The NSW Institute of Teachers is responsible for assessing all initial teacher education programs offered by NSW teacher education institutions in terms of the Professional Teaching Standards and recommending the Ministerial approval of these programs. The Institute has developed, in collaboration with all NSW teacher education institutions, an agreed schedule whereby all existing programs have transitional approval prior to an assessment by the Institute in terms of the programs meeting the Institute’s Professional Teaching Standards.
The Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) programs at the Australian Catholic University, Macquarie University, the University of Newcastle and the University of Wollongong have transitional approval. Students currently enrolled full time in the above Graduate Diploma in Education (Primary) programs will be eligible for provisional accreditation to teach in NSW schools when they graduate. Students enrolled part time need to complete in a set timeframe.
All teacher education institutions will be reviewing their programs to ensure they meet the Professional Teaching Standards. The above graduate diploma in primary education programs are currently being reviewed by the respective university and are due to be assessed by the NSW Institute of Teachers during 2008.