From the Registrar
Welcome to the final edition of Registration Buzz for 2023.
The 2023 year was one of progress, development and forward focus for the Board. We had clear priorities that included the continued development of a proposed Code of Conduct for the teaching profession, improvements to registration processes and continued implementation of risk-based evaluation of teacher conduct in respect of child safety.
Over the past 12 months we have worked closely with state co-regulators and our fellow Teacher Regulatory Authorities in other states and territories to enhance child safety commitments.
Measures included the review of information-sharing requirements between TRAs to ensure cross-border teacher movement is enabled, (with child well-being central to decision-making), and the adoption of consistent practices for re-applying teachers.
Reducing regulatory burden for SA-based applying teachers has also been a key focus. Measures included a stream-lined process for those seeking alternative recognition of their English Language Proficiency and reduction of instances where there is a need for dual production of documents to both employers and the TRB SA.
As you may know, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia which was held on November 16, 1973. The Board marked this milestone event with a celebration at the Victoria Park Social Club where teachers, past and present, came together to remember successes and reflect on the many significant changes over this time.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary, two new annual awards were introduced that recognise the important work of teachers in our state.
The Teachers Registration Board Service Award recognises a teacher with 20 or more years of service to the teaching profession. Teachers are able to self-nominate or be nominated by another registered teachers who is currently working with the nominee or has done so in the five years prior to nomination. You can read about the winner of the 2023 award under the heading ‘50th Anniversary Event’ in this newsletter.
The second award, the Minister’s Graduate Achievement Prize recognises a pre-service teacher (PST) who has recently graduated, or is about to graduate, from a South Australian Initial Teacher Education program, and who has overcome a hurdle during their study. This could include a personal, academic, financial, or health issue that may have otherwise been a barrier to their success. The 2023 winner of this award is also listed under the heading ‘50th Anniversary Event’.
Finally, the Teachers Registration Board welcomed three new Board members and two new deputy board members who are continuing the exemplary work of past members.
We are also pleased to congratulate the new board appointments for Presiding and Deputy Presiding Member.
Carolyn Grantskalns will undertake the role of TRBSA Presiding Member and Susan Boucher has been appointed as Deputy Presiding Member - with both Carolyn and Susan serving through to 30 June 2024.
We look forward to continuing to work with them in their new roles and thank Dr Jane Lomax-Smith for her significant contribution as outgoing Presiding Member to the teaching profession across South Australia because of her enthusiasm, dedication, and stewardship.
Finally, over the holiday period, the TRB office will be closed between Christmas and New Year, from the 27th of December until Tuesday the 2nd of January 2024. 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 2023, we wish you all a safe and happy holiday period and an enjoyable start to the new year in 2024.
Leonie Paulson, Registrar