A vote of confidence in teachers – NESA accreditation changes welcome

The Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT (IEUA NSW/ACT) welcomes the recent announcement from Minister Car which will simplify the maintenance of accreditation processes for experienced teachers.

From November 2023, principals and service directors will no longer need to attest that a teacher has maintained their practice at Proficient Teacher level. Instead, a Proficient Teacher will finalise their maintenance of accreditation directly with NESA.

“All a teacher will need to do is confirm they have completed their professional development requirements, verify their employment details, self-attest they continue to meet the standards, and they will automatically roll into their next five-year maintenance cycle” said Mark Northam, IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary.

The change simplifies maintaining Proficient Teacher accreditation for all teachers, particularly casual teachers, who will no longer need to spend time looking for a principal or service director to finalise their maintenance of accreditation.

“The minister is to be congratulated for this significant development which will reduce workloads for teachers and principals in schools,” Northam said.

The IEUA NSW/ACT has consistently argued that teaching is one of the most visible professions, and that a teacher’s adherence to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers is easily discernible at every moment of the day.

“Alongside the recent changes to elective PD this shows a genuine respect for the profession and is a positive step,” said Northam.

Employers will still be required to notify NESA if they determine that a teacher’s practice does not meet the Standards at Proficient Teacher, following completion of a performance process. The move will bring NSW into line with other states and territories across the country.

Authorised by Mark Northam, IEUA NSW/ACT Branch Secretary (0427 667 061)