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A nationally consistent approach to teacher registration
Australia now has a nationally consistent approach to teacher registration which was endorsed by all Minsters for Education on 14 October 2011, based on extensive input from stakeholders including teacher regulatory authorities, teacher employers and unions. The approach is informed by effective features of registration systems currently operating in all jurisdictions.
The nationally consistent approach includes a set of elements that will be common to the registration processes and requirements of each state and territory within Australia, and will be progressively implemented by individual jurisdictions. The elements include:
Teachers will continue to undertake their registration processes with their state or territory based teacher regulatory authority, a list of which is provided in the useful links. The teacher regulatory authority in your state or territory should be the first point of contact for any inquires. It is important to note that NO changes have been automatically effected to the current registration requirements or processes within jurisdictions, and that the teacher regulatory authorities will carefully consider the steps to be taken to bring about greater national consistency requirements within their jurisdiction and to communicate these to teachers.
The next stage of the process will involve AITSL supporting the teacher regulatory authorities in each state and territory to implement the changes required by the nationally consistent approach.
The historic decision by Minsters to endorse a nationally consistent approach to teacher registration will benefit Australia by:
- improving the mobility of teachers throughout the nation
- requiring the same standards and consistent processes to achieve full registration, a very important milestone in a teacher’s career
- ensuring that registration is part of a wider framework for teachers’ career progression and professional learning guided by the National Professional Standards for Teachers.
The nationally consistent approach to teacher registration supports the Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians and the National Partnership on Improving Teacher Quality.
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Latest news
AITSL Media Release - Nationally consistent teacher registration 62 kb pdf file
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Useful links
State and territory teacher regulatory authorities:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is AITSL now Australia’s teacher regulatory authority?
No, each state and territory has their own teacher regulatory authority. The state or territory teacher regulatory authority should be contacted for all registration inquiries. A list of these can be found under our useful links.
Q2: I am currently studying to become a teacher. What does this mean for me?
Each jurisdiction is developing transition arrangements for the implementation of the nationally consistent approach and your state or territory teacher regulatory authority should be contacted regarding the details.
Q3: I am a registered teacher, what does this mean for me?
There will be no immediate implications for you. However, you may notice some changes when you renew your registration. Your state or territory teacher regulatory authority should be contacted regarding the details.
Q4: What do I do if I have further questions?
Please contact the teacher regulatory authority in your state or territory. A list of these can be found under our useful links.
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