re to iwi, you're Māori or Pacifica, it doesn’t matter. It’s not just about speaking Māori, it’s about the concepts and ideals behind it and getting you a better world view, I guess, of te ao Māori, and how we can incorporate that. It’s something to be celebrated and not afraid of.
The early childhood programme involves a bit of class time, which is lectures, tutorials and workshops. You do that usually about four days a week. Then you get put in an early childhood center, and yeah, that’s sort of when you get to put into practice everything you’ve learned in class. Ah, good work!
Placement’s been awesome. I find that I’ve been learning a lot more very quickly in my time here. And also it's been good pairing up with teachers, with mentor teachers, to help us who are quite young in the profession, quite fresh, to be able to practice and develop our pedagogies too.
Once you get into the school and you’re in the class environment, you really realize why you’re doing the degree. The kids absolutely love having student teachers is – it gives you a chance to experience life as a teacher. You see how busy it is but also also how amazing it is, especially when you see students make progress or you realise that you have a really cool impact on their life.
Can’t speak highly enough of our lecturers and the support that we get, and also from the students that you are working alongside as well. You are building that sense of whanau and getting each other through.
In terms of the lecturers, they are very helpful, very informative, very knowledgeable people, and it’s awesome to know that if we are struggling that we are able to approach them on a more pastoral conversation. That’s very comforting and very reassuring for a student who’s not from here.
There wasn’t ever really another option to me. I always wanted to come to Otago. With the OUSA and their events and things like that, it brings you into the whole Dunedin experience I think.
[Conversing with a child as the video fades out].
We offer Teacher Education programmes in the following specialisations
- Early Childhood Education
- Primary Education
- Te Pōkai Mātauranga o te Ao Rua | Primary Bicultural Education
- Secondary Education
Note: See the qualifications page for a full list of qualifications offered by the College of Education.
Application dates and information on how to apply
There is a special application process for the Teacher Education programmes.
You will need to follow this process to apply
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

It was an easy decision to choose Otago because I’d heard it had one of the best teaching programmes in the country. The placements throughout this degree were some of the best learning opportunities.
Kalas Taukamo (Ngāti Porou)
Bachelor of Teaching (Primary Education)
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
TEACHING papers
Sorry, no papers matching this subject were found.
More information
Have a question or need support? AskOtago can connect you with the right team for personalised help.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
Not sure what to study?
Take our short quiz to uncover study options matched to your background and interests.
Take the quiz