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Teacher Registration Board
of the Northern Territory
Annual Report 2012
© Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory 2011
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]
Published by the Northern Territory Governmentfor the Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory 2012
Annual Report 2011 - 2012
ContentsList of tables................................................................................................................................................. 2Legend used in tables.................................................................................................................................. 2CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT........................................................................................................................4THE TEACHER REGISTRATION BOARD..................................................................................................6
Establishment of the Board......................................................................................................................6Functions of the Board............................................................................................................................. 6Membership of the Board......................................................................................................................... 7Meetings of the Board 2011–12...............................................................................................................8
Attendance register.............................................................................................................................. 8The Board’s vision, mission and values...................................................................................................9
The Board’s Strategic Objectives and Goals at a Glance (2010-2012)................................................9Committees of the Board........................................................................................................................ 10
Initial Teacher Education Committee..................................................................................................10Standards and Professional Learning Committee..............................................................................11Professional Conduct Reference Committee......................................................................................11Employer Reference Committee.........................................................................................................12
OFFICE OF THE TEACHER REGISTRATION BOARD............................................................................13Overview................................................................................................................................................ 13
Staff of the Teacher Registration Board.............................................................................................14Office placements............................................................................................................................... 15Information technology support..........................................................................................................15
Official travel.......................................................................................................................................... 15Finances................................................................................................................................................. 15
National Partnership funds................................................................................................................. 16Information Management....................................................................................................................... 16
Overview............................................................................................................................................ 16Type of information held..................................................................................................................... 16Register of teachers........................................................................................................................... 16Accessing information and/or correcting information under Part 3 of the Information Act..................16Records and archives management...................................................................................................17Information access and reporting.......................................................................................................17Information privacy............................................................................................................................. 17
REGISTRATIONS AND AUTHORISATIONS.............................................................................................18Who can be registered?..................................................................................................................... 18Registration fees................................................................................................................................ 18Number of teachers registered...........................................................................................................18Application assessed.......................................................................................................................... 18New registrations............................................................................................................................... 19Profile of teachers registered in the Northern Territory.......................................................................20Registration renewals......................................................................................................................... 21Names removed from the register......................................................................................................23Authorisations.................................................................................................................................... 22Appeals.............................................................................................................................................. 24Annual audit and compliance.............................................................................................................24
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INITIAL TEACHER EDUCATION...............................................................................................................25Approving initial teacher education programs....................................................................................25National accreditation of initial teacher education courses.................................................................26
STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING....................................................................................27Provisional Registration...................................................................................................................... 27Full Registration................................................................................................................................. 27National Professional Standards for Teachers...................................................................................27
COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES................................................................................................................28Inquiries and investigations................................................................................................................28Statistics............................................................................................................................................. 29Sexual offences.................................................................................................................................. 30Ensure that teachers and employers are aware of their statutory rights and responsibilities.............31Inquiries.............................................................................................................................................. 31Acknowledgements............................................................................................................................ 31
APPENDIX................................................................................................................................................. 32Acronyms and abbreviations.................................................................................................................. 32
List of tablesTable 1 Applications for Registration Presented to Board by Schedule.....................................................19Table 2 Number of New Teachers Registered...........................................................................................19Table 3 New Teachers Registered Under Mutual Recognition..................................................................20Table 4 Registered Teachers by Age........................................................................................................20Table 5 Number of Registered Teachers by Schedule..............................................................................21Table 6 Registered Teachers..................................................................................................................... 21Table 7 Registered Teachers by Gender...................................................................................................22Table 8 Schedule T Jan 2010-Dec 2010....................................................................................................22Table 9 Schedule T Jan 2011-Dec 2011....................................................................................................22Table 10 Authorisations Granted Jan 2010 – Dec 2010............................................................................23Table 11 Authorisations Granted Jan 2011 – Dec 2011............................................................................23
Legend used in tablesSchedule AFour years of tertiary education with at least one year of preservice 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 preservice 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 preservice 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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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Hon. Robyn Lambley 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 2012.
Yours sincerely
Karen BlanchfieldChair
30 September 2012
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CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT
This is the eighth 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 Board appointed Ms Maree Garrigan to the role as Director at the end of 2011 and extended a warm welcome to her. Mr John Sarev who had been Acting Director for the previous nine months, took up a new position and the Board farewelled John who had been both a Board member and senior staff member.
Throughout the last financial year the Board has continued to implement provisional and full registration requirements in accordance with the amendments made to the Act in 2010. There has been continued growth in the work of the Board as the national agenda requiring consistent registration practices has progressed. The introduction of National Professional Standards for Teachers in 2013, to replace the NT Teacher Standards, has required ongoing information sessions and support for teachers and educators across the Territory.
The total number of registered teachers as of 30 June 2012 was 5884, being 5148 fully registered teachers and 736 provisionally registered teachers. Authorisations totalled 35, with 6 Teach for Australia Associates included for the first time.
The Board has continued to develop documents to assist in understanding the requirements of each category of registration, provisional and full. Provisionally registered teachers, their mentors and principals were supported through face-to-face and webinar information sessions. In preparation for the move to National Professional Standards, a range of support documents linking the Northern Territory Standards to the National Standards was developed to assist teachers. The Board worked closely with principals and employer groups to ensure they have an understanding of the requirements of the national agenda.
The Board has been involved for the first time in the accreditation of initial teacher education programs that will be implemented by Charles Darwin University in 2013. Panel training was conducted in Darwin by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (“AITSL”) to ensure there were enough trained panel members to participate in this work. Each panel must have a member from another jurisdiction to ensure consistency of assessment nationally.
The Board provided comment on the draft Performance and Development Framework and consulted in various forums across sectors in order to provide feedback to AITSL. A Principal was nominated by the Board to participate in a Focus Group of the Profession which provides advice and engages with AITSL’s work to support the implementation of the National Professional Standards for Teachers, and National Professional Standard for Principals in the areas of initial teacher education, nationally consistent registration, certification of highly accomplished and lead teachers, performance and development and professional learning.
The Board worked in partnership with the Centre for School Leadership Learning and Development to engage in a national pilot to trial the National Professional Standards for Teachers within existing structures and practices across Australia. Mr John Sarev, Acting Director and Ms Janine Matheson, Acting Manager Registration and Professional Standards, undertook research to determine in what ways graduate teachers located in regional and remote schools demonstrate their engagement with the Standards in their daily work, as they transition from Graduate to Proficient career levels and move from provisional to full registration. A case study was produced outlining how nine participants located in regional and remote schools across the
Territory collected evidence against the standards, with some recommendations on how to streamline the process. Ms Matheson, on behalf of the Board, is participating in Phase Two of the AITSL pilot.
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Development of processes to accredit highly accomplished and lead teachers is well under way. The Director has worked closely with employers as well as the Centre for School Leadership Learning and Development to ensure that the Board will be well prepared to begin the accreditation process in 2013.
The Board continued to work collaboratively with Charles Darwin University (“CDU”) and the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education (“BIITE”) to ensure graduates from the preservice teacher education courses will be entitled to registration.
In 2012, BIITE delivered the Batchelor of Teaching and Learning Primary and Batchelor of Teaching and Learning Early Childhood under a collaborative partnership agreement with CDU. The Australian Centre of Indigenous Knowledge and Education is in a collaborative partnership between BIITE and CDU for the delivery of tertiary programs to improve the access, participation and success of Indigenous students in higher education.
Teacher education programs for Indigenous students have been and will continue to be delivered by the institute in Batchelor and the Desert Peoples Centre in Alice Springs through the mixed mode approach. This approach combines intensive workshops, community based learning and online learning to support Indigenous students to achieve their teaching qualifications.
The Territory hosted a meeting for the first time of the Australasian Teacher Regulatory Authorities (ATRA) in September 2011 in Alice Springs. This was an excellent opportunity to showcase the work of NT schools and the beautiful surroundings of Central Australia.
In May 2012, Board member Ms Karen Piening resigned. I would like to acknowledge the strong contribution Karen made to the Board over many years, bringing with her a wealth of experience in urban and remote educational settings.
The office of the Board had a number of staff changes. Ms Rachel Dunn resigned her position as Manager Professional Conduct in January 2012 and Ms Melissa Frey acted in the position prior to the appointment of Ms Jodie Hill. Ms Leonie Wetherall has been with the Board since the start of 2012 supporting the general work of the Board.
The Board continues its important role in relation to undertaking disciplinary investigations for complaints and inquiries. Two matters have proceeded to inquiries this financial year and 15 preliminary investigations have been undertaken. One teacher unsuccessfully appealed a decision of the Board to impose conditions on registration and another appeal is ongoing in the Local Court. The Board works closely with the Solicitor for the Northern Territory and is appreciative of the legal assistance provided in disciplinary matters.
Negotiations took place for the Board to move into larger premises within the same building with increased workspace for staff and a conference room that will enable Board meetings to be held on site.
The Board continues to be well served by teachers who sit on various committees that provide advice to the Board. I extend my thanks to those members of the Board who chaired committees and to a range of teachers for their professional input. Their work contributes to ensuring that our profession is regulated appropriately and that students ultimately benefit by having quality teachers.
Karen BlanchfieldChair
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.
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Functions of the BoardThe objective of the Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) 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 competence of teachers in the Northern Territory. The functions and responsibilities of the Teacher Registration Board may 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.
Best practice
Where appropriate to do so, the Board may conduct research into the best practice in teaching in the Northern Territory. The Board must promote best practice in education based on research.
Membership of the BoardNominee of the Chief Executive of the Department of Education and TrainingMs Karen PieningBA, Grad Dip Ed, MEd StudsTo October 2014
Ms Piening resigned on 9 February 2012
One educator, nominee of the Catholic Education OfficeMr Greg O’MullaneBA, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip Arts, MEd Studs, FACETo October 2014
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
One indigenous registered teacher at a government school, the nominee of the Chief Executive of Department of Education and TrainingMs Yalmay YunupinguDip TeachTo October 2012
One educator, nominee of Charles Darwin UniversityProf Peter KellPhD (Deakin) MEdAdmin (Deakin) Grad Dip Ed Studs (CSU) DipT (Canberra)To October 2014
Two registered teachers (one based at a remote school), nominees of the Northern Territory branch of the Australian Education UnionMs Susan StanawayTTC, Dip Ed, Grad Dip EdTo October 2012
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 registered teacher, nominee of the Independent Education Union Queensland/Northern TerritoryMs Elsabe BottBEd, MEdTo October 2012
One registered teacher, nominee of the NT Joint Council of Professional Teaching AssociationsMs Lorraine HodgsonDip TeachTo October 2012
One educator, nominee of the Association of Independent Schools of the NTMr Christopher TudorBEc, Grad Dip Ed, Grad Dip Ed AdminTo October 2012
One registered teacher, nominee of the Association of NT School Educational LeadersMs Karen BlanchfieldTTC, BEd, Grad Dip PSM, MIMTo October 2012
Meetings of the Board 2011–2012Meeting Date Description Duration
1 4 August 2011 Teleconference Afternoon
2 1 September 2011 Darwin Full day
3 13 October 2011 Darwin Full day
4 1 December 2011 Teleconference Afternoon
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5 25 January 2012 Teleconference Afternoon
6 9 February 2012 Darwin Full day
7 15 March 2012 Darwin Full day
8 10 May 2012 Teleconference Afternoon
9 7 June 2012 Darwin Full day
Attendance register Meetings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Members
Karen Blanchfield
Steve Carter AP P
Elsabe Bott AP P P AP P
Chris Tudor AP AP NA
Lorraine Hodgson AP AP
Susan Stanaway P AP
Greg O’Mullane AP P P P P P
Karen Piening* P AP AP RFB
Yalmay Yunupingu AP P A A P A A P
Stephen Nimmo AP
Claire Kilgariff P P P P A AP P
Peter Kell AP AP
*Ms Karen Piening resigned from her position on the Board on 9 February 2012.
Legend: A - Absent; AP - Absent with Apologies; NA - Not Applicable; P - Part meeting; RFB - Retired from Board.
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
The Board’s vision, mission and valuesVisionA teaching profession valued for its highest standards of professional practice and conduct in the interest of students and the community in the Northern Territory.
MissionTo regulate the teaching profession in the Northern Territory to ensure only appropriately qualified, competent and fit and proper persons are members of the profession.
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 Strategic Objectives and Goals at a Glance (2010-2012)In fulfilling its legislative functions, the Board will continue to focus on the following objectives and goals over the next 18 months:
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Goal 1Maintain a robust and efficient
registration system
Goal 2Strengthen preservice teacher
education programs in theNorthern Territory
Goal 3Ensure only fit and proper persons
maintain registration in theNorthern Territory
Goal 4
Maintain a Code of Ethics
To 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.
Goal 5Promote and develop competencies of
teachers during the early stages of teachers' careers
Goal 6Promote the importance of ongoing
professional learning against the standards of professional practice
Goal 7
Research and promote best practice
Goal 8Participate in the development and
implementation of national professional standards of practice for
teachers
To develop and improve professional teaching standards and facilitate and support the continuing competence of teachers in the Northern Territory
against the standards of professional practice for the profession.
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 Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) Act (“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 preservice teacher education programs delivered in the Northern Territory to ensure graduates meet the Professional Standards for Graduate Teachers in the Northern Territory for the purposes of registration.
Membership June 2011 to June 2012Ms Sue Crowe (Chair) Principal, Braitling Primary School
Ms Elizabeth Mountford Manager of HALT Program, CSLLD
Ms Tania Thompson (nee Paull) Practising Teacher, The Essington School
Ms Lola Sleep Practising Teacher, Kormilda College (currently on leave)
Ms Margie Kesby Senior Curriculum Manager, DET
Mr Martin Trouw Assistant Principal, Dripstone Middle School
Ms Kate Fegan Acting Assistant Principal Wulagi Primary School (joined committee 24 May 2012)
Ms Lynette Delaney Deputy Principal, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School
Dr John Young Principal Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Thamarrurr College Wadeye (joined committee 29 May 2012)
Mr Laurence Tamatea Associate Professor of Pedagogy and Learning, CDU
Ms Teresa Hughes Senior Lecturer Indigenous Teacher Education, BIITE
Dr Melodie Bat Senior Lecturer, BIITE (resigned from committee January 2012)
Mr Cameron Hughes Deputy Principal, Murrupurtiyanuwu Catholic Primary School Xavier Catholic College Wurrumiyanga (resigned from committee January 2012)
Ms Janine Matheson Executive Officer, Manager of Professional Learning and Standards, TRB
Meetings10 & 11 November 2011 – National Accreditation Training29 March 201222 May 2012
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Standards and Professional Learning CommitteeThe Standards and Professional Leaning 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;
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 best practice in teaching in the Northern Territory.
Membership June 2011 to June 2012Ms Claire Kilgariff (Chair) Head of Faculty, Education, Arts and Social Sciences, BIITE, Board member
(joined Committee on 10 May 2012)
Ms Lindall Watson Acting Principal, Gapuwiyak School
Ms Carmel Blake Student Services, DET
Mr Lon Wallis Independent Education Union NT
Ms Natalie Hyde Assistant Principal, The Essington School
Ms Julianne Willis Education Consultant
Mr Greg Smith Lecturer, Charles Darwin University
Ms Julie House Associate Principal, Parap Primary School
Ms Helen Spiers Assistant Principal, Kormilda College
Mr Rod Smith Australian Education Union NT
Mr Lyndon Baker Senior Project Officer, DET
Ms Pam Adam ANSTEL Representative
Ms Jayne McIntyre Education Advisor Early Childhood Intervention, DET
Ms Janine Matheson Executive Officer, Manager of Professional Learning and Standards, TRB
Ms Karen Piening (Chair) Board member and practising teacher (resigned from committee May 2012)
Mr Mark Killen Principal, Acacia Hill School (retired from committee June 2012)
Meetings25 November 20118 June 2012
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.
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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.
Membership June 2011 to June 2012Mr Stephen Nimmo (Chair) Assistant Regional Manager of Operations Barkly Education Office, DETMr Gerry Greene Regional Manager HR Services Division Central Australia, DET
Mr Lester Lemke Principal, O’Loughlin Catholic CollegeMs Selena Uibo Teacher, Community Studies, PLP, Aboriginal Studies, Casuarina Senior College
Ms Kate Fegan Acting Associate Principal, Parap Primary SchoolMs Jackie Dupe English Teacher, Darwin High School
Mr Paul van Holsteyn Assistant Principal Learning, Centralian Middle SchoolMr David Shinkfield Principal, Kormilda College
Mr Laurence Tamatea Pedagogy & Learning, 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
Meetings1 December 20117 June 2012
Employer Reference CommitteeThe purpose of this committee is to facilitate the exchange of information between employers of teachers and the Teacher Registration 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 June 2011 to June 2012Mr Steve Carter (Chair) Board Member, COGSOMr Greg O’Mullane Board Member, employer CEO
Ms Carol Penglase General Manager, employer DETMs Gail Barker Registered Teacher, employer AISNT
Mr Geoff Batemen CEO, employer NTCSADirector Office of the Board
Senior Registration Officer Office of the BoardExecutive Officer Office of the Board
Meeting19 March 2012
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
OFFICE OF THE TEACHER REGISTRATION BOARD
OverviewSecretariat support to the Teacher Registration Board is provided by the office of the Teacher Registration 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; and support for Board committees.
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Staff of the Teacher Registration Board
Director 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.
Ms Maree GarriganAppointed by the Board, Ms Garrigan began on 3 January 2012
Special Projects Officer 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 preservice teacher education course accreditation.
Ms Janine Matheson
Senior Policy and Professional Conduct Manager
The Senior Policy and Professional Conduct Manager 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.
Ms Jodie Hill
(Sharon Scurr nominally holds the position but is on extended leave; Ms Rachael Dunn and Ms Melissa Frey acted in the position until it was filled temporarily by Ms Hill)
Senior Registration and Office Manager
The Senior Registration 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.
Ms 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.
Miss 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.
Miss Melissa Frey
Administration Officer The Administration Officer provides administrative and financial support and assist in the processes for registering teachers in the Northern Territory.
Mrs 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.
Miss Emily Bull
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Office placementsThe office has provided a placement for an over establishment displaced officer Ms Leonie Wetherall.
Information technology supportWhile the Department of Education and Training provides corporate services to the Board, additional support in information technology is provided by Brainware Pty Ltd and the Territory Business Centre.
Official travelThe Teacher Registration Board’s Director and the Chair attended the biannual meetings of the Australasian Teacher Regulatory Authorities in Alice Springs in September 2011 and Hobart in March 2012.
Board members who travelled to attend the full day Board meetings in Darwin:
Karen Blanchfield Darwin/Alice Springs return 5 times
Chris Tudor Darwin/Alice Springs return 4 times
Susan Stanaway Nhulunbuy/Darwin return 4 times
Stephen Nimmo Darwin/Tennant Creek return 5 times
FinancesThe Teacher Registration 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 total revenue from registration fees for 2011/2012 was $369,432 a decrease of $134,169 from 2010/2011.
Budget allocation $
Salaries 680,000
Operational 204,000
Grant 4,000
TOTAL 888,000
Budget Actuals $
Salaries 764,133
Operational 314,376
Grant 951
TOTAL 1,079,460
National Partnership fundsIn 2009, the Board was allocated $130,000 of National Partnership funding to facilitate the implementation of the new registration arrangements following the successful passage of the amendments to the Teacher
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Registration (Northern Territory) Act that enabled the Board to demonstrate its capacity to meet the requirements of nationally consistent teacher registration practices.
$16,000 of the National Partnership funding was carried over into the 2011/2012 financial year.
Budget allocation $130,000
Expenditure (2009/2010) 80,000
Carry forward (2010/2011) 50,000
Carry forward (2011/2012) 16,000
Information ManagementOverviewAs a body corporate established by Territory legislation, the Teacher Registration Board (“the Board”) is a public sector organisation for the purposes of the Information Act.
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 Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) Act (“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 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 ActPeople can also access information held by the Teacher Registration Board by submitting an application under the Information Act. 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;
specify an address to which correspondence regarding the application may be sent; and
include an application fee, which is currently $30.00.
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;
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
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 Teacher Registration Board in accordance with the Information Act.
Records and archives managementPart 9 of the Information Act provides for the protection and management of records and archives by public sector organisations. The Teacher Registration 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, the Teacher Registration Board advised the Information Commissioner that one request for access to government information held by the Teacher Registration Board was received during the 2011/2012 financial year.
Note: Only applications that met the formal requirements for acceptance under the Information Act are counted.
Information privacyThe Information Act 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 Teacher Registration 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.
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.Goals
1. Maintain a robust and efficient registration system.
2. Strengthen preservice 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.
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Who can be registered?The minimum qualification requirements for registration are met by applicants who have completed four years of approved tertiary study in a preservice teacher 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. On 31 December 2011, 4150 teachers had a financial expiry of 31/12/2011. 3030 of these teachers paid their annual fee for the 2012 calendar year. 1120 teachers did not pay their registration fee for 2012 compared with 733 who did not pay in 2010.
Number of teachers registeredThe number of teachers registered to teach in the Northern Territory has decreased by 267 in the past year.
June 2005 June 2006 June 2007 June 2008 June 2009 June 2010 June 2011 June 20123992 4481 4572 5086 5462 5768 6151 5884
Applications assessedThe office of the Teacher Registration Board assesses applications for registration under the provisions of the Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) Act and in compliance with the Mutual Recognition Act 1992 and the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997.
A total of 834 applications were assessed this 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 80 instances of applications categorised as being ‘hard’ (Schedule H). These applications require additional research and are presented to the Board case by case.
While the 80 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 or R) and therefore Table 2 is a true representation of the number of new teachers registered in 2011-2012.
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Schedule A Schedule R Schedule H Schedule B0
100
200
300
400
500
600
307
525
80
2
Applications for registration presented toBoard for 2011-2012 by Schedule
Num
ber o
f Tea
cher
s
Table 1 Applications for registration presented to Board by Schedule
New registrationsIn 2011-2012, 834 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 114 graduates from Charles Darwin University registrations and 5 graduates registered from the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education.
Teacher Registration Act Mutual Recognition Total0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
373
541
914
Number of new teachers registered in 2011-2012
Num
ber o
f Tea
cher
s
Table 2 Number of new teachers registered
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NZ QLD SA TAS VIC WA ACT0
50
100
150
200
250
34
140
71
22
224
48
2
New teachers registered in 2011-2012 underMutual Recognition by Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction
Num
ber o
f Tea
cher
s
Table 3 New teachers registered under Mutual Recognition
The percentage of the total number of teachers registered in the Northern Territory under the Mutual Recognition arrangements continues to increase. In 2008, 25.5% of the total number of teachers registered had done so under the Mutual Recognition arrangements and this increased to 27.9% in 2009 and 30% in 2010.
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
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
157
14141320
14171576
Registered teachers by age as at 30th June 2012
Age Bracket
Num
ber o
f Tea
cher
s
Table 4 Registered teachers by age
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Schedule A Schedule B Schedule R0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
3334
483
2067
Registered Teachers by Schedule as at 30th June 2012
Num
ber o
f Tea
cher
s
Table 5 Number of Registered Teachers by Schedule
Registration renewalsTeachers’ registration is for one calendar year and teachers may register for up to five years. On 31 December 2010, 4000 registrations were due for renewal. In all, 3436 teachers renewed their registration. A total of 564 teachers did not renew their registration for 2011 compared with 733 teachers who did not renew their registration when it expired in 2009.
Full Registration Provisional Registration0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
60005148
736
Registered Teachers by Category as at 30th June 2012
Registration Category
Num
ber o
f Tea
cher
s
Table 6 Registered Teachers by Category
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Female Male0
500100015002000250030003500400045005000
4316
1568
Registered Teachers by gender as at 30th June 2012
Gender
Num
ber o
f Tea
cher
s
Table 7 Registered Teachers by gender
Names removed from the register
Deceased teachers removed from the register 1
SCHEDULE T - Jan 2011 - December 2011
2 Dec 20 Jan 10 Feb 17 Mar 12 May 9 Jun4 Aug 1 Sep 20 Oct 1 DecTotal Successful
New school 0 1 2 0 1 1 4 1 1 4 15 15
Repeat school 10 3 3 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 22 21
Variation to current Auth 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 4
Upgrade to Sched A 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 3
Unsuccessful 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
Table 8 Schedule T January 2011-December 2011
SCHEDULE T - Jan 2012 – June 201225 Jan 9 Feb 15 Mar 10 May 7 Jun Total Successful
New School 0 5 9 2 3 19 19Repeat School 0 9 6 1 0 16 16Variation to Current Auth 0 0 1 0 2 3Upgrade to Sched A 0 0 1 0 0 1Unsuccessful 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 9 Schedule T January 2012-June 2012
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
New Applications Repeat Applications Total Authorisations Upgrade Qualifications0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
15
21
36
3
Authorisations grantedJanuary 2011 - December 2011
Num
ber o
f Aut
horis
ation
s
Table 10 Authorisations granted January 2011 – December 2011
New Applications Repeat Applications Total Authorisations Upgrade Qualifications0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
1916
35
1
Authorisations grantedJanuary 2012 - June 2012
Num
ber o
f Aut
horis
ation
s
Table 11 Authorisations granted Jan 2012 – June 2012
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 2011 calendar year, the Board granted authorisation to 15 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 2012, a total of 35 authorisations were granted to persons employed in teaching positions. Of this number, 19 were new applications and 16 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 2011 and 30 June 2012, four completed further study and are now registered teachers.
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AppealsDuring the 2011-2012 reporting period no applicant for registration and no registered teacher has appealed a decision of the Teacher Registration Board.
Annual audit and complianceUnder section 78 of the Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) 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.
66 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 renew registration. 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.
No prosecutions were instigated.
Sector Employer Name Return Received
CEO Catholic Education Office 03/04/2012
GOV Department of Employment, Education and Training 30/03/2012
IND Good Shepherd Lutheran School 16/04/2012
IND Kormilda College 26/03/2012
IND Living Waters Lutheran School 29/03/2012
IND Milkwood School Council 09/03/2012
IND Northern Territory Christian Schools Association 15/03/2012
IND Nyangatjatjara College 16/04/2012
IND St Andrew’s Lutheran School 13/03/2012
IND St Philip’s College 02/04/2012
IND The Alice Springs Steiner School 20/03/2012
IND The Essington School 12/04/2012
IND Yipirinya School 09/03/2012
IND Yirara College 20/03/2012
IND Tiwi College 29/08/2012
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
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 preservice 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 preservice teacher education programs offered by Charles Darwin University (CDU) based on the processes and protocols established by AITSL 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.
Approving initial teacher education programsIn June 2012, CDU submitted its new Bachelor of Education (Primary) program to the Board for assessment under the new national guidelines.
The members of the panel convened to assess the program were:
Mrs Margie Kesby (Chair) Senior Curriculum Manager, DET Alice Springs
Ms Julie-Anne Cobb Middle Years Program Coordinator, Kormilda College
Ms Josephine Wynn Retired Principal DET
Dr Anthony Loughland Senior Lecturer, University of Sydney
At its meeting of 27 – 29 June 2011, the panel resolved not to recommend the following course to the Board or the Minister as suitable for the purposes of teacher registration in the Northern Territory at this time:
Bachelor of Education (Primary)
The panel provided a detailed feedback report to CDU and has continued the partnership of working towards the provision of quality initial teacher education programs. As part of the process, the provider is permitted to respond to the feedback report and present further evidence to the panel to meet both the National Professional Standards for Graduate Teachers and the National Program Standards. The panel is confident that the Bachelor of Education (Primary) program will be accredited for enrolments to be accepted in 2013.
The Board continued liaising with CDU with regard to the implementation of the accreditation of initial teacher education programs in Australia: standards and procedures, and will continue to work with CDU to increase the number of courses available to perspective students in a wide range of initial teacher education courses, that also address the needs of the Northern Territory.
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National accreditation of initial teacher education coursesA national accreditation system of preservice teacher education programs is now operational. The system requires evidence of how the graduate standards will be met and how the program meets the necessary standards. Such is the nature of the process, training was provided to all existing members of the Initial Teacher Education Committee and other key stakeholders, such as employees in key roles at Charles Darwin University in Sydney and Melbourne in November 2011.
The training, funded by AITSL, involved approaches to evidence provided, clarity of evidence, bias training, and considered the perspectives of the providers, the employers and the regulatory authorities. As the provider cannot sit on a panel to accredit their own courses, a further training session was held in Darwin in June 2012, to increase the numbers of those trained, and to broaden the perspective of those who can accredit. Any person who is trained can be requested to sit on interstate accreditation panels.
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNINGStrategic 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.Goals
1. 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 best practice.4. Participate in the development and implementation of national professional standards
of practice 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 moving to full registration. Provisionally registered teachers have access to a range of support material available on the Board website. Information guides for provisionally registered teachers, their mentors and principals are available to download. The Board has additionally implemented a Principals’ Circular whereby it communicates directly with Principals on matters to do with registration. The Board has been incredibly active in supporting provisionally registered teachers and has offered information sessions in major towns in Territory as well as remote schools via webinar and in some instances, face to face presentations. The Board will continue to provide these presentations in as many centres as possible and continue to build the capacity to service teachers in remote schools effectively, particularly with regard to the implementation of the National Professional Standards for Teachers and the impact this will have on moving 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. 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.
National Professional Standards for TeachersThe Board’s Professional Learning and Standards Committee has been investigating the most valuable way to provide information and clarification to teachers on how the National Professional Standards will impact on core business, in the form of information forums. The National Professional Standards for Teachers have been introduced through information sessions with provisionally registered teachers and fully registered teachers, and work continues on providing comparison to the NT Standards and the differences and similarities of the two sets of standards.
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COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES
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. 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 NT Police;
a notification from another teacher registration authority; or
information received from another source.
The Teacher Registration 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.
To assist teachers, employers and members of the public to better understand the Board’s complaints and inquiries process, an additional page was added to the website. This page now contains relevant information relating to the way in which the Board manages complaints and inquiries against registered teachers.
Number of cases carried over from previous year 28
Number of new cases received in the 2011 – 2012 financial year 13
TOTAL 41
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
Statistics
Complaints
Received this financial year 2
Carried over 2
Dismissed without preliminary investigation 0
Preliminary investigation commenced 3
Inquiry commenced 0
Registration cancelled, suspended and or conditions imposed 0
Ongoing at 1 July 2012 1
Notifications from employer
Received this financial year 7
Carried over 19
Dismissed without preliminary investigation 0
Preliminary investigation commenced 12
Inquiry commenced 11
Registration cancelled, suspended and/or conditions imposed 4
Ongoing at 1 July 2012 8
Notification from NT Police
Received this financial year 0
Carried over 1
Dismissed 0
Preliminary investigation commenced 0
Inquiry commenced 1
Registration cancelled, suspended and/or conditions imposed 1
Ongoing as at 1 July 2012 1
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Notification from a Teacher Registration Authority
Received 0
Carried over 0
Dismissed 0
Preliminary investigation commenced 0
Inquiry commenced 0
Registration cancelled, suspended and/or conditions imposed 0
Ongoing as at 1 July 2012 0
Declaration from another source
Received 2
Carried over 4
Dismissed without preliminary investigation 2
Preliminary investigation commenced 1
Inquiry commenced 2
Registration cancelled, suspended and/or conditions imposed 1
Ongoing as at 1 July 2012 2
Decisions appealed to Local Court
Received 2
Appealed by teacher 1
Appealed by complainant 1
Board’s decision confirmed on appeal 1
Ongoing as at 1 July 2012 1
Sexual 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.
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Annual Report 2011 - 2012
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 has had the pleasure of working with Ms Sonia Brownhill, Barrister (William Forster Chambers).
The following Board members have represented the Board on at least one inquiry committee this financial year:
Karen Blanchfield
Stephen Nimmo
Steven Carter
The Board thanks these members for their time, support and effort.
AcknowledgementsThe Board thanks the Solicitor for the Northern Territory, Department of Justice, for its continued legal support and assistance during the past financial year.
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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
DET Department of Education and Training (Northern Territory)
NTCSA Northern Territory Christian Schools Association
NT Northern Territory
NTG Northern Territory Government
TRB Teacher Registration Board
The Board Teacher Registration Board of the Northern Territory
The Act Teacher Registration (Northern Territory) Act
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