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Annual Report 2013

© Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory 2013

For further information please contact:

The DirectorTeacher Registration Board of the Northern TerritoryGPO Box 1675DARWIN NT 0801

Telephone 08 8944 9388Facsimile 08 8999 4195Toll-free 1800 110 302Website www.trb.nt.gov.auEmail [email protected]

ISSN: 1833-0150

Published by the Northern Territory Governmentfor the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory 2013

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Annual Report 2012 - 2013

ContentsList of tables.............................................................................................................................4Legend used in tables..............................................................................................................4

CHAIRPERSONS REPORT....................................................................................................6THE TEACHER REGISTRATION BOARD..............................................................................8

Establishment of the Board..................................................................................................8Functions of the Board.........................................................................................................8

Membership of the Board.....................................................................................................9Meetings of the Board 2012–2013.....................................................................................10

Attendance register.........................................................................................................10The Board’s vision and values............................................................................................11

Committees of the Board....................................................................................................12Initial Teacher Education Committee..............................................................................12

Standards and Professional Learning Committee..........................................................12Professional Conduct Reference Committee..................................................................13

Employer Reference Committee.....................................................................................14OFFICE OF THE TEACHER REGISTRATION BOARD........................................................15

Overview.............................................................................................................................15Staff of the Teacher Registration Board..........................................................................16

Official travel.......................................................................................................................17ATRA Network meetings....................................................................................................17

Finances.............................................................................................................................17Information Management....................................................................................................18

Overview.........................................................................................................................18Type of information held.................................................................................................18

Register of teachers........................................................................................................18Records and archives management...............................................................................19

Information access and reporting....................................................................................19Information privacy..........................................................................................................19

REGISTRATIONS AND AUTHORISATIONS........................................................................20Annual audit and compliance..........................................................................................25

INITIAL TEACHER EDUCATION...........................................................................................26Approving initial teacher education programs.................................................................27

National accreditation of initial teacher education courses.............................................27STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING................................................................28

Provisional Registration..................................................................................................28Full Registration..............................................................................................................28

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Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.............................................................28COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES............................................................................................31

Inquiries and investigations.............................................................................................31Statistics..........................................................................................................................32

Sexual offences..............................................................................................................34Ensure that teachers and employers are aware of their statutory rights and responsibilities................................................................................................................34Inquiries..........................................................................................................................34

APPENDIX.............................................................................................................................35Acronyms and abbreviations..............................................................................................35

List of tablesTable 1 Applications for registration presented to Board by Schedule..................................21Table 2 Number of new teachers registered..........................................................................21Table 3 New teachers registered under Mutual Recognition.................................................22Table 4 Registered teachers by age......................................................................................22Table 5 Number of Registered Teachers by Schedule..........................................................23Table 6 Registered Teachers by Category............................................................................23Table 7 Registered Teachers by gender................................................................................24Table 8 Authorisations granted January 2012 - December 2012.........................................24 Table 9 Authorisations granted January 2013 - June 2013…………………………………….25

Legend used in tablesSchedule AFour years of tertiary education with at least one year of initial teacher education. Many applicants in this schedule have postgraduate qualifications beyond the required four years.Schedule BLess than four years of tertiary education but at least one year of initial teacher education. All applicants in this schedule were employed as teachers in the Northern Territory in 2005 and registered under a transition clause in the Act.Schedule RAt least three years of tertiary education, including at least one year of initial teacher education, and registration with an Australian or New Zealand registration authority. Applicants in this schedule applied for registration under the provisions of the Mutual Recognition arrangements.Schedule TApplication by a school to employ an unregistered person who does not meet registration requirements.

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Hon. Peter Chandler MLAMinister for EducationParliament HouseDARWIN NT 0800

Dear Minister

In accordance with section 79 of the Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) Act, I have pleasure in submitting the Teacher Registration Board’s report for the financial year ending 30 June 2013.

Yours sincerely

Karen BlanchfieldChair

31 August 2013

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CHAIRPERSONS REPORT

This is the ninth annual report for the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory (‘the Board’) since its establishment in 2004 under the provisions of the Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) Act (‘the Act’).

The work of the Board continued as required under the Act and Board members, staff at the Office of the Board and various other members of the teaching community implemented a range of measures to ensure the functions of the Board were carried out. With the change of government in the Northern Territory, a new Minister of Education was appointed.

In 2013, the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers superseded the NT Teacher Standards, developed by the Board when it was first established. The introduction of the new standards required ongoing information sessions and support for teachers and educators across the Territory. In addition, extensive work in updating all documentation to reflect the new standards was required.

With the introduction of provisional and full registration categories, there was a need for the Board to focus on providing support through professional learning sessions to assist in understanding the requirements of each category of registration. Provisionally registered teachers, their mentors and principals continued to be supported through face-to-face, video conferencing and webinar sessions. Fully registered teachers and their employers have been supported in understanding the requirements for renewing their registration under the nationally consistent quality teacher agenda.

The total number of registered teachers in the NT as of 30 June 2013 was 6014. Of those, 5035 were fully registered teachers and 979 were provisionally registered teachers. Authorisations totalled 33, including 6 Teach for Australia Associates in their second year.

This year the Board accredited five initial teacher education programs presented by Charles Darwin University. The process followed the national guidelines, with trained assessors on the panels, including one person from another jurisdiction, as required for nationally consistent assessments.

As a requirement of the Act, the Board continued to undertake disciplinary investigations for complaints and inquiries. Three matters proceeded to inquiries this financial year and ten preliminary investigations were undertaken. The Board worked closely with the Solicitor for the Northern Territory and the legal assistance provided in disciplinary matters was highly valued

As a way of enhancing services for stakeholders, the TRB database was upgraded. Access to the new online services enabled registered teachers to update contact details, print their registration certificate, pay the annual fee, or create a Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) application. Principals were given access to a list of registered teachers at their school, which assisted in the annual audit process.

The Board was invited by AITSL to join with the Centre for School Leadership, Learning and Development, to implement Phase 2 of a pilot program, under the banner of AITSL research. Phase 2 focused on supporting teachers in remote schools and the question was posed – “What support is

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Annual Report 2012 - 2013required for teachers moving from Provisional Registration (through attainment of the Proficient Career Stage) as part of the nationally consistent registration?” The project focused on the ways in which regional and remote teachers were able to demonstrate achievement at the point of transition from Graduate to Proficient career levels.

A new function of the Board, starting in 2013, will require the accreditation of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT). Much work has been done nationally to ensure consistency and rigor of processes in each jurisdiction. The Board appointed a Policy and Project Officer, HALT, funded from the National Partnership Agreement for School Improvement. The Board’s role is the assessment of evidence against the standards and as such, nine assessors from across all education sectors have been trained nationally to undertake the assessment at two stages: 1) submission of a portfolio of annotated evidence against the standards and 2) onsite observation of classroom practice. A fee for service was introduced. Successful applicants will have their name registered nationally.

There were some changes to Board membership in the past year. Louise Corrigan joined the Board as the nominee of the Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Children Services (‘DECS’). Susan Stanaway, nominee of the NT branch of the Australian Education Union, and Yalmay Yunupingu, nominee of Chief Executive of DECS, completed their terms. Bernie Gleeson and Merrkiyawuy Ganmbarr were nominated as new Board members. Christopher Tudor retired from the Board.

The work of the Board is further supported by a range of teachers who contribute to various committees and provide advice to the Board. I extend my thanks to those members of the Board who chaired committees and to the members of the teaching community for their professional input. I would also like to thank the staff at the Office of the Board for their commitment to ensuring that NT students have appropriately qualified and competent teachers who uphold the highest ethical standards.

Karen Blanchfield

Chair

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THE TEACHER REGISTRATION BOARD

Establishment of the BoardThe Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) Act came into force in September 2004 with registration requirements beginning on 1 February 2005. Amendments to the legislation came into force as of 1 September 2010.

Functions of the BoardThe objective of the Act is to ensure that only people who are fit and proper and appropriately qualified, are employed as teachers in the Northern Territory and to facilitate the continuing proficiency of teachers in the Northern Territory. The functions and responsibilities of the Teacher Registration Board can be summarised into five areas of responsibility:

Registration of teachers

The Board is charged with ensuring the quality of the teaching force in the Northern Territory through the registration of all teachers and by granting employers authority to employ unregistered people where appropriate. The Board makes recommendations to the Minister in relation to the minimum qualifications and other requirements for registration in the Northern Territory.

Initial teacher education

The Board is responsible for accrediting education courses and liaising with institutions providing education courses in the Northern Territory.

Professional learning

The Board liaises with the agency administering the Education Act on strategic priorities for professional development of teachers in the Northern Territory and with employers of teachers to develop the competencies of teachers during all career stages.

Professional standards and ethics

The Board is charged with supporting professional teaching standards and using these to support the focus on quality teaching. The Board maintains a code of professional ethics for Northern Territory teachers.

Complaints and inquiries

The Board may investigate complaints made against teachers and prosecute offences against the Act.

Quality practice

Where appropriate to do so, the Board may conduct research into quality practice in teaching in the Northern Territory. The Board must promote quality practice in education based on research.

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Membership of the BoardOne person, nominee of the Chief Executive of the Department of Education and Children’s ServicesMs Louise CorriganBA, BEdTo October 2014

One educator, nominee of the Catholic Education OfficeMr Greg O’MullaneBA, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip Arts, MEd Studs, FACETo October 2014

One indigenous teacher at a government school, the nominee of the Chief Executive of Department of Education and Children’s ServicesMs Yalmay YunupinguDip TeachTo October 2016

One educator, nominee of Charles Darwin UniversityProf Peter KellPhD (Deakin) MEdAdmin (Deakin) Grad Dip Ed Studs (CSU) DipT (Canberra)To October 2014

Two teachers (one being from a remote school), nominees of the Territory branch of the Australian Education UnionMr Bernie GleesonDip Teach, Dip ArtsTo October 2016

Mr Stephen NimmoBA (Joint Honours), M.L.I.A (Dip), Cert. (ES) TESOL, Grad Dip EdTo October 2014

One educator, nominee of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary EducationClaire KilgariffBA (CDU), BEd (CDU), Grad Dip L’ship and Change (CDU), Dip Teach (Fine Arts), Grad Cert Public Sector ManagementTo October 2014

One person, nominee of the NT Council of Government School OrganisationsMr Steve CarterCity & Guilds of London IMCCTo October 2014

One teacher, nominee of the Independent Education Union Queensland/Northern TerritoryMs Elsabe BottBEd, MEdTo October 2016

One teacher, nominee of the NT Joint Council of Professional Teaching AssociationsMs Lorraine HodgsonDip TeachTo October 2016

One educator, nominee of the Association of Independent Schools of the NTMr Christopher TudorBEc, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip Ed AdminTo October 2016Mr Tudor resigned on 10 April 2013

One teacher, nominee of the Association of NT School Educational LeadersMs Karen BlanchfieldTTC, BEd, Grad Dip PSM, MIMTo October 2016

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Meetings of the Board 2012–2013Meeting Date Description Duration

1 2 August 2012 Teleconference Afternoon

2 6 September 2012 Darwin Full day

3 11 October 2012 Darwin Full day

4 6 December 2012 Teleconference Afternoon

5 24 January 2013 Teleconference Afternoon

6 7 February 2013 Darwin Full day

7 14 March 2013 Darwin Full day

8 9 May 2013 Teleconference Afternoon

9 6 June 2013 Teleconference Afternoon

Attendance register

Meetings

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Members

Karen Blanchfield

Steve Carter AP AP AP

Elsabe Bott P P

Chris Tudor* AP RFB

Lorraine Hodgson AP AP P P

Susan Stanaway AP AP Term Ended

Greg O’Mullane P AP P P

Bernie Gleeson Start Oct 2012 AP AP

Yalmay Yunupingu AP A Term Ended

Stephen Nimmo

Claire Kilgariff AP AP P

Peter Kell AP AP

Merrkiyawuy Ganmbarr Start Oct 2012 A A A A AP A A

Louise Corrigan Start Oct 2012*Mr Chris Tudor resigned from his position on the Board on 10 April 2013.

Legend: A - Absent; AP - Absent with Apologies; NA - Not Applicable; P - Part meeting; RFB - Retired from Board.

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Strategy 1Quality Teaching

Australian Professional Standards for Teachers Initial Teacher Education Accreditation

Professional Learnining AdvocacyConduct

HALT support for teachers through all career stagesProvisional to Full Registration

Registration Renewal

RegulationParticipation in the development of Nationally Consistent Registration

Robust and transparent, fair and equitable complaints and inquiry procedures

Inform the profession of obligations under Teacher RegistrationBest practice that informs the Board and its policies and processesLead and influence future directions in the regulation of teaching

Services to Teachers Strong partnerships with key stakeholders

Communications are client focussed and accessibleSupport continuing professional learning

Support for teachers moving from provisional to full registration Support for teachers in moving towards registration renewal

Organisational CapabilityBuild on IT and other business systems to ensure they are contemporary,

effective and efficient, and support the delivery of user-friendly and accessible services

Build capacity of staffEnvironmental sustainability

Corporate Social ResponsibilityCross-sectoral work and networks

Strategic Plan 2013-2015


The Board’s vision and valuesVisionThe Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory is a regulatory body which enhances the quality of the teaching profession in the best interests of NT students.

ValuesThe Board’s values reflect those of the Teacher Registration Board’s Code of Ethics for Northern Territory Teachers:

Integrity | Respect | Justice | Empathy | Dignity

Code of ConductAs members of a Northern Territory statutory authority, Board members adhere to the Code of Conduct for members of Northern Territory statutory authorities recommended in Board Membership: A Guide for Members of Northern Territory Government Board, Committees and Statutory Bodies (NTG 2005).

The Board’s Strategies and Key Result Areas (2013-2015)In fulfilling its legislative functions, the Board will continue to focus on the following strategies and key result areas over the next 3 years:

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Committees of the BoardAll committees of the Board make recommendations on matters referred to them by the Board. Committee membership is at the invitation of the Board.

All committees have made a significant contribution to the Board’s work in reviewing processes, developing policy, promoting the profession and fulfilling the Board’s regulatory and professional responsibilities under the Act.

Initial Teacher Education CommitteeThe Initial Teacher Education Committee fulfils the functions of the Board outlined in section 11(d) of the Act. The committee advises the Board and makes recommendations on the assessment and accreditation of initial teacher education programs delivered in the Northern Territory to ensure graduates meet the Australian Professional Standards for Graduate Teachers for the purposes of registration.

Membership June 2012 to June 2013Ms Lola Sleep (Chair) Education Consultant

Ms Margie Kesby Senior Curriculum Manager, DECS

Mr Martin Trouw Assistant Principal, Dripstone Middle School

Ms Kate Fegan Assistant Principal - Wulagi Primary School

Ms Lynette Delaney Deputy Principal, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School

Miss Kate Roache Education Officer Curriculum – Middle & Senior Secondary (CEO)

Dr Laurence Tamatea Associate Professor of Pedagogy and Learning, CDU

Ms Teresa Hughes Senior Lecturer Indigenous Teacher Education, BIITE

Ms Renee Schultz Junior School Coordinator – the Essington School

Ms Janine Matheson Executive Officer - Manager of Professional Learning and Standards, Office of the Board

Meetings25 June 2012 – National Accreditation Training (local jurisdiction)29 March 201222 May 201221 February 201328 May 2013

Standards and Professional Learning CommitteeThe Standards and Professional Learning Committee fulfils the functions of the Board under the provisions of section 11(e), (f), (g), (h) and (i) of the Act and has the following terms of reference:

To make recommendations to the Board on the maintenance of the Standards of Professional Practice on entry and for continuing membership of the profession;

To make recommendations on the development and maintenance of policies and guidelines for provisional registration, full registration and registration renewal requirements;

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Annual Report 2012 - 2013 To engage with the profession through workshops and other professional learning activities

related to the maintenance of the professional standards;

To provide advice related to developing a Professional Learning Framework for the purposes of continuing education and professional development for teachers, and

To advise on research and promotion of quality practice in teaching in the Northern Territory.

Membership July 2012 to June 2013Ms Claire Kilgariff (Chair) Head of Faculty, Education, Arts and Social Sciences, BIITE, Board

member (joined Committee on 10 May 2012)

Ms Carmel Blake Student Services, DECS

Mr Lon Wallis Independent Education Union NT

Ms Julianne Willis Education Consultant

Dr Greg Smith Lecturer, Charles Darwin University

Ms Helen Spiers Assistant Principal, Kormilda College

Ms Pam Adam ANTSEL Representative

Ms Jayne McIntyre Education Advisor Early Childhood Intervention, DECS

Ms Clio Marah Independent Schools representative

Mr Leon White AEU representative

Ms Jane Whitaker DECS representative

Ms Janine Matheson Executive Officer - Manager of Professional Learning and Standards Office of the Board

Meetings21 September 201216 November 201215 February 201314 June 2013

Professional Conduct Reference CommitteeThe Professional Conduct Reference Committee considers issues pertaining to Part 6 of the Act (disciplinary proceedings). The Committee provides advice to the Board on topics such as the publication of disciplinary proceedings and the development of guidelines and policies regarding protective practices for teachers.

The Committee also has a role in considering and reviewing the Board’s Code of Ethics for Northern Territory teachers. The ongoing maintenance of the code of ethics by the profession provides a means of clearly identifying and communicating the core values that underpin the professional standards for teaching.

In the 2012/2013 financial year the Committee has undertaken Policy development in the area of protective practices for teachers.

Membership July 2012 to June 2013Mr Stephen Nimmo (Chair) Assistant Regional Manager of Operations Barkly Education Office, DECS

Mr Gerry Greene Regional Manager HR Services Division Central Australia, DECSMr David Johns Principal, St John’s Catholic College

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Annual Report 2012 - 2013Ms Selena Uibo Teacher, Community Studies, PLP, Aboriginal Studies, Casuarina

Senior College

Ms Kate Fegan Assistant Principal, Wulagi Primary SchoolMs Jackie Dupe English Teacher, Darwin High School

Mr Paul van Holsteyn Assistant Principal Learning, Centralian Middle SchoolMr David Shinkfield Principal, Kormilda College

Dr Sue Smith Lecturer, Charles Darwin UniversityMs Katrina Railton Lecturer Teacher Education, Faculty of Education, Arts and Social

Sciences, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary EducationMr Peter Clisby Australian Education Union NT Branch

Ms Erica Schultz Independent Education Union Australia, NT BranchMr Joshua Ingrames Lawyer Litigation Division, Solicitor for the Northern Territory

Meetings12 September 201224 October 20123 December 201213 March 20134 April 201324 April 2013

Employer Reference CommitteeThe purpose of this Committee is to facilitate the exchange of information between employers of teachers and the Board on matters to do with teacher registration and authorisation policy and procedures, disciplinary procedures and compliance; and to provide advice to the Board on matters of registration and risk management with regard to the registration of teachers.

Membership July 2012 to June 2013Mr Steve Carter (Chair) Board Member, COGSO

Mr Greg O’Mullane Board Member, employer CEOMr Philip Brennan General Manager, employer DECS

Ms Gail Barker Registered Teacher, employer AISNTMr Geoff Batemen CEO, employer NTCSA

Director Office of the BoardSenior Registration Officer Office of the Board

Executive Officer Office of the Board

Gail Barker retired at the February meeting. Cheryl Salter has been appointed to the committee as the new representative of AISNT.

Meeting21 February 2013

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Minister for Education and Training

Teacher Registration Board

Director(ECO2)

Manager Professional Conduct & Senior Policy Officer(AO7)

Professional Conduct Officer (AO4)

Senior Registration & Office Manager (AO6)

Registration Officer (AO4)

Administration Assistant (AO3)

Mutual Recognitions Officer & Assistant

(AO2)

Manager Professional Standards and Learning( ST2)

Highly Accomplished Lead TeacherProject and Policy Officer (ST3)


OFFICE OF THE TEACHER REGISTRATION BOARD

OverviewSecretariat support to the Board is provided by the office of the Board.

The office supports the Board on a range of matters including: assessment of all applications for registration and authorisation; management of the registration and registration renewal processes; conduct of the annual audit of employers; management of complaints, inquiries and investigations; administration and management including financial management; committees of the Board; and certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher career stages

THE TEACHER REGISTRATION BOARD OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

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Staff of the Teacher Registration BoardDirector The Director is responsible for the leadership and

management of the office of the Board to ensure effective governance of the teaching profession in the Northern Territory.

Maree GarriganAppointed by the Board, Ms Garrigan commenced on 3 January 2012

Manager, Professional Learning and Standards

To provide leadership and expertise in professional teaching standards and professional learning as they relate to the Board’s processes for supporting registrants preparing to apply for full registration, registration renewal and initial teacher education course accreditation.

Janine Matheson

Senior Policy Officer and Manager, Professional Conduct

The Senior Policy Officer and Manager, Professional Conduct is responsible for developing, implementing, managing and providing expert policy advice to the Director and the Board. The Manager provides secretariat support to the Board and its committees and develops and implements a professional conduct quality assurance framework including management of all aspects of the complaints process.

Jodie Hill

(Sharon Scurr nominally holds the position but is on extended leave)

Highly Accomplished Lead TeacherProject and Policy Officer

The HALT Project and Policy Officer is responsible for program design, development and implementation and project management for all aspects of the processes related to certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers. The Officer will work across NT Schools and address current and emerging cross-divisional and interagency coordination and current and emerging issues affecting leadership development across the NT.

Elizabeth Andrade

Senior Registration and Office Manager

The Senior Registration Officer and Office Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of the processes for registering teachers in the Northern Territory and the provision of corporate support, including data management systems.

Jackie Crawley

Registration Officer The Registration Officer is a member of a small multi-skilled team in the office of the Board with responsibility for undertaking all aspects of the processes for registering teachers in the Northern Territory.

Katrina Estbergs

Professional Conduct Officer

The Professional Conduct Officer is a member of a small multi-skilled team with responsibility for case managing complaints against teachers and other disciplinary matters relating to teachers.

Sasha Binks

Administration Officer The Administration Officer provides administrative and financial support and assists the processes for registering teachers in the Northern Territory.

Aphrodite Georgiadis

Administrative Assistant (Mutual Recognitions)

The Administrative Assistant takes carriage for all aspects of processing applications for registration under the mutual recognition principle and to provide general support for the work of the Board, including some reception duties.

Emily Bull

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Office placementsThe office provided a placement for an unattached officer, Ms Leonie Wetherall from December 2011 until May 2013. In January 2013 Elizabeth Andrade commenced in the new position of Highly Accomplished Lead Teacher Project and Policy Officer.

Information technology supportWhile the Department of Education and Children’s Services provides corporate services to the Board, additional support in information technology is provided by Brainware Pty Ltd and the Territory Business Centre.

Official travelThe Board’s Director and the Chair attended the biannual meetings of the Australasian Teacher Regulatory Authorities (ATRA) in Adelaide in September 2012 and Brisbane in February/March 2013.

Board members who travelled to attend the full day Board meetings in Darwin:

Karen Blanchfield Darwin/Alice Springs return X 4

Chris Tudor Darwin/Alice Springs return X 3

Stephen Nimmo Darwin/Tennant Creek return X 4

Bernie Gleeson Numbulwar/Darwin return X 1

ATRA Network meetingsRegular network meetings across key areas of regulation and nationally consistent processes provide an opportunity for key team members to access valuable networking and learning forums.

The following networks were active in the last financial year: Senior Registration and Assessment Officers Network 1 interstate meeting IT Network 1 interstate meeting Initial Teacher Education Network 2 interstate meetings Legal Officers Network 1 interstate meeting Certification Authority Network 4 interstate meetings

FinancesThe Board is an independent statutory authority which operates on a budget allocated by the Northern Territory Government which comprises the revenue from registration fees and a grant from the Northern Territory Government. The total income from registration fees is not sufficient to enable the Board to operate with financial independence.

The Reward for Great Teachers (HALT) Program is funded by a National Partnership agreement with a total amount of $173, 000 per year over 3 years allocated for Employee and Operational Costs.

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Annual Report 2012 - 2013The total revenue from registration fees for 2012/2013 was $454,486 an increase of $85,000 from 2011/2012.

Budget allocation $000

Salaries 884

Operational 166

Grant 4

TOTAL 1055

Budget Actuals $

Salaries 879

Operational 193

Information ManagementOverviewAs a body corporate established by Territory legislation, the Board is a public sector organisation for the purposes of the Information Act (NT).

Type of information heldThe Board holds information relevant to the functions, services and operations of the Board as set out in this annual report.

Register of teachersIn accordance with the Act a register of teachers is kept by the Board. Members of the public may search the register of teachers to ascertain if a teacher is currently registered. The information accessed by this search is the teacher’s name, registration number, category of registration and the date to which the teacher’s registration fees have been paid. There is currently no prescribed fee payable to search the register. The register may be searched via the Board’s website.

In accordance with the Act a person may apply to the Board to have an inaccurate or erroneous entry in the register corrected and, if the Board is satisfied that the entry is inaccurate or erroneous it must correct the register accordingly. No fee is payable for this application and/or correction.

Accessing information and/or correcting information under Part 3 of the Information ActA person can access information held by the Board by submitting an application under the Information Act (NT). Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected], or forwarding to the Board’s postal address. The application is to be marked attention to the Information Officer.

An application to access information is to include:

the name of the applicant;

sufficient details to identify the information;

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mailto:[email protected]

Annual Report 2012 - 2013 specify an address to which correspondence regarding the application may be sent; and

include an application fee, which is currently $30.00 (does not apply for accessing your own personal information).

An application to correct information is to include:

the name of the applicant;

sufficient details to identify the information;

give details of why the applicant believes the information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date;

specify the correction the applicant wants to make to the information; and

specify an address to which correspondence regarding the application may be sent.

The application to access information or correct information will be considered by the Board in accordance with the Information Act (NT).

Records and archives managementPart 9 of the Information Act (NT) provides for the protection and management of records and archives by public sector organisations. The Board complies with this Part by:

keeping full and accurate records of its activities and operations;

implementing practices and procedures to safeguard the custody and ensure proper preservation of its records; and

making arrangements for the archives service to monitor the management of its records.

Information access and reportingFor the purpose of reporting under section 98 of the Information Act (NT), the Board advised the Information Commissioner that one request for access to government information held by the Board was received during the 2012/2013 financial year. There was one request carried over from the previous financial year.

Note: Only applications that met the formal requirements for acceptance under the Information Act (NT) are counted.

Information privacyThe Information Act (NT) defines personal information as information held by Government from which a person’s identity is apparent or reasonably able to be ascertained. The Board only collects information necessary for, or related to, its functions services and operations. Information may also be used for statistical, research, planning and reporting those functions, services and operations as required.

The Board respects the privacy of individuals and is committed to collecting, using, storing and managing personal information in a manner that complies with the Information Privacy Principles set out at Schedule 2 in the Information Act (NT).

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REGISTRATIONS AND AUTHORISATIONSStrategic ObjectiveTo maintain the standards of professional practice for Northern Territory teachers through a standards-based, regulatory framework that ensures only appropriately qualified, competent and fit and proper persons are employed as teachers in the Northern Territory.

Goals1. Maintain a robust and efficient registration system.

2. Strengthen initial teacher education programs in the Northern Territory.

3. Ensure only fit and proper persons maintain registration in the Northern Territory.

4. Maintain a Code of Ethics.

Who can be registered?The minimum qualification requirements for registration are met by applicants who have completed four years of approved tertiary study including an initial teaching education course. Applicants must also demonstrate they meet the English language proficiency requirement and that they are a fit and proper person.

In certain circumstances, employers are granted authorisation to employ persons as teachers who do not meet the minimum qualification requirements for registration, but satisfy the Board they are competent to teach.

Registration feesThe annual registration fee of $75.00 is for one calendar year, however new applicants for registration can pay for up to three years. In 2012, 4548 teachers had a financial expiry of 31 December 2012. 3747 of these teachers paid their annual fee for the 2013 calendar year. 801 teachers did not pay their registration fee for 2013 compared with 1120 who did not pay in 2011.

Number of teachers registeredThe number of teachers registered to teach in the Northern Territory has increased by 130 in the past year.

June 2005 June 2006 June 2007 June 2008 June 2009 June 2010 June 2011 June 2012 June 20133992 4481 4572 5086 5462 5768 6151 5884 6014

Applications assessed The office of the Board assesses applications for registration under the provisions of the Act and in compliance with the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.

A total of 939 applications were assessed this financial year, the majority under the provisions of the Mutual Recognition legislation.

As is the case every year, a large number of applications were incomplete, most frequently because the applicants failed to provide the required documents. Applications are assessed only when they are complete and incomplete applications are not included in the final tally of ‘applications assessed’.

In assessing applications for registration, the Board was presented with 49 instances of applications categorised as being ‘hard’ (Schedule H). These applications require additional research and are presented to the Board case by case.

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Annual Report 2012 - 2013One applicant was refused registration on the basis that the Board was not satisfied that they had met the English Proficiency requirements. This applicant did not appeal the Board’s decision not to grant registration.

While the 49 instances are recorded in Table 1, it is the case that once granted registration by the Board, the Schedule H status changes to the relevant Schedule (A ,R or B) and therefore Table 2 is a true representation of the number of new teachers registered in 2012-2013.

Schedule A Schedule R Schedule H Schedule B0

100

200

300

400

500

600

374

510

496

Applications for Registration Presented toBoard for 2012-2013 by Schedule

Num

ber o

f Tea

cher

s

Table 1 Applications for registration presented to Board by Schedule

New registrationsIn 2012-2013, 938 new teachers were registered in the Northern Territory. A significant majority of Mutual Recognition applicants were registered in the first state with either the Queensland College of Teachers or the Victorian Institute of Teaching. There were 115 new graduates from Charles Darwin University registrations and 1 new graduate registered from the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education.

Teacher Registration Act Mutual Recognition Total0

100200300400500600700800900

1000

409529

938

Number of New Teachers Registered in 2012-2013

Num

ber o

f Tea

cher

s

Table 2 Number of new teachers registered

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NZ QLD SA TAS VIC WA ACT Total0

100

200

300

400

500

600

32

141

5623

207

5515

529

New Teachers Registered in 2012-2013 Under Mutual Recognition by Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction

Num

ber o

f Tea

cher

s

Table 3 New teachers registered under Mutual Recognition

The total number of teachers registered in the Northern Territory under the Mutual Recognition arrangements continues to increase. In 2008, 1297 of the total number of registered teachers had done so under the Mutual Recognition arrangements and this increased to 1526 in 2009, 1754 in 2010, 2101 in 2011, and 2183 in this financial year.

Profile of teachers registered in the Northern TerritoryOf the teachers registered in the Northern Territory the majority were over 55 years of age.

<25 25-34 35-44 45-54 55 and over0

200400600800

10001200140016001800

138

14591357 1388

1672

Registered Teachers by Age as at 30th June 2013

Age Bracket

Num

ber o

f Tea

cher

s

Table 4 Registered teachers by age

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Schedule A Schedule B Schedule R0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

3375

456

2183

Registered Teachers by Schedule as at 30th June 2013

Application Schedule

Num

ber o

f Tea

cher

s

Table 5 Number of Registered Teachers by Schedule

Registration renewalsThe end of 2013 will mark the completion of the first three year cycle of Provisional Registration granted in September 2010. Provisionally registered teachers not able to transition to full registration may apply to the Board for a further 2 year extension of provisional registration.

Full Registration Provisional Registration0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

5035

979

Registered Teachers by Registered Category as at 30th June 2013

Registration Category

Num

ber o

f Tea

cher

s

Table 6 Registered Teachers by Category

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Female Male0

500100015002000250030003500400045005000

4416

1598

Registered Teachers by Gender as at 30th June 2013

Gender

Num

ber o

f Tea

cher

s

Table 7 Registered Teachers by gender

Names removed from the registerDeceased teachers removed from the register 4

New Applicants Repeat Applications Total Authorisations Upgrade Qualifications0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

46

21

67

1

Authorisations granted January 2012 - December 2012

Table 8 Authorisations granted January 2012 – December 2012

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New Applicants Repeat Applications Total Authorisations Upgrade Qualifications0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

8

25

33

1

Authorisations granted January 2013 - June 2013

Table 9 Authorisations granted Jan 2013 – June 2013

AuthorisationsThe Board grants authority to employ an unregistered person for a calendar year only. In most instances, teachers employed under authority are three-year trained, or specialists in language, music or vocational education and training.

For the 2012 calendar year, the Board granted authorisation to 46 people to be employed in teaching positions; for the same period the Board granted 21 repeat applications for authorisation that were continued from the previous calendar year. From January to 30 June 2013, a total of 33 authorisations were granted to persons employed in teaching positions. Of this number, 8 were new applications and 25 repeat authorisations that were continued from the previous calendar year. The majority of authorisations were granted to employ unregistered persons in the government sector.

Of the persons employed between January 2012 and 30 June 2013, 2 completed further study and are now registered teachers.

AppealsDuring the 2012-2013 reporting period no applicant for registration and no registered teacher has appealed a decision of the Board.

Annual audit and complianceUnder section 78 of the Act employers are required to inform the Board of the names of all teachers employed in the school by the end of the first term of the school year. In the past the Board has been concerned with the accuracy and timeliness of some of the returns and that some employers started a teacher’s employment before registration was granted. As awareness and understanding of the requirements of the Act increases, so too does compliance.

96 teachers were in breach of section 73 of the Act.

The Board noted that most instances of non-compliance were a consequence of failure to pay the annual registration fee. Where non-compliance was identified, letters were sent to both the principal, the teacher and to the Chief Executive Officer where relevant, advising them of their obligations under sections 72 and section 73 of the Act.

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Annual Report 2012 - 2013No prosecutions were instigated.

Sector Employer Name Return Received

CEO Catholic Education Office 04/04/2013

GOV Department of Education and Children’s Services 07/04/2013

IND Good Shepherd Lutheran School 04/04/2013

IND Kormilda College 12/03/2013

IND Living Waters Lutheran School 25/03/2013

IND Milkwood School Council 28/03/2013

IND Northern Territory Christian Schools Association 22/03/2013

IND Nyangatjatjara College 03/04/2013

IND St Andrew’s Lutheran School 05/03/2013

IND St Philip’s College 26/03/2013

IND The Alice Springs Steiner School 28/03/2013

IND The Essington School 26/03/2013

IND Yipirinya School 05/04/2013

IND Yirara College 14/03/2013

IND Tiwi College 28/03/2013

INITIAL TEACHER EDUCATION

Strategic ObjectiveTo maintain the standards of professional practice for Northern Territory teachers through a standards based, regulatory framework that ensures only appropriately qualified, competent and fit and proper persons are employed as teachers in the Northern Territory.Goals

1. Maintain a robust and efficient registration system.2. Strengthen pre-service teacher education programs in the Northern Territory.

3. Ensure only fit and proper persons maintain their registration in the Northern Territory.4. Maintain a Code of Ethics.

The committee continued to advise the Board on the suitability of initial teacher education programs offered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) based on the processes and protocols established by AITSL and described in the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia – Guide to the Accreditation Process and the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia – Standards and Procedures. The professional relationships are based on the continued focus on developing quality teachers through rigorous and innovative teacher preparation programs.

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Approving initial teacher education programsA major part of the work which the committee has undertaken throughout the year is the accreditation of initial teacher education courses. Four secondary courses were presented and approved for accreditation and the delivery of the courses began at the beginning of the academic year in 2013. The courses presented and approved for accreditation were:

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Health and Physical Education Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Music Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Visual Arts Bachelor of Education (Secondary) Science

The Bachelor of Education (Primary) was also approved for accreditation after the review period concluded.

The members of the panel, convened to assess the programs, were from a broad range of educational experiences including three interstate panel members:

Dr Tony Loughland Director of Professional Experience Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney

Professor Lawrence Angus - School of Education and Arts University of Ballarat Dr Sally Knipe - Course Director (Secondary Programs) Charles Sturt University Albury-

Wodonga Campus

As part of the nationally consistent approach to initial teacher education in Australia, all programs accredited from 2013 have been accredited through the Board consistent with the Accreditation of Initial Teacher Education Programs in Australia: Standards and Procedures. Graduates of the course will be eligible for registration to teach in schools across all Australian state and territory jurisdictions (subject to meeting other eligibility criteria such as English proficiency and suitability to teach).

National accreditation of initial teacher education coursesThe national accreditation system of initial teacher education programs has been fully operational since the beginning of 2013 and the Northern Territory has been extremely active in accrediting courses ready for delivery this year. The system requires evidence of how the graduate standards will be met and how the program meets the necessary standards. Training was provided to all existing members of the Initial Teacher Education Committee and other key stakeholders. The nationally developed training package has now been made available to jurisdictions to facilitate local training sessions enabling the Board to train additional panel members on a needs basis.

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STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Strategic ObjectiveTo develop and improve professional teaching standards and facilitate and support the continuing competence of teachers in the Northern Territory against the standards of practice for the profession.

Goals1. Promote and develop the competencies of teachers during the early stages of their careers.2. Promote the importance of ongoing professional learning against the standards of professional

practice.3. Research and promote quality practice.4. Participate in the development and implementation of Australian Professional Standards for

Teachers.

Provisional RegistrationSince 1 September 2010, the Board has implemented its support infrastructure for provisionally registered teachers. The Board provides two information sessions for provisionally registered teachers to assist them in moving to full registration. Provisionally registered teachers have access to a range of support material available on the Board website which has now been updated to reference the Australian Professional Standards for Proficient Teachers. Information guides for provisionally registered teachers, their mentors and principals are available for downloading. The Board has been highly active in supporting provisionally registered teachers and has offered information sessions in major towns in the Territory as well as remote schools via webinar and in some instances, face to face presentations.

The Committee developed a focus for 2013 which has targeted the professional learning opportunities for teachers in remote areas and in particular indigenous teachers to successfully move teachers from provisional to full registration.

Full RegistrationThe Board has worked closely with fully registered teachers to assist them in understanding the requirements to maintain full registration. A range of support materials are available to download from the Board website. School leaders, teachers and support staff of teachers are able to access professional learning record sheets and other relevant information to assist them in meeting the requirements of Full Registration. Presentations have been offered to schools on the maintenance and renewal requirements in the form of staff meetings to provide further clarification of the requirements and to address concerns from teachers.

Australian Professional Standards for TeachersThe Board’s Standards and Professional Learning Committee investigated the most valuable way to provide information and clarification to teachers on how the Australian Professional Standards impact on core business, in the form of information forums. The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers have now been implemented in the Northern Territory via a gazette notice. Work continues on providing information and clarity on the differences and similarities of the previously used Northern Territory Standards and the Australian standards.

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AITSL PilotHaving been invited to participate in the first Pilot project on the implementation of the Australian Professional Standards, the Board was invited to join with the Centre for School Leadership, Learning and Development, by AITSL, to implement Phase 2 of the Pilot programs. Phase 2 was focused on support for teachers in remote schools and the question was posed – “What support is required for teachers moving from Provisional Registration (through attainment of the Proficient Career Stage) as part of the nationally consistent registration?”

The project focussed on the ways in which regional and remote teachers can demonstratetheir achievements at the point of transition from Graduate to Proficient career levelsthrough:

investigation of how much work is reasonably required of teachers and principals during this process

investigation of what evidence is required to obtain Full Registration investigation of what is involved in obtaining evidence across the National Professional

Standards Focus Areas (now known as the Australian Professional Standards) investigation of who are the mentors of the teachers and what support they need investigation of what skills and knowledge best helps Principals adopt the role of assessor collect examples of evidence

The participants in the pilot were early career teachers and their school principals located in either a Government, Catholic or Independent school in the Northern Territory.

.

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HIGHLY ACCOMPLISHED AND LEAD TEACHER CERTIFICATION2013 Certification PracticesThe Board is responsible for all certification processes as of January 2013. The process is described in AITSL’s Certification Guide which uses the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers as a basis for making judgements regarding the certification of teachers at the higher career stages across Australia.

Implementation of National Certification processThe Board is responsible for:

Certification processes; Training and managing of Northern Territory nationally trained and registered assessors.

The first group of Northern Territory assessors represent the Board, DECS, CSLLD, Catholic Education, Independent Schools and Christian Schools and participated in national training;

Training future assessors; Data collection; and Reporting ‘completion of certification’ information to DEEWR.

Cost:Total cost of certification process is $1825 (non-refundable). The process occurs in two stages:

Stage 1: portfolio of annotated evidence against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at a cost of $925.

Stage 2: Classroom observation by a trained assessor at a cost of $900.

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COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIESStrategic ObjectiveTo maintain the standards of professional practice for Northern Territory teachers through a standards based, regulatory framework that ensures only appropriately qualified, competent and fit and proper persons are employed as teachers in the Northern Territory.Goals

1. A robust and transparent complaints and inquiries procedure.2. Ensure all registered teachers are made aware of their obligations under the Act.3. Strengthen the capacity of the Board to obtain appropriate and timely legal advice.4. Processing disciplinary proceedings in a timely manner.

Inquiries and investigationsThe Board is responsible for disciplinary proceedings in relation to registered teachers. It conducts preliminary investigations and inquiries into allegations of a teacher’s misconduct, incompetence or lack of fitness to teach.

An inquiry or investigation may be initiated by:

the lodging of a complaint;

a notification from an employer;

a notification from the Northern Territory Police;

a notification from another teacher registration authority; or

information received from another source.

The Board has made considerable progress to ensure its processes for conducting inquiries and investigations are fair and pursued in a timely manner, with support from the Solicitor for the Northern Territory in the Department of Justice.

Number of cases carried over from previous year 11

Number of new cases received in the 2012 – 2013 financial year 16

TOTAL 27

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Statistics

Complaints

Received this financial year 2

Carried over 0

Dismissed without preliminary investigation 1

Withdrawn 1

Preliminary investigation commenced 0

Inquiry commenced 0

Registration cancelled, suspended and or conditions imposed 0

Ongoing at 1 July 2013 0

Notifications from employer


Carried over 10



Inquiry commenced 6

Registration cancelled, suspended and/or conditions imposed 3

Ongoing at 1 July 2013 13

Notification from the Northern Territory Police


Carried over 0

Dismissed 0


Inquiry commenced 1


Ongoing as at 1 July 2013 1

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Notification from a Teacher Registration Authority

Received 2

Carried over 0

Dismissed 0


Inquiry commenced 0



Declaration from another source

Received 3

Carried over 1


Preliminary investigation commenced

Inquiry commenced 1


Ongoing as at 1 July 2013

Decisions appealed to Local Court

Received 0

Carried over 1

Appealed by teacher 0

Appealed by complainant 1

Withdrawn 1

Board’s decision confirmed on appeal 0


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Annual Report 2012 - 2013Sexual offencesIf a teacher is convicted or found guilty of a sexual offence as defined in section 68 of the Act, the teacher’s registration must be cancelled from the date of the conviction or finding of guilt under the provisions of section 69 of the Act. The Board will place an inquiry on hold pending the outcome of a trial in relation to a sexual offence.

Ensure that teachers and employers are aware of their statutory rights and responsibilitiesThe Board will continue to promote compliance and engagement.

InquiriesIn circumstances where the Board decides to hold an inquiry, it must appoint an Inquiry Committee to conduct the inquiry. The Inquiry Committee must be comprised of a chairperson (legal practitioner who has practised as a legal practitioner in Australia for at least five years) and two members of the Board. During this financial year, the Board was ably assisted by Ms Sonia Brownhill, Barrister (William Forster Chambers), and Ms Kathleen Chong-Fong from the Solicitor for the Northern Territory, Department of Justice.

The following Board members have represented the Board on at least one inquiry committee this financial year:

Greg Mullane

Peter Kell

Steven Carter

Elsabe Bott

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APPENDIX

Acronyms and abbreviations

AISNT Association of Independent Schools of the Northern Territory

AITSL Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership

ATRA Australasian Teacher Regulatory Authorities

BIITE Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

CDU Charles Darwin University

CEO Catholic Education Office

COGSO Council of Government School Organisations

CSLLD Centre for School Leadership, Learning and Development

DECS Department of Education and Children Service’s (Northern Territory)

DEEWR Department of Education, Employment and Workforce Relations

HALT Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers

NTCSA Northern Territory Christian Schools Association

NT Northern Territory

NTG Northern Territory Government

The Board Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory

The Act Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) Act

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Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory

http://uluru.nt.gov.au/dcm/external/tool_box/logos/jpg/Uniform_Merchandise_Mono.jpg

Documents

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