Teaching Council launches new one-stop site for teachers

The Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand (TCA) has just launched “My Rawa”, a new website designed to be an “intuitive digital home” for teachers, bringing the TCA’s processes and resources together.  

Teachers will now be able to renew their practising certificate and access guidance and professional learning on one platform. My Rawa will feature one secure login, a digital practising certificate that can be added to a digital wallet, and a user-friendly and intuitive, redesigned user interface.  

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The TCA has login support and advice on their landing page, and teachers will receive a first-time login invitation over email. There is also a demo available.  

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My Rawa is the first stage of a wider digital programme for teachers, according to the TCA press release. The programme aims to “enhance the experience” for teachers.  

Clive Jones, Deputy Chief Executive of the TCA says “Teachers deserve digital tools that reflect the professionalism of their role. My Rawa provides a trusted, secure environment where teachers can engage with us confidently. It signals our commitment to providing a digital experience that honours their expertise and the responsibility they carry every day.”  

Jones says clarity and accessibility was front of mind for the redesigned platform.  

“My Rawa helps ensure that no matter where teachers are across the motu, they have the same high-quality, reliable access to the Council’s services. It’s about removing barriers and supporting every teacher to engage with us smoothly.” 

Jones describes the platform as a “partnership with the profession” and says the platform was shaped by teachers, for teachers.  

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“We understand how busy teachers are and that no one wants to waste time trying to find information on a website or spend time on hold waiting for someone to answer their call. Our new website and My Rawa are about continuing to improve the experience teachers have when dealing with the Teaching Council as easy as possible – surfacing the right information at the right time and making it as relevant and helpful as possible to each teacher in their own education setting.” 

The launch comes at a troubled time for the TCA, with plans for the governing board to be reconstituted with a Ministry-appointed majority. The TCA’s CEO Lesley Hoskin is also currently on agreed leave while an investigation occurs into a potential conflict of interest over a TCA ad campaign. The TCA allegedly spent up to $800,000 on an advertising agency linked to the CEO’s husband. 

“With multiple investigations underway into the Teaching Council, we’re responding urgently by reconstituting the board so we can ensure good governance and better ensure the Council acts in the sector’s best interests,” said Minister for Education, Erica Stanford. 

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The move to overtake the TCA council has been widely opposed by the education sector, who argue that the move will undermine teachers’ autonomy and the wider profession.