From the Registrar
Welcome to the last edition of Registration Buzz for 2022.
The Teachers Registration Board had clear priorities for the 2022 year in its service to over 36,000 registered teachers in South Australia. These included the implementation of changes to the Teachers Registration and Standards Act, 2004 (the Act) and updated regulations (Teachers Registration and Standards Regulations 2021), development of a proposed Code of Conduct for the teaching profession, improvements to registration processes and the introduction of risk-based evaluation in respect of child safety.
I would like to acknowledge all registered teachers in SA and the profound impact they have on the lives of children and young people in our state. The difficulties associated with the Covid-19 pandemic only further demonstrated the commitment and dedication our teachers show to their profession. I extend that acknowledgement to Board staff who were able to adapt and ensure that teachers were provided with uninterrupted service in a safe and reliable manner, despite disruptions caused by Covid-19.
Since the introduction of changes to the Act, which came into effect from 1 July 2021, staff have undertaken a great deal of work to update systems and processes and to communicate with teachers and stakeholders the impact of the changes. This included presentations to employer bodies explaining the changes to registration and increased reporting obligations pertaining to allegations against teachers.
The registration process has been transformed, with new and existing teachers registering for a five-year period. Registration fees are now payable annually, and 51% of registering teachers have opted to pay for five years of annual fees up front.
In the 2022 the Board also saw significant growth in the number of interstate trained teachers coming to South Australia as well as an increased number of applications granted under Mutual Recognition. The Board also introduced a new Special Authority for an Unregistered Person to Teach for fourth year graduate teacher students, allowing them to be placed in sites to address teacher shortages arising from the pandemic.
The development of a draft Code of Conduct for teachers was another area of focus for the Board in its commitment to the teaching profession in South Australia. The draft Code of Conduct Discussion Paper is available on the Board website for feedback and aims to complement existing site or employer codes. It is hoped that such a Code will be useful and valued by all involved within the teaching profession.
Finally, the Teachers Registration Board welcomed eight new Board members who are continuing the exemplary work of past members.
Over the holiday period, the TRB office will be closed between Christmas and New Year, from the 26th of December to the 3rd of January 2023. Please be mindful of Covid rules if entering the building and do not attend the office if you have symptoms of Covid-19, have visited a hotspot, or are awaiting a test result.
As we now move toward the end of 2022, we wish you all a safe and happy holiday period and an enjoyable start to the new year in 2023.