Before I introduce myself, I would like to acknowledge and thank all teachers for their work and personal commitment to providing teaching services over the past few months. It has certainly been an interesting and challenging time!

Regardless, the Board continued to provide all services to our teachers despite our foyer being closed to the public on the advice of health officials. However, thanks to the positive health outcomes currently enjoyed by South Australians the foyer was re-opened last Monday 15 June and will be open between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.

My tenure as Registrar of the TRB commenced at the beginning of March and the past three months have been busy as I connect with our stakeholders and settle into the role. We are focussed on working with our stakeholders to shape a modern regulatory space based on national educational standards that best serve the needs of South Australian teachers.  

This is an interesting time for the South Australian education sector as the Teachers Registration and Standards Act 2004 (the Act) under which the TRB operates is undergoing amendment and which proposal is currently before the South Australian Parliament after a year of consultation. Upon passing the Parliament, I look forward to sharing with you how the amendments will address important matters for teachers, the community, and the wider education sector.

Some of the proposals include introducing a five-year teacher registration term with the option of paying fees annually as well as measures that will strengthen protections for children. The Act is an important piece of legislation as it safeguards the teacher registration system by ensuring that professional standards are maintained and confirming members are competent educators, and fit and proper person to have the care of children.

We will keep you up-to-date on all aspects of these changes and provide you with comprehensive details on how these may affect South Australian teachers as soon as we can.

In the meantime, as this term draws to a close I hope you enjoy your upcoming break. 

Leonie Paulson

Registrar          

Teachers Registration Board