Many schools have experienced workforce pressures as a result of staff returning positive COVID test results, and VIT acknowledges that this is continuing into 2023. 

The VIT is again supporting the Victorian government’s initiative to supply a pool of registered teachers for schools to access in order to cover workforce shortages due to COVID-19 illness or isolation requirements. Pre-service teachers in their final year of study at an accredited Victorian initial teacher education (ITE) program will be eligible to apply for permission to teach (COVID-19 pre-service teacher workforce shortage relief) [PTT (COVID-19)].

This temporary grant of PTT will enable final year students to fill short-term vacancies in Victorian government and Catholic sector schools due to teacher absences caused by COVID-19 illness or isolation requirements. This grant will be available for the 2023 school year only.

PTT holders cannot teach outside of the subject(s) listed on their grant, and therefore PTT cannot be used to undertake casual relief teaching.

PTT (COVID-19) applicants are required to meet VIT’s rigorous suitability requirements and complete the Victorian government’s Mandatory Reporting training. 

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate they have appropriate content knowledge of the subject area/s they will be teaching, including providing academic transcripts that clearly show teaching method areas. Additionally, those teaching in special school settings will be required to demonstrate professional and academic experience relevant to the role. 

How can pre-service teachers apply for PTT (COVID-19)?

Interested pre-service teachers in their final year of study at an accredited Victorian ITE program should set up a MyVIT account and then make an application for PTT (COVID-19).

You can read more about the application process here.

Once your application has been assessed and approved, you will need to register your interest in joining the pool of registered teachers for Victorian government and/or Catholic sector schools.

To join the Victorian government’s pool of registered teachers, follow the Department of Education (DE) instructions to Apply for Support Your School initiative roles. All questions must be directed to the DE Schools Recruitment Unit at schools.recruitment@education.vic.gov.au or on 1800 641 943 (select option 2).

To join the Catholic education sector pool of registered teachers, register your interest via the Victorian Catholic schools webform. All questions must be directed to Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) at permissiontoteach@macs.vic.edu.au. 

All enquiries regarding eligibility and employment in schools must be directed to DE Schools Recruitment Unit or MACS.

How long will the process take?

Applications can take between 4-6 weeks to assess once all documentation has been submitted. In many cases, applications may be assessed more quickly. You can read more about the assessment process here.

The VIT recognises the urgency in creating a pool of registered teachers and will prioritise the assessment of PTT (COVID-19) applications.

The VIT is required to undertake a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) on behalf of the applicant. This can take time to be returned to VIT, at which time, the application will be assessed for suitability to teach. Assessment of suitability to teach includes consideration of criminal history, professional history, impairments, reportable conduct, and Working with Children (WWC) exclusions and interim exclusions (previously known as negative and interim negative notice) from Working with Children Check Victoria (WWCCV).

How can schools access the pool of registered teachers?

Victorian government schools can access the pool of registered teachers via the DE's Recruitment online – recruiter help webpage. Catholic sector schools should contact MACS at permissiontoteach@macs.vic.edu.au. 

Can schools apply for PTT to cover for COVID-19 related vacancies?

Schools do not need to initiate a grant of PTT (COVID-19).

Pre-service teachers in their final year of study at an accredited Victorian initial teacher education (ITE) program can apply directly through their MyVIT account.

Schools with COVID-19 related vacancies should access the pool of PTT (COVID-19) holders through DE or their relevant Catholic Diocese. 

The DE website contains recruitment guidelines for Victorian government schools.

Catholic sector schools may seek further information from MACS at permissiontoteach@macs.vic.edu.au.

For more information regarding PTT, and what categories might be available, please read our PTT factsheet for schools.

How should schools support PTT (COVID-19) holders?

Because PTT holders are not (yet) qualified teachers, it is expected that schools provide them with additional supervision, support and coaching.

Read more about what support is available, including free classroom readiness workshops.