New Zealand teachers are some of the most professional in the world, according to an OECD study.
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The Teaching and Learning International Study ranked New Zealand teachers fourth out of 35 countries, behind Russia, Estonia and Singapore.
Unlike many other countries, the report found no drop in teacher professionalism in schools located in more disadvantaged areas.
Education Minister Hekia Parata said the study was very encouraging and showed kids had access to great teachers, no matter what their background.
The study looked at more than 2800 teachers and principals in New Zealand across primary, intermediate and secondary schools.
Recommendations included giving teachers more support for research and providing greater networking opportunities.
Educational Institute president Louise Green said there could be a perception that teachers at low-decile schools were not as good.
"That's absolutely a fallacy. It's absolutely wrong. The issues in low decile schools are that there are a whole of other factors that impact on children's ability to learn.
"Those are the factors that often are outside school and those are the factors that need to be addressed."