If your only teaching qualification is a three year Diploma of Teaching and you are contemplating applying for employment in NSW for the first time or returning to teaching in NSW after a break of more than five years, please note the following:
Whilst a three year Diploma of Teaching (Primary) or Diploma of Teaching(Secondary) qualification has been previously acceptable to NSW teacher employers, the Institute of Teachers Act 2004 establishes a bachelor degree as the minimum qualification for employment and accreditation. As well, in relation to the approval of NSW initial teacher education programs the Minister has confirmed a minimum four year standard, that being a four year teaching degree or a three year bachelor degree and at least a one year initial teacher education qualification.
The NSW Institute of Teachers advises that new employment applicants and teachers returning to teaching after a break of more than five years (referred to as new scheme teachers) who have only a three year Diploma of Teaching will continue to be eligible for employment and provisional accreditation to teach in NSW only up until 31 December 2010.
The Institute advises that from 1 January 2011, new employment applicants and returning new scheme teachers who possess only a three year Diploma of Teaching will be required to complete additional teacher education studies leading to the award of a Bachelor of Education, or equivalent, to be eligible for employment and provisional accreditation.
Where these applicants are provided with three years of advanced standing in a four year Bachelor of Education, they may be eligible for employment and conditional accreditation and commence teaching on the basis that they are upgrading their qualification to the required Bachelor of Education or equivalent. Note that not all NSW teacher employers employ conditionally accredited teachers.