Published 08 Sep 2021
Moving to full registration during COVID-19
We recognise that the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) will affect teachers and early childhood teachers in different ways. During COVID-19, the inquiry process will remain unchanged, as it reflects good teaching practice and its principles are still applicable in an online teaching environment. The nature of the teaching (delivered online or via another distance education method), evidence gathering process, and process of presenting to a workplace panel may vary dependent on a teacher’s circumstances.
Data that was previously needed to describe the learning environment, learners and the teaching and learning occurring is still valid and important, but may need to be described in light of a new context (online or remote learning). Unless it is explicitly stated, there is no change to the formal requirements for the inquiry, even if they are completed or evidenced differently.
See a rundown of the 5 stages of the inquiry process during COVID-19 below.
General information
- PRTs unable to complete the requirements of the Inquiry before their expiry date due to the current circumstances of COVID-19 should submit an application for a new period of provisional registration 3 months prior to the date of their current provisional expiry.
- teachers should be mindful that the inquiry is only a reflection of the teaching they are doing and not everything will be successful - as circumstances change, it is normal that some things won’t work as planned, and these moments should be reflected on as part of a teacher's practice
- CRTs or teachers in non-traditional settings (museum, zoo, hospital) may need to consider postponing their inquiry, and should contact VIT if they worried about their registration
- the workplace recommendation panel will retain the same structure (even though it will operate remotely) - any variations will need approval from VIT
- VIT has templates and checklists available that will assist PRTs gathering and recording information for their inquiry - using these resources is not mandatory but is a good way to ensure no parts of the inquiry are missed.
Observation of practice during COVID-19
Observation of teacher practice is a key component of the inquiry process and must be completed in order to demonstrate all 37 descriptors of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) at the proficient level.
VIT understands that teaching in a virtual environment may offer some unique challenges, particularly in demonstrating explicit practice.
The inquiry process can be completed during this time of virtual learning. This new environment is a valid teaching context and so days of teaching virtually are counted in the number of teaching days (80) prior to application for full registration.
Teachers will need to work with mentors and workplaces to decide whether their current circumstances will allow them to thoroughly demonstrate proficiency in all 37 descriptors of the APST.
Live online delivery
Live online lessons will generally not be any impediment to teachers demonstrating their proficiency referencing the standards. In this case, mentors should discuss the observation and its link with the Inquiry with the Provisionally Registered Teacher (PRT) and decide upon the focus. The mentor will require access to the session and will take note of any feedback for the PRT during a debrief session after the class at a time that is mutually convenient.
PRT’s will need to be careful to collect their work samples from their focus learners and keep records of observations and discussions.
Multi modal delivery
In some cases, workplaces may deliver the curriculum via a mixture of online contact and pre recordings of explicit teaching. Again in this case the mentor and the workplace must discuss whether this delivery will allow the PRT to demonstrate proficiency against all of the descriptors of the APST.
Additional evidence can be used to demonstrate proficiency outside of the Inquiry as per the template titled: Evidence of professional practice for full registration.