Mazza12

Thanks for sharing this info Swerv-0. Yes the system seems to be very inflexible. Very disappointing that experience of teaching in the UK seems to count for nothing!
At the time was it eligibility to teach Secondary Science that you were seeking? How easy was the transition from teaching to another field? Hope you don't mind all the questions!

bezzanbob

What you might wish to think about is transcript of your course especially if your degree wasn't modular.

What they are looking for is a breadth of study and this is often implicit in UK courses but not obvious if you live on the other side of the world. Have you thought about contacting the Registry at your Uni as this was my route given my degree was a few years ago!

Also consider registration with any of the Teaching Councils in either Aus or NZ as they all have reciprocal arrangements!

Bezza

micged

I know that when I was applying they were really interested in my Uni transcripts (which as they were all in code form meant absolutely nothing). However I also got a lecturer from my old uni to write me a letter saying that as part of my degree I studied x,y and z and that although they didn't have computerised records of it however I would have studied .........(I completed my degree in 93). It seemed to satisfy them.

Mazza12

Thanks Bezza.
Yes I will contact my University. I graduated in 1990 so don't think I can get transcripts but should be able to get some evidence of the subjects that I studied for the degree to illustrate the breadth of study.

Mazza12

Thanks for this info micged! Like you, I won't be able to get computerised records but will hopefully be able to get someone to vouch for the subjects studied towards my undergraduate degree. Having done some research I am hopeful that the range of subjects will be broad enough to satisfy the requirements.

bezzanbob

Mazza,

So that you know for my assessment I provided statements from the registry at the University of Wales and certfied copies of the prospectus in which the course outline was contained. The covering letter was clear but the contact at the university was contacted so it really does need a name and number who are ready and willing to help. Finding that person can be the hardest step.

Just about to do the same for the better half ...

Bezza

Mazza12

Thanks again Bezza. I was hoping that I could get someone at the University to write a statement on headed notepaper outlining the degree subjects studied and confirming that transcripts are not available. It's really useful to know that the University may actually be contacted so I will have to put a bit more effort into finding the appropriate contact person.
Good luck with the assessment for your better half!
Cheers
Mairi

jinky

We've since come across other people affected by this. If you don't "qualify" then you can't teach in private schools either even though the DET initially told us that you could.

Registering in another state doesn't help either as you have to reregister in NSW

Its possible to get a working visa to come to Australia to teach and then not be allowed to work!

bezzanbob

There will be a fair few teachers in the UK who do not meet the criteria set down in the various states of Australia.

This isn't a case of Australia being right or wrong but it is just different Down Under and as migrants we have to accept that to some extent.

It is obviously tough on people who are clearly capable and experienced in their profession but in the UK for instance people who have never taught before are able to enter a school and teach - this proabably seems as stupid to the Australian authrorities as denying the ability to teach immediately you enter Oz does to those affected on this board.

Perhaps I got the wrong end of the stick as I'm not looking for a state school job - I think from memory 35% of Australian schools are private BTW - but you need to register with the Teaching Council in each state and they do have reciprocal arrangements. Not at all clear what impact this might have in your situation but hopefully it could help.

In awarding the visa there is of course no job guarantee. Yes this does seem crazy although of course with a bit of re-training - however mad that seems - you would be able to teach.

Bezza

Cate502

Hi,

I've encountered the same problem. On a Working Holiday Visa it is not difficult to get approval for casual teaching although there isn't that much work around unless you're willing to go out to Western Sydney or more regional areas.

I'm now on a de facto visa and have to do 2 units extra study in another subject at 1st year undregraduate level before I can teach full time. However I can do some more casual teaching after completing a an 8 day pre-employment program. You can approch Catholic or Independent Schools but when I did casual teaching in these they asked to see my approval from the Department of Education so think most would want the same requirements. Don't think there is anyway round it apart from doing the extra study (if it's a unit you're interested in isn't necessarily that bad - just the expense!) or else moving to another state where the requirements are different!

ollydt

Hi everyone, my wife and I both have 3 year undergrad degree plus secondary PGCE and are applying to Victorian Institute of Teaching. Has anyone encountered the problems outlined above in Victoria? Hope not otherwise I'm going to be skint!

Olly

smithyrocks

My degree was English and Film (three years) and my PGCE was secondary English. Is there a way of finding out if this would allow me to teach before I go through the process of applying for my visa? Also, can you complete the additional modules (if required) in the UK and does anybody have any idea how long they take?

peche

I wish I had seen this thread 6 months ago! I have just received a 'Provisional Accreditation' to teach in NSW from the NSW Institute of Teachers, which outlines that I have to complete '2 units of degree level study from another primary key learning area other than English and human society and its environment' before I can apply for a permanent teaching job here.

I completed my 3 year undergraduate degree in Political Science in 1996 and completed a PGCE Primary 3 years ago. I have just moved to Sydney having been teaching in London for 3 years and thought that the accreditation to teach would be straight forward.

I am now being told that I have to go back to universty to complete 2 undergraduate modules and was told on the phone that the NSW Institute 'are not interested in looking at teaching degrees or teaching experience, just undergraduate degrees'. This was the last thing I was expecting and it doesn't make any sense to me! Why is the content of a degree I completed 15 years ago more important than the content of my PGCE and my recent teaching experience?

I was also confused when asked for the 'transcripts' of my degree and now I wish I had elaborated more on what I did. Howerver, there is no information to say what they are looking for when they assess eligibility to teach and what kind of modules, as part of a degree, would fuflill their criteria.

There must be loads of Brits who have moved here and been stuck in the same situation. I'd appreciate some advice as I can't afford to go back to Uni and I don't want to either. I need to be working and want to work in the job I am trained in, teaching. There was no information on the NSW Institute of Teachers website or the NSW Education website to indicate that this might happen. Having spoken to them, they just seem so inflexible and I am at a loss a to what to do.

I feel really stupid that I didn't know about this before emigrating with my wife to Australia. I gave up a great teaching job to move here and the only option may be to go back to England to find a permanent job if I can't work here.

coolerkingcooler

You make some good points. I know of someone in a similar position, and the issue is that people who do do not come as a main applicant so they do not have to go through Teaching Australia (changed it's name again?).

I don't know what you can do other than appeal, go back to Uni for a bit (if possible) or maybe try registering with another state and then getting it transferred.

Best of luck,
Cooler

Gems

NSW seams to have different rules to some of the other states.

Other states have agreements between them for swapping registration to another state. However NSW is not in this agreement.

Teachers on here have not had the same problem with Victoria and WA. Most got registered fine.

Hubby did a Degree and PGCE in Primary and had no problems registering in WA.

Rather than go home, Id try another state probably Vic or WA. They seam a bit more accepting of overseas qualifications.

Gems