… 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 • Phone • Mail [email protected]

3377 4777 1300 720 944 (toll free) PO Box 389 Toowong Q 4066