Press Release – Independent Schools of New Zealand A new, in-school-based model of educating secondary school teachers has been warmly embraced by the first inductees, with some even describing the initiative as pivotal to their decision to pursue further qualifications and thereby help alleviate the country’s severe teacher shortage. Developed through the close collaboration of the University of Waikato and both independent and state schools, the innovative model commenced at the start of 2021. It entails student teachers being fully-immersed within schools throughout the year, during which the schools pay their fees, provide mentoring and endeavour to offer post-qualification employment. Engaged in the programme by Diocesan School for Girls, Lachlan Craig describes the initiative as a “deal breaker” to progressing further in the profession.