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New Zealand 2025: Teachers' Educational Practices and Leadership Development
July 12 to July 25, 2025

13 Days

Duration

New Zealand

Location

Educational Program

Trip Type

Round Trip

Airfare

$5,600

Cost


Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
​Director, Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy
CT Commissioner of Education, Emerita
Executive in Residence
Farrington College of Education
Sacred Heart University
860-463-5871 (cell)



  • Join us for an exceptional educational journey with our New Zealand Educational Experience. This immersive program provides a unique opportunity to explore New Zealand's globally renowned education system, celebrated for its excellence in primary and secondary education.
  • Discover innovative teaching methodologies, cutting-edge facilities, and inclusive learning environments that have positioned New Zealand as a leader in global education. Experience firsthand the dynamic and supportive atmosphere of New Zealand schools, where students excel through personalized learning and holistic development.
  • The program features in-depth workshops and interactive panel discussions, offering valuable insights into New Zealand's teaching philosophies and practices. Engage with expert educators, visit top-tier schools, and participate in hands-on workshops designed to expand your understanding and inspire new approaches in education.

Program Highlights:

  • Overview of the Educational System:

    • Structure and governance.

    • Core principles and values.

    • Comparative analysis with other educational systems.

  • Teacher Training and Professional Development:

    • Teacher education programs.

    • Continuous professional development.

    • The role of teachers in curriculum design.

  • Curriculum and Pedagogy:

    • Core subjects and elective offerings.

    • Student-centered learning approaches.

    • Integration of technology in education.

    • Student Assessment and Evaluation:

      • Methods of student assessment.

      • National exams and standardized testing.

      • Feedback and improvement processes.

  • Inclusive Education and Special Needs:

    • Policies for inclusive education.

    • Support systems for students with special needs.

    • Success stories and case studies.

  • Education and Well-being:

    • Balancing academic and personal development.

    • The role of extracurricular activities.

    • School environment and student well-being.


  • Higher Education and Research:

    • Structure of higher education institutions.

    • Focus on research and innovation.

    • Collaboration between universities and industries. 

Benefits for Your University:

  • Curriculum Enhancement: Gain new perspectives and ideas to incorporate into your educational programs, fostering innovation and improvement.

  • Professional Development: Provide faculty with firsthand experience of effective teaching methods and strategies, enhancing their professional growth.

  • Collaboration Opportunities: Build connections with New Zealand educators and institutions for future collaborations and exchange programs.

  • Student Enrichment: Bring back knowledge and practices that can directly impact student learning and development at your university.

 Join us in New Zealand and transform your perspective on education in an unforgettable setting.

 We look forward to your participation.

Initial Itinerary, subject to change*

Initial Itinerary, subject to change*

Day 1: Saturday, July 12, 2025

Depart LAX To Auckland

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Day 2: Monday, July 14, 2025 - Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and be greeted by your experienced NZET Tour Manager, Allan Marsden. Embark on a city tour and enjoy some free time before checking into your hotel (from 2:00 PM). Once settled, Allan will present an overview of the New Zealand educational system and the significant changes it has undergone over the last 30 years.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the Orbit Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the city—a perfect introduction to New Zealand and the tour's itinerary.

  • Welcome Dinner: Orbit Restaurant

  • Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel (or similar)

  • Included Activity: Sky Tower visit and dinner at the Orbit Restaurant

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Day 3: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - Auckland
Spend a full day at one of New Zealand’s most prestigious educational institutions, catering to students from Years 1 to 13. Boys' secondary schools play a pivotal role in the education and development of boys, offering numerous benefits that foster academic, social, and emotional growth.

King's College and King's School exemplify these values, showcasing how they emphasize leadership development, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. Students are provided with opportunities to build character through various school programs, mentorship initiatives, and teamwork activities.

After the school visit, a meeting will be arranged with senior staff to discuss the importance of boys' education and the innovative approaches used at these institutions.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

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Day 4: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 - Auckland
This morning, visit a specialist education school designed for students with intellectual disabilities, many of whom also face physical, sensory, or behavioral challenges. The school provides tailored education programs that meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive in academic environments.

In the afternoon, spend time with a specialist teacher from the outreach service who supports students in mainstream schools. Gain insights into the challenges and successes of integrating diverse educational needs within inclusive learning environments.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

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Day 5: Thursday, July 17, 2025 – Auckland – Hamilton

Teacher training in New Zealand follows structured pathways designed to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and qualifications needed to teach effectively at various educational levels.

This morning, depart south to Hamilton to visit the College of Education at Waikato University. Spend the day with students and professors, observing how teachers are trained in New Zealand. There will also be an opportunity for a group discussion with the university faculty, providing deeper insights into the teacher training process.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

  • Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Hamilton (or similar)

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Day 6: Friday, July 18, 2025 - Hamilton to Rotorua

Education in New Zealand incorporates bilingual units in schools to support and promote the use of two languages, often combining te reo Māori (the Māori language) with English or other languages. These bilingual units aim to foster bilingualism and biliteracy while preserving the cultural and linguistic heritage of Aotearoa.

This morning, travel into a farming community to visit Centennial Park School, where you will gain insights into how schools develop full Māori immersion and bilingual classes alongside full English classes. Learn how they address the individual needs of students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

In the afternoon, visit Benneydale Primary School, a small rural school with 35 students, a high percentage of whom are Māori. The school is also part of the Enviroschools initiative, focusing on sustainability education.

Later, continue the journey to Rotorua for a two-night stay.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

  • Accommodation: Sudima Hotel (or similar)

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Day 7: Saturday, July 19, 2025 – Rotorua

Today is a free day in Rotorua. Your Tour Manager will provide information about a variety of optional activities available for you to enjoy, or you may choose to use the day to rest and rejuvenate for the remainder of your tour.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

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Day 8: Sunday, July 20, 2025 – Rotorua to Kāpiti Coast
This morning, depart Rotorua and travel through the scenic North Island to the Kāpiti Coast. The journey offers a delightful mix of geothermal wonders, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant towns, concluding with the coastal charm of Kāpiti.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

  • Accommodation: Asure Kāpiti Court Motel (or similar)

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Day 9: Monday, July 21, 2025 – Kāpiti Coast
Te Wānanga o Raukawa offers a uniquely Māori university learning environment open to all. Spend the day at the Wānanga to gain an understanding of Tikanga Māori (customs) and learn how this distinctive approach to tertiary education is guiding many young Māori toward positive pathways.

Enjoy lunch with members of the Wānanga staff, and in the afternoon, visit the primary and secondary schools associated with the Wānanga to observe how the principles of Tikanga Māori are integrated into their educational frameworks.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

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Day 10: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 – Wellington
Today, visit a full primary school and a secondary school representative of schools across New Zealand. Kapakapanui School emphasizes the importance of nurturing the whole child through academic, sporting, cultural, and recreational activities. The school combines excellent facilities with a progressive, localized, and integrated curriculum. Its holistic approach includes flexible teaching spaces and a specialist technology center.

In the afternoon, spend time at one of the two colleges in the area—Paraparaumu College or Kāpiti College—to gain further insights into secondary education in the region.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (or similar)

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Day 11: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 – Wellington

Today, visit Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu (Te Kura), New Zealand’s state distance education provider. Te Kura offers a wide range of programs, from early childhood education through to NCEA Level 3, catering to diverse student needs. These include students in remote locations, home-schooled learners, teen parents who can no longer attend traditional schools, students who have disengaged from conventional schooling, and those pursuing courses not available at their local schools.

Meet with senior management to discuss the significance of distance learning, explore how Te Kura achieves its results, and understand the challenges they face in delivering quality education to their students.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

  • Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (or similar)

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Day 12: Thursday, July 24, 2025 – Wellington
This morning, meet with policymakers at the Ministry of Education to discuss standards, funding, and future directions in primary education. Gain valuable insights into how New Zealand’s education system ensures quality and equity in its schools.

In the afternoon, meet with a representative from the Education Review Office (ERO), New Zealand’s government agency responsible for external evaluations. Learn how ERO informs and facilitates improvements in early learning services, kōhanga reo, Kura, and schools.

End the day with a special farewell dinner to celebrate the experiences and connections made during the tour.

  • Breakfast: At the hotel

  • Farewell Dinner: Venue to be confirmed

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Day 13: Friday, July 25, 2025 – Depart for Home
This morning, transfer to the airport to connect with your flight home. Bid farewell to your Tour Manager and Tour Driver before proceeding through security. Take some time for last-minute shopping or relaxation before boarding your flight.

Haere Rā from New Zealand!

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The cost of the program includes:

  • Flight from LAX to Auckland and back from Wellington. Flights can be arranged from other states for additional fees.
  • Hotels in twin-shared room.
  • Breakfast every day at the hotel.
  • Welcome dinner and farewell dinner.
  • Organizational visits.
  • Educational tours.
  • Seminars & venue rental.
  • Coach bus for airport pick-up, send-off, and traveling between destinations.

The cost of the trip is $5,600 (double-occupancy)  per person

* ​Single Room Upgrade: ​$600 for single occupancy by April 14, 2025

This educational trip can be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities can cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for their faculty's participation.

Payment Schedule (alternate schedule may be negotiated by request of the participant) 

  1. $200 registration fee
  2. $900 by January 15, 2025
  3. $900 by February 14, 2025
  4. $900 by March 14, 2025
  5. $900 by April 15, 2025
  6. $900 by May 15, 2025
  7. $900 by June 16, 2025

Single Room Upgrade:

  • $600 for single occupancy by April 15, 2025

The cost doesn’t cover

Travel and health insurance

Tips

Any activities or meals not mentioned in the program

Cancellation Policy:

All cancellations must be received in writing.  The following cancellation schedule applies:

  • 70% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
  • 60% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
  • 50% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
  • No refund within 50 days of the departure date.

Dr. Betty J. Sternberg
​Director, Teacher Leader Fellowship Academy
CT Commissioner of Education, Emerita
Executive in Residence
Farrington College of Education
Sacred Heart University
860-463-5871 (cell)


*There may exist minor changes in the program timetables and venues due the possible restrictions.