Glossary

The VIT has the power to impose any conditions, restrictions or limitations on a teacher’s registration if it deems appropriate to do so. This can be done at any time, including when making a decision on an application for registration, or while the teacher is registered with VIT.
The VIT may use the information and documentation gathered during an investigation to make an informed decision about a pending application for registration. The decisions may

1. Grant registration. The VIT may decide the conduct or impairment does not impact on the person’s suitability to teach, and may determine to grant the application for registration or renewal of registration.
2. Refuse registration. The VIT may refuse an application for registration, or renewal of registration.
3. Impose conditions on registration. The VIT may decide to grant the application for registration / renewal of registration, but to impose a condition, limitation or restriction on the registration of the teacher.

In the outcome of an application for registration or investigation the VIT may decide to

• refer the teacher to an informal hearing. The informal hearing panel can make findings about whether or not the teacher has by act or omission engaged in misconduct.
• refer the teacher to a medical panel hearing. The medical panel hearing can make findings about whether or not the ability of the teacher to practise as a teacher is seriously detrimentally affected or likely to be seriously detrimentally affected because of an impairment.

In order to assist it to make a decision, the medical panel may direct the teacher to undergo a health assessment.

• refer the teacher to a formal hearing. The formal hearing panel may make findings about whether or not
  • the teacher has, whether by act or omission, engaged in misconduct or serious misconduct
  • the teacher has, whether by act or omission, been seriously incompetent
  • the teacher is, whether by act or omission, not fit to teach, or
  • the registration of the teacher has been obtained by fraud or misrepresentation or concealment of facts.

There are 37 descriptors within the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST), and all of them must be evidenced as part of the process of moving to full registration.

To demonstrate that they have met the proficient teacher level of the APST, provisionally registered teachers will use the Inquiry process. This process will require gathering evidence against all 37 descriptors and other requirements of the Inquiry, including complying with requirements for child safety and wellbeing.

Once granted full registration, teachers undergo an annual renewal cycle that confirms they are maintaining the standards at the proficient teacher level and are still suitable to be a teacher.

A persons registration in Australia or overseas may have been cancelled or suspended for disciplinary reasons such as a finding of misconduct or serious incompetence.

Also see health reasons.

Domain is a term used to categorise the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST). There are three domains

 1. Professional knowledge
 2. Professional practice
 3. Professional engagement

Teachers are required to address at least one standard in each domain through the PD they undertake each year.

Dual registration is when someone holds both teacher and ECT registration. This means they can teach in both primary / secondary schools and early childhood services.

Teachers wishing to apply for dual registration – i.e. both teacher and ECT registration – they should select the ‘Teacher and early childhood registration’ option when applying.

The teacher / early childhood teacher

• delivers an approved curriculum
• individually assesses learning against the approved curriculum
• plans for learning against the approved curriculum
• provides feedback on learning to learners (both formally and informally)
• reports this progress (informally and formally) to parents / carers
• demonstrates clear understanding of the legal obligations pertaining to registered teachers and strategies to ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment
• is able to demonstrate all 37 descriptors of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) at the proficient standard.