Kaitohutohu Pūtaiao | Science Adviser
House of Science NZ
Kaitohutohu Pūtaiao | Science Adviser
Location: Aotearoa-wide
Te Whare o te Pūtaiao House of Science is looking for a passionate educator to help growpūtaiao capability in Year 0-8 kura reo Māori across Aotearoa New Zealand.
About Us
Te Whare o te Pūtaiao House of Science empowers kaiako to deliver engaging, knowledge-rich science and pūtaiao learning through hands-on resource kits and comprehensive teacher support.
Our vision is simple and powerful: every child in New Zealand is scientifically literate.
Following our nationwide government contract, we are scaling our impact across the country, and our Kaitohutohu Pūtaiao are critical to making this vision a reality.
The Role
As a Kaitohutohu Pūtaiao, you will be fluent in te reo Māori and work directly with kaiako at kura reo Māori to build confidence and capability in science teaching.
You will provide professional learning, mentoring and practical support to kaiako using House of Science kete pūtaiao, helping them deliver engaging science and pūtaiao learning aligned with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa.
This is a highly rewarding role where you will see the direct impact of your work in classrooms and kura.
What You’ll Do
Key aspects of the role include:
Supporting Kaiako
• Support school onboarding and induction for teachers new to House of Science
• Provide guidance on effective kete pūtaiao | science kit use and curriculum alignment
• Respond to kaiako questions and provide ongoing support
• Deliver workshops and webinars for kaiako in your region
Building Teacher Capability
• Mentor kaiako to develop confidence in pūtaiao teaching
• Gather teacher feedback to inform future resources and professional learning
• Contribute to development of kaiako support materials
• Work with the national House of Science team to share best practice
National Engagement
• Build strong relationships with kura and education networks
• Represent House of Science at pūtaiao, science and education events
• Support growth in the number of schools accessing kete pūtaiao
• Participate in a national community of practice with other Kaitohutohu Pūtaiao and Science Advisers
What We’re Looking For
You will be someone who is passionate about ako pūtaiao and enjoys supporting kaiako to grow their practice.
You will be hands-on, have the ability to travel often, be well-organised, dynamic and energetic with a high level of proficiency in written and oral communications in te reo Māori and English.
You will be a life-long learner, with a commitment to ongoing professional and personal development including in mātauranga Māori.
We are looking for people who have:
• Strong science knowledge and understanding of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa
• Experience working with primary or intermediate teachers
• Excellent facilitation and presentation skills with adult learners
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• A culturally responsive and inclusive approach
• The ability to work independently and manage relationships across multiple kura
• A passion for empowering teachers and improving science learning for tamariki Desirable
• A teaching qualification and classroom teaching experience
• A full, clean NZ driver’s licence
Why Join House of Science?
• Be part of a national initiative transforming science education in Aotearoa
• Work with a supportive and passionate team
• See the direct impact of your work in kura and classrooms
• Opportunities to contribute to national professional learning and resource development
Apply Now
If you are passionate about ako pūtaiao and want to help ensure every child in Aotearoa becomes scientifically literate, we would love to hear from you.
Please send your cover letter and CV to Dr. Anne Ryan on anne.ryan@houseofscience.nz or feel free to contact her for more information.
