Over 300 experienced teachers have returned to Victorian education through VIT's new return to full registration process, bringing valuable skills and knowledge back to the profession and helping address workforce shortages across the state.

Since the experienced returning registration category was introduced in December 2025, 335 teachers, including 21 early childhood teachers, have returned after time away from the profession. More than a third had been out of the classroom for 10 to 15 years.

For many, returning to teaching is about more than a career change. It's about reconnecting with a profession they love and making a difference in the lives of children and young people.

Physical Education teacher Jackie Mardini felt returning to the classroom meant rediscovering a sense of purpose she had missed for more than 15 years.

After leaving teaching to start a family, Jackie built a successful fitness and personal training business and became a basketball coach. While she enjoyed the new challenges, something was missing.

"I missed the connection with students. I missed being an influence on their lives," Jackie said.

Through the return to full registration process, Jackie’s return to teaching was a simple process, in what she describes as her dream role as a PE teacher at Reservoir East Primary School.

"I love it. I always wanted to be a teacher from a very young age, and I always thought I'd get back into it. I just didn't realise it'd take 15 years to get back," she said.

Experience that strengthens learning

Experienced returning registered teachers (ERRTs) bring a wealth of knowledge, professional expertise and life experience to Victorian schools and early childhood services.

Many have developed skills through leadership roles, teaching internationally, community involvement, caring responsibilities or careers outside education. These experiences can enrich student learning and strengthen education communities.

For Jackie, her connections extend beyond the classroom. As head coach of the Fitzroy Stars women's football team, she works closely with families from her school community.

"I coach their mums and aunties, which is awesome," she said.

Her story reflects the contribution experienced returning teachers make, bringing both professional expertise and strong community connections to their work.

Making it easier to return

For eligible former teachers, our new experienced returning registration category is about more than getting back into teaching.

It provides a streamlined pathway to return to full registration, recognising previous qualifications, experience and professional achievements while maintaining professional standards and meeting current community expectations.

Andrew Delbridge, a school teacher and chaplain at Keilor East Primary School, said the pathway was designed in a way that recognised the experience returning teachers bring to the profession.

“The returning to full registration pathway has been a positive and constructive one. As a teacher who has been away from teaching for a number of years, the requisite work was practical and engaging. It was well focused and directed clearly towards those of us who had previous experience. In this, it facilitated reflection for me and a building upon what I knew and what I needed to know of the current teaching practices.”

The pathway is helping experienced teachers return to the profession with confidence, while building on the knowledge and expertise they have gained throughout their careers.

VIT CEO Martin Fletcher said the pathway is helping bring experienced teachers back to Victorian learners.

"The experienced returning teacher pathway is encouraging some of the most passionate and dedicated teachers back to the profession," he said.

For Jackie, returning has reaffirmed why she became a teacher in the first place. She hopes other former teachers considering a return will take the leap like she has.

"If there's still a desire to make an impact on this next generation, then it's a no-brainer," she said.

Considering returning to teaching?

If you’ve previously held full registration and are currently provisionally registered or thinking about returning to the profession, our new experienced returning registration category may provide a simple way to becoming fully registered again and back doing the job you love the most.

Find out more