Education Officer
Tasks & duties
Education officers may do some or all of the following:
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research, design, plan and write education programmes that may include things like site tours, quizzes and practical activities
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find resources for programmes such as books, puzzles or songs
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design educational activities or resources that students can use at home or in the classroom
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present education programmes to students and/or adults about a variety of issues particular to their organisation
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send educational material to students, teachers and the public
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deliver presentations to community groups
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help organise exhibitions
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help run internal staff training programmes
Skills & knowledge
Education officers need to have:
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knowledge of the New Zealand education curriculum
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knowledge of local and national education sector such as structure of primary and secondary schools
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knowledge of different teaching and learning styles
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knowledge of office procedures including budgeting
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general knowledge of the organisation they are working for
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research and writing skills
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the ability to manage groups of people
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computer skills
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements to become an education officer. However, most employees prefer to hire education officers that are registered teachers.
Secondary education
There are no specific secondary educational requirements. However, most employers prefer secondary education to at least Bursary or NCEA-equivalent level.
Tertiary education
Most education officers have a degree that relates to the area they are teaching in. For example art gallery or museum education officers may have fine arts, art history or history degrees. Those who work in zoos, animal sanctuaries or nature parks may have biology or ecology-related qualitifications.
Most education officer roles require people who have a teaching degree or postgraduate teaching diploma.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job. Education officers may also attend related education seminars, courses and workshops.
Useful experience
Experience working with children is valuable for people wanting to be education officers, as is completing tertiary courses in education.
Many education officer roles are linked to the New Zealand curriculum, so having a background in history, science, art or technology is also useful. Doing some voluntary work for education teams in the types of organisations you want to work for is also helpful.
Related courses
Teacher Education: General (Pre-Service)
Teacher Education: Primary (Pre-Service)
Teacher Education: Secondary (Pre-Service)
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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