… Teacher registration in Queensland…

Information for preservice teachers from Queensland universities

What is the Queensland College of Teachers?

• Independent Statutory Authority (est. 2006)– Board of Teacher Education (est. 1971)– Board of Teacher Registration (est. 1989)

• QCT comprises – the Board of the College– The Office of the College

Why a regulatory body for teaching?

• Recognises the significant role of teaching as a profession

• Teachers occupy positions of trust and responsibility - cf. other professions requiring registration - medicine, law, nursing…

• Upholds high standards of preparation, conduct & practice that characterise teaching

• Provides independent, representative, professional voice for teachers

• Promotes and advocates for the teaching profession

Who are the Board members?

17 members• Chair (Ministerial appointment)

• Nominees of employers of teachers

• Nominees of teacher unions

• Registered teachers (3 elected, 3 nominated by employers)

• Teacher educator

• Parent nominees

• Community representative (ministerial appointment)

What is the Office of the College?

• The office’s function is to help the college in the performance of its functions.

• The office consists of the director and staff of the office.– Professional Standards Unit– Professional Conduct Unit– Corporate Services Unit

• 35 staff members

• Level 10, 39 Sherwood Rd, Toowong

What does the College do?

• Registers teachers

• Sets professional standards

• Approves teacher education courses

• Conducts research relating to its functions

• Receives and investigates complaints

• Conducts inquiries into misconduct

• Promotes the profession

• Provides advice and support

Who must be registered?

Teachers in ALL Queensland (government and non-government)

• Primary schools

• Secondary schools

• Special schools

+ Teacher educators supervising in schools

How do I apply for registration?• Obtain the APPLICATION GUIDE and APPLICATION

FORM, either from the website or by contacting the College.

• Read the Guide carefully and ensure ALL required documentation is provided.

Don’t leave it until the last minute!

• Mid-year grads: apply March – June

• End-of-year grads: apply Aug - Nov

What do I have to send with my application?

• Completed application for registration

• Evidence of qualifications (other than your pre-service program)

• Two ‘proof of identity’ documents

• Evidence of all name changes

• Fees as outlined in the Application Guide

ALL COPIES MUST BE CERTIFIED

What does it cost?

An applicant who applies within 2 years of completion of an initial teacher education program at a Qld institution, pays $118.10 which includes:

• Criminal history check fee: $23.10

• Registration Fee: $95.00

(Other new applicants also pay an additional non-refundable application fee of $74.00)

Will I have to declare my criminal history?

Yes ! !

(If you have lived overseas, you may need to supply additional information.)

What does my criminal history include?

Schedule 3 of the Act defines “charge” as ... a charge in any form including, eg. a charge on an arrest; – a notice to appear served under the Police Powers and

Responsibilities Act 2000, section 214; – a complaint under the Justices Act 1886;– a charge by a court under the Justices Act 1886, section

42(1A), or another provision of an Act; – an indictment.

“convicted” as: ... found guilty, or having a plea of guilty accepted in a court, whether or not a conviction was recorded.

What happens after I apply?

• The College checks that all documents are in order.

• The College conducts a criminal history check.

• The College holds your application until your institution provides evidence that you have completed your program.

How will I know I have been registered?

• You will receive an approval notice (letter)

then

• You will receive a Certificate of Registration and a Registration Card

• Your name will appear on the searchable register on the College’s website.

How do I move from provisional to full registration?

• You will need to provide a Principal’s Report, certifying that you have taught for a year (200 days) and met the professional standards for full registration

• A Principal’s Report form can be downloaded from the College’s website.

• It is your responsibility to ask your principal to complete the Principal’s Report form.

Is part-time teaching OK?

• Yes

• Supply, contract and part-time teaching are quite acceptable.

• When you have completed approximately 200 days of teaching, you should ask a principal to complete the Principal’s Report.

What can the principal recommend?

• That you be granted full registration

• That your period of provisional registration should be extended

• That your registration should be cancelled

Do I have to agree with what the principal says in the Report?

• No.

• The principal should show you the report and you should sign it to indicate that you have read it.

• If you disagree with the report, you can write a separate submission, including professional references if possible, clearly stating your case.

How long does registration last?

• Provisional registration is for a period of two years. (You can be granted one extension of two years.)

• Full registration is for a period that makes your TOTAL first period of registration up to five years.

• You must pay the Annual Fee to maintain your registration.

What happens at the end of five years?

• You must apply to have your registration renewed every five years.

• At renewal you must demonstrate that you :

– are still suitable to teach

– have taught for one year in the past five.

– have undertaken appropriate professional development.

And if I haven’t taught for a year in the past five?

• You do not need to show that you have undertaken professional development.

• Your registration will be renewed – with a Returning to Teaching condition.

• Before returning to teaching, or within one year, you must undertake a Returning to Teaching program.

Anything else I should know?

• You MUST pay your Annual Fee, each year.

• If your registration ‘lapses’, you will have to make full, fresh application.

• You MUST advise the College of ANY change in your criminal history.

• You MUST advise the College of any change to your employment circumstances, name, or address.

For further information . . .

• Website www.qct.edu.au

• Email enquiries@qct.edu.au

• Phone 3377 4777 1300 720 944 (toll free)

• Mail PO Box 389 Toowong Q 4066