6/4/2020: Please note that with the changing nature of the current COVID-19 situation, some of what is communicated in this blog may only be relevant during the time it was stated.

 

Victoria

Victorian Institute of Teaching

Call this number for queries: (03) 8601 6209

https://www.vit.vic.edu.au/news/news/2020/vit-bulletin-response-to-covid-19

VIT are working closely with the state government assessing how Covid – 19 will impact schools and early childhood centres. The VIT are looking into offering a deferral in renewal registrations, but this is yet to be confirmed.

FAQ from the VIT website:

I need to submit supporting documents. How do I do this?

Teachers can still submit supporting documents through vit@vit.vic.edu.au.

What happens if I can’t get a document certified and/or translated? 

VIT is required to assess that applicants are qualified and suitable to teach. The registration assessment process is a critical regulatory function. If documents cannot be certified, VIT will manage this case-by-case basis.

VIT uses the term professional development (PD) in reference to teacher registration and the renewal process and recognises that it can also be referred to as professional learning PL. Professional learning is an ongoing process supported by planned learning activities and programs designed to enhance professional knowledge, practice and engagement.

 

Working With Children Check Victoria

Online applications are still operating, but at a limited capacity; transactions are still operating but at a slower rate of processing. Paper-based applications are not available.

Phone line currently closed, instead, Email inquiry forms submitted here online enquiry form (External link).

 

Department of Health and Victoria COVID–19

Updates https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

 

New South Wales

NSW Education Standards Authority

Call this number for queries: 1300 739 338

Information obtained from the NESA website, updated 31st March 2020. All up to date information can be found through this link. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/about/news/novel-coronavirus

NESA has taken into consideration changing the deadlines for accreditation measures. Teachers do not need contact NESA to apply for or confirm an extension. NESA will be in touch when we return to business as usual situation.

Extension of deadlines available for:

  • Proficient Teacher applications
  • maintenance periods
  • overdue fees.

NESA understands that for some, professional development (PD) is not a priority at the moment. For others looking for online courses, NESA is fast-tracking approval of requests from endorsed providers to deliver Registered PD online.

Working With Children Check clearances:

  • Teachers still need a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) clearance to work in an NSW school or early childhood service.
  • All WWCC clearances due to expire from 26 March – 26 September 2020 have been extended by the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian for a further six months.
  • The six-month extension applies from the date of the teacher’s current expiry date.
  • New teachers who need a WWCC clearance or teachers whose WWCC clearance expired before 26 March 2020 will need to go through the application process. This includes attending a Service NSW Centre to verify your identity.

Provisional/conditional accreditation: There is no change to the requirement for teachers to be accredited to work in an NSW school or early childhood service.

 

Queensland

Queensland College of Teachers

Call this number for queries (07) 3377 4777 

Phone line open between 12:30 and 4:40 PM QLD time enquiries@qct.edu.au

Updates related to Covid 19 and changes to  the operations of the QCT will become available through this link: https://www.qct.edu.au/news#covid19

  • Student Free Days have been declared from the 30th March to the 3rd April 2020
  • Staff of state schools and community kindergartens will begin their Term 1 break on Monday, 6 April. Schools will reopen to students and staff on Monday, 20 April 2020 unless health authorities advise otherwise.

Schools & EC Centre Closure Updates : https://closures.det.qld.gov.au/

  • EC Centres: As at 26 March 2020, most early childhood services and outside school hours care services are open. A small number of services have temporarily closed at their discretion or at the request of Queensland Health.

 

Western Australia

Teacher Registration Board of WA

TRBWA Reception is closed, but call (08) 9223 9100, country callers 1300 652 911 for queries. Email info@trb.wa.gov.au

  • all up to date information accessed here https://www.trb.wa.gov.au/
  • The Annual Fee due date has been extended until 31 May 2020, and Registration expiry automatically extended by 6 months. Full payment of the $90.50 fee is now due by 31 May 2020.
  • All teachers currently on the Register of Teachers will receive a six-month extension on their registration – no action is required by teachers to receive this extension. This is separate from the Annual Fee, which is now due 31 May 2020 and must be paid to maintain your registration.
  • These services and payment of fees can be accessed through Teacher Login. 

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