Amendments to SA Teachers Registration Bill sees ECTs represented for the first time

The South Australian Parliament passed the Teachers Registration and Standards (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2020 yesterday, modifying the Board’s size, expanding its functions and, for the first time, guaranteeing representation for early childhood teachers (ECTs) in addition to school teachers.

The Teachers Registration Board can now comprise of anywhere between 10 to 14 members, and the child safety measures of the Board have been enhanced through improved oversight of persons granted authority to teach to ensure that, as far as possible, they are subject to the same rigorous requirements as registered teachers.

In moves which benefit teachers, registration has become more flexible, with the term of registration extended from three years to five years, and teachers now able to choose to pay fees either upfront or annually.

Recording of a teacher’s status on the teaching register is now legislated, meaning that those who have progressed to ‘highly accomplished’ or ‘lead’ teachers are recognised appropriately.

The South Australian Education Minister, John Gardner, welcomed the passage of the Bill saying it “represents the most significant set of reforms to the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia since its commencement.” 

As well as streamlining the Board’s composition, and guaranteeing representation for ECTs, the Bill provides formal recognition of highly accomplished and lead teachers.

“This Bill has been the product of enormous and comprehensive consultation, and we have incorporated a wide range of feedback from many stakeholders” Mr Gardner said, congratulating Dr Jane Lomax-Smith and the Teachers Registration Board team “who worked so hard along with the Education Department, all of whom contributed to the consultation.”

Teachers Registration Board Chair, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith, said the Board was “delighted” with the passage of the comprehensively upgraded and modernised Bill.

To access the updated Bill, please see here.