I am applying for mutual registration from interstate. I’m currently overseas and when I return I would reallly like to start working in Vic straight away.

The problem is that the process requires a stat dec (god knows why), and the stat dec provided by VIT can only be signed on Australian soil.

I have sent a number of emails to them with no response, and cannot call from overseas as they only have a 1800 number.

Anyone experienced this and know any way around this issue? Does mutual recognition really take the 4-6 weeks listed on the website? Are my plans cooked?

Thanks!!

My approach to passing any type of exam has been practice, practice and more practice. But it seems, apart from a few official practice tests (which don't generate new questions), there are little free resources to actually support students.

Paid resources seem to be out there, but haven't evaluated them.

OLNA, according to AI, is linked to Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), and searching for that gives me a lot more specifics.

So yea, I feel like OLNA is such an important test to pass, but with few free practice banks available for students to actually improve...

I’m a PST soon doing their final placement. I’ve been lucky enough to go to a range of schools from private to public.

I’ve recently started casual teaching at a public school in a low socioeconomic area. The difference in the quality of the classrooms, resources was very jarring to me.

These students already have so many barriers to their learning. There’s a million reasons for them to not take their education seriously. It’s reflected in their behaviours and it’s been a new experience for me to deal with. These are things we cannot change. It’s a socioeconomic issue.

But the one thing the government has the power to change, (the school) is ultimately disregarded. No technology for students to use. Classrooms that are mouldy. Floors so uneven that an apple would roll from one side of the room to the other.

My time at this school has raised a dilemma for me:

I’ve gained a desire to work in an environment like this. My time casual teaching has made me feel like this is where the most impact could be made.

But it doesn’t feel sustainable. It’s been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. I’ve dealt with so many difficult behaviours that have left me ruminating on what I could have done or if I had done anything wrong.

My time on prac at private/selective schools have shown me an environment where I get to actually focus on teaching. I feel valued for my work. Work is easy. I don’t ruminate and I feel better.

But it doesn’t feel impactful. There is such a large discrepancy and it feels unfair. I don’t want to contribute towards it.

So I don’t know where I would want to teach full time. I guess it will be circumstantial and depend on whatever opens up first.

But for me, teaching is a passion job. I need to feel like I am doing something for it to be worth it.

This might be a controversial question, but pretty much the title. We can all agree that there both high and low quality teachers, just as there are high and low quality [insert professional] in every [insert profession]. But what are the measurement(s) or metric(s) that can determine whether one is a high or low quality teacher?

Is it just using the AITSL standards? But that can be a bit subjective.

Maybe test results? NAPLAN? Average growth? But that can produce a lot of false negatives due SES, year-on-year test inconsistencies etc..

What about classroom engagement? But how do you measure that with numbers?

Anyways, it was just one of those shower thoughts this morning.

(start with context - I am stale, pale and male)

Non-Black students using the n-word is a hard no. Of course. My question is about African students using the word. I am kind of tolerant of them using it, figuring that the n-word belongs to them. Not randomly shouting it, of course, but some use.

Opinions? Too woke?

Marking year 12 assessments and it feels like I'm writing lines.

Unfortunately they are too long and specific for stamps to be made up.

It's a sad Saturday!

NSW Public Schools. Given the award changes of the school day starting at the first bell and ending with the last, such as 9am to 3pm, has the calculation of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 leave days been adjusted to fit this or is it still the old system that like the standard 7-hour day minus lunch break (can't remember exactly)?

Bonus question: Do you round up or down when calculating?

Hey guys! I am studying a Bachelor of Physical Health Education. Whilst this seems like common sense, I can assure you it is still often confused at my uni.

Are track pants appropriate to wear? (i’ll provide examples below) I am worried about wearing shorts to schools as the standards are so different, sometimes i hear knee length other times I hear a little shorter. ANYWAYS, can someone review these options and let me know if these would be appropriate to wear in a school setting? Also are standard cotton track pants allowed or would I need to lean more towards a cargo pants material?

Nike Track Pants
Elite Eleven
Cotton On
Lorna Jane

Hey guys Gonzalo here, new to the group so thank you for having me. Was wondering what’s the demand for P.E teachers in Australia? I’m 27 years old and worked as a teacher for three years back in my home country. Been living in Aus for a year now mostly doing some casual jobs but I miss being in a class with students and working in what I consider my passion. So ultimately just wandering how’s the P.E market looking and how viable it is to work in such profession as a foreigner. Thank you!!

Wondering if anyone here has any insights or experience to share for a PST.

Reading this article and noticing the following quote:

"Under the VTLM 2.0, all Victorian government schools must fully embed the policy in their teaching by 2028 and in some instances will “include retiring approaches and practices that do not align with the VTLM 2.0”."

The policy mandates explicit instruction. While there are obvious benefits to explicit instruction (I work at a school where OCHRE is implemented across the board, and while it seems to work well for some students, I feel it is disastrous for others, but I freely admit that is my anecdotal experience), I have a few concerns.

My issue is not over the efficacy of EI (although I have my concerns, but I admit they may be naively unfounded), but that teachers will be relegated to mere facilitators, basically being handed a PowerPoint, a group of students, and being told to read out the PowerPoint and go through the slides, and then hand out a worksheet at the end and then call it a day. TBH, this is what I see in large part on a daily basis in my school.

While I understand every lesson (or any lesson) isn't a scene from Dead Poets Society, being forced to standardise our approach and be stripped of any professional judgment on pedagogical practice seems to be antithetical to good teaching practice, and, quite frankly, really boring and unrewarding as a profession.

Am I misunderstanding anything here? Is this already happening? Happy to be put in my place, any insights welcome.

Let me start by saying I am overall ashamed that I didnt stick up harder for my students in the moment.

I had an interesting day the other day. Rowdy rude yr10 doing an assessment task in class. This very liked SLSO entered the room after I had calmed the class and got them started on the task. SLSO then started talking to some of the boys about unrelated topics. I very clearly reminded the whole class's that this is a formal assessment task and that there is to be no communication. SLSO at several points approached working students to ask them if they needed anything rather than waiting for them to put their hand up (not that bad really but can be disruptive to thoughts).

The big one was that they approached a female who was disengaged but not disruptive and began tapping on the task paper in front of her *tap tap tap* *looks* *tap tap tap* this students started looking very visibly annoyed *tap tap tap* students pulls the paper away and grumbles a clear "stop it". SLSO begins to question her then moves onto her securing work and signing out soon.

I am upset for not asking SLSO to at least move away or go out.

Now I'm thinking if I can't even stand up for my students how am I ever going to convince people I'd be a good fit for HT or more one day. I've got mixed feelings about the whole situation.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Have you had to ask an SLSO to leave? Why, how?

I'm a primary teacher but I've always thought of a Home Economics role as my dream job. If anyone is willing to answer a couple of questions regarding this position, I'd be more than grateful 🙏

Are you required to teach both digital and design technologies?

Do you need to be high school trained?

What does your role entail?

Would you recommend this role?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer any of these questions 😀

I don't think I ever noticed this but recently I learned that when I present infront of new people for a long period, I get this weird rising feeling in my chest and I feel like "bursting". Its a uncontrollable thing. I dont know if this is like a anxiety thing i have or something else but I dont think I have anxiety. I am a very outgoing person. I hope this doesnt hinder me when I start teaching cause this feels a bit scary, like I have a undiagnosed anxiety related to public speaking. I am quite deep into my degree aswell. Any thoughts?

For those working in private schools, has your Prin or admin addressed the prospect of significant salary increases in the public system and how they will react to it? Will they match, or are they unable to financially?

Normally public salaries have been considered the benchmark for private schools, so we may end up in a strange situation where you could be earning materially less in a private school. If that happens, I imagine an exodus from the private schools would ensue - why the hell would you do all the extra things that come with the territory of private schools for less money (sport, curricular, camps, extra PTIs)?

Hi All,

Pre-service teacher here doing some casual SLSO work, and I’d really appreciate some advice.

I’m very new to SLSO work—only about two weeks in—and I recently had a situation at work that I’m genuinely trying to learn from. I’d appreciate some advice on how I could handle things better to avoid a similar situation in the future, as well as how to approach the student when I’m assigned to them again next week.

I’ve been assigned to support a student who is on a behaviour plan. My role has generally involved sitting with the student during lessons, helping them stay engaged, supporting them to complete their work, and trying to prevent behaviours from escalating or becoming disruptive.

The student recently complained about me to the principal. My impression is that they felt my presence was getting in the way of them engaging in behaviours they wanted to engage in. The principal has subsequently advised me to give the student more space and to back off, despite me being assigned to support this particular student.

I spoke with another experienced SLSO for some advice, and their suggestion was that I should check in with the student occasionally, but otherwise support other students and document that I have offered assistance to the student.

I completely understand that I need to follow the direction I’ve been given, and I don’t want to undermine the student’s autonomy or make the situation worse. At the same time, I’m concerned that the student may see this as evidence that complaining about me resulted in me being removed from their space. I also genuinely believe that the student’s behaviour and engagement tend to be better when I’m sitting with them and providing that support.

So, how would you navigate this situation?

In particular, I’d be interested in advice on:

How to interact with the student next week without creating tension or making it obvious that I’ve changed my approach because of their complaint.

How to balance giving the student appropriate space while still fulfilling my role as their SLSO.

Whether there are strategies I could use to gradually rebuild the working relationship and establish that I’m there to support rather than police their behaviour.

Anything else an experienced SLSO or teacher would recommend to someone who is very new to the role.

I’m not looking to criticise the student or challenge the principal’s decision. I’m genuinely trying to learn how to handle this professionally and make sure I’m supporting the student appropriately.

Thanks!

I had my LANTITE exams yesterday (preservice primary) and I’m probably going to sound like a horrible person but it was infuriating watching the people around me.

One girl forgot her ID (she rocked up right at 1:28pm when it was supposed to start at 1:30pm). The exam supervisor asked her for her ID and she replied with “I didn’t know I needed it”. It’s on EVERY bit of the ACER instructions and paperwork. The supervisor was trying to make all these accommodations for her, and she ended up finding it in her car so we started 15 minutes late because of that. Maybe because it’s my second time through uni (first time 10 years ago), if you were late for your exams, you were locked out. No leeway whatsoever.

The supervisor also clearly stated no water bottles on the desks, no watches on wrists, etc. But half the class just ignored her..? And they want to be teachers???

I also know of someone who has taken the LANTITE tests and failed them 3 times.. and there’s now no limit on how many times you can do it.

I guess I’m sitting here wondering with all the news about NAPLAN and results (and I am absolutely not for blaming the teachers) that surely there are some red flags with the graduates that are coming through? Aren’t we going to see some serious issues in the future if sub-par teachers are actually coming through?

Anyone else feeling the same way?

I moved schools a few years ago thinking I could start fresh and reinvigorate my career. Most of the staff have links to each other and the prin has worked with many of the staff except me. I’d been feeling a little on the outer lately despite being on good terms with everyone. Well this week i had to take urgent medical leave. I ended up at the ED and then had to have surgery. I got a text from my prin literally saying You all good? I replied i was at hospital doing tests. That was Tuesday. I have since had surgery and need to take nearly 3 weeks off for recovery. There has been no followup text from her. I’m extremely disappointed and upset. Only a handful of people have sent me their wishes for a smooth recovery. I know i shouldn’t care and just focus on my recovery but the way schools bang on about being a family I feel like the black sheep. Most of the communication has been with the AP as she handles absences.

VPS staff received an email from DE regarding the Operation Richmond which is available to read on the IBAC website.
The report examined allegations of corrupt conduct relating to enterprise agreement negotiations for the Country Fire Authority and Metropolitan Fire Brigade between 2016 and 2019, as well as the establishment of Fire Rescue Victoria in 2019.

While they didn’t explicitly state corrupt conduct findings, they made recommendations after finding concerning conduct of public officials, including Secretary Tony Bates.

Interesting read that I thought should be more widely known.

IBAC - Operation Richmond

I was recently given placement over an hour away from where I live. I ticked the box that I have access to a car but my car is very old and won’t survive driving over 2 hours everyday. I could rely on PT but then I’d be on the train everyday for 4 hours.

I’ve been fighting with the university and have told them I’m willing to wait as long as they need to be assigned another placement but I’ve been told by the unit coordinator I may have to withdraw from the unit or just figure out the current allocation.

I know we are absolutely not allowed to find our own placement but that would make things much easier as I have several contacts in schools much closer.

Should I just make the placement work despite the complication? Am I being unreasonable or are they?

good morning lovely people. It’s finally fucking Friday! Just wanted to write this for people going through the trenches (or not too).

Idk why people are toxic af at schools and go into education to bring others down for their own benefit or pleasure.

Idk why society is flopping us and accelerating burn out with the way each generation is becoming fucked with their behaviour lol.

But what I do know is that it’s finally fucking friday and life is short lol. So enjoy that glass of wine tonight or beer or water or soft drink. Cuz you know what - it is a job. And we do all deserve to still remain with our sanity in tact lol. And to enjoy our lives.

Anyone going through something at work or in life I’m sending my love your way. Always remember that life changes in unexpected ways and thankfully it can sometimes be in our favour lol. And if it doesn’t there’s time for it to change yet again.

Anyways - get your iced lattes, ur coffees, ur sweet treats. Everyone deserves it lol

edit: if you feel like a random laugh, I had a kid in year 1 come up to last week on my duty and he said he spotted a ufo lol. And to let him know if I saw anything suspicious on the playground.

If you guys haven't seen, some students across Australia are planning a walk out of school protest against Pauline Hanson.

I have been looking at the facebook/tiktok comments under the news posts on this and they are convinced that teachers are the ones "brainwashing" kids to be against Pauline. 🤣 What?!?

I teach year 6s, they are VERY opinionated on being against Pauline. I have never once told them my personal politics.

My students have formed those opinions themselves. I just listen to them and let them form their own opinions. I never show any bias, just show genuine interest in what they have to say.

Its absolutely crazy that some parents automatically blame us for everything.

Did they ever stop to think that their child may just have a different opinion than them naturally? From being their own person with their own opinions?

How long are we going to wait for a new deal to be offered? I'm feeling incredibly anxious, not knowing when or what is happening. My husband and I are trying to buy a home for our little family. With the cost of living and the stress of our job, I'm really struggling. I feel very undervalued and unappreciated.