Secondary schools could next year be asked to employ teachers who have only six weeks training.
A trust is working with the University of Auckland to set up a domestic version of an international scheme which it says will attract top graduates to teaching.
The Teach First New Zealand scheme would employ and pay graduates in a specified school or centre in a temporary capacity.
The Secondary Principals Association is enthusiastic about the scheme, but the Post Primary Teachers Association and some deans of education say the initial training seems too short.
However, Teach First New Zealand says its students will get a further two years education while they are working.
It says the scheme will attract graduates who would not otherwise consider teaching.
Radio New Zealand's education correspondent says the plan is to start with just 20 students employed at 10 schools next year.
