Contents Updated November 2017 Legal Disclaimers & Notices... 2 Relief Teaching in Australia... 3 About Western Australia... 4 Western Australia Place of Interest... 5 Relief Teacher Pay Australia... 6 Western Australia Salary Schedule for Teachers... 7 Relief Teaching in Western Australia... 9 Applying for relief teaching in Western Australia... 9 Teacher flying squad... 12 Criminal Check FAQ... 14 a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 1
Legal Disclaimers & Notices All rights reserved. No part of this document or accompanying files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or otherwise, by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher. This ebook is presented to you for information purposes only and is not a substitute for any professional advice. The contents herein are based on the views and opinions of the author and all associated contributors. While every effort has been made by the author and all associated contributors to present accurate and up to date information within this document, it is apparent technologies rapidly change. Therefore, the author and all associated contributors reserve the right to update the contents and information provided herein as these changes progress. The author and/or all associated contributors take no responsibility for any errors or omissions if such discrepancies exist within this document. The author and all other contributors accept no responsibility for any consequential actions taken, whether monetary, legal, or otherwise, by any and all readers of the materials provided. It is the reader's sole responsibility to seek professional advice before taking any action on their part. Readers results will vary based on their skill level and individual perception of the contents herein, and thus no guarantees, monetarily or otherwise, can be made accurately. Therefore, no guarantees are made. Bob Brandis bob@reliefteaching.com a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 2
Relief Teaching in Australia Each Australian state differs in how it arranges relief teacher pay and working conditions. Some states pay a daily rate and some states pay by the hour. Some states (like Queensland and Victoria) pay a set rate for relief teacher pay regardless of experience. Some states pay a rate for relief teacher pay based on experience and qualifications. Applying for relief teacher status also differs from state to state. Relief teacher pay rates in Australian State Schools are the result of enterprise bargaining within each state and, consequently, differ greatly. The information below contains the most up to date information available and, where possible, contains links to the external source from where the information was obtained. Relief Teaching is a popular way to work around Australia but each state has various employment requirements. You should check the working conditions applying to relief teachers within each state. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 3
About Western Australia Western Australia is a large expansive state. The state is made up primarily of arid outback terrain. Western Australia's population is concentrated in its southwest corner where the land is fertile. Popular tourist locations include the wine regions of Margaret River which also contain the states most popular surfing spots. The capital of Western Australia is Perth which is known for its abundant parkland, beaches and snorkelling sites. The Swan River traverses the city. Fremantle is a port city which is noted for its 19th-century architecture. Area: 2.646 million square kilometres Population; 2.589 million (Sept 2014) Capital City: Perth. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 4
Western Australia Place of Interest a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 5
Relief Teacher Pay Australia Relief Teaching Rates of Pay Daily Rate Hourly Rate Min Max Qld From 1/7/17 Vic From 1/7/17 ACT From 1/10/17 NSW From 1/1/17 $364.82 $383.29 $76.14 $347.81 $347.81 $58.84 $348 $396 $339.36 $409.29 NT From 12/10/17 $334.50 $368.10 SA 12/10/17 $326.48 $473.51 Min $55.75 Max $61.35 WA From 1/12/16 $258.14 $396.16 Min $48.88 Max: $61.64 TAS From 4/7/17 Min $58.08 Max $94.35 a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 6
Western Australia Salary Schedule for Teachers Relief Teaching Hourly Rates of Pay Western Australia Effective Form 1/12/2016 Untrained Relief Teacher Rate Increment Level Hourly Rate 1.1 $31.09 1.2 $32.82 1.3 $34.62 1.4 $36.55 1.5 $38.57 1.6 $40.71 1.7 $44.67 1.8 $48.88 A four-year trained relief teacher starts on salary Level 2.1 and progresses to Level 2.2 after 12 months of satisfactory service. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 7
Relief Teaching Rates of Pay Western Australia Relief Teaching Hourly Rates of Pay Western Australia Effective Form 1/12/2016 Four-year trained teachers start on salary Level 2.1 and progress to Level 2.2 after 12 months of satisfactory service. 2.1 $40.71 2.2 $44.67 2.3 $48.88 2.4 $50.80 2.5 $52.78 2.6 $54.85 2.7 $57.00 2.8 $59.23 2.9 $61.54 a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 8
Relief Teaching in Western Australia Catholic Schools Relief teachers employed for five consecutive working days or less shall be paid the following daily rate of $439.36 or $$217.48 for half a day. Relief teachers employed for more than five consecutive working days are paid for the period at the rate of salary appropriate to their qualifications and experience on a weekly basis of annual salary divided by forty or a daily basis of annual salary divided by 200. Applying for relief teaching in Western Australia Relief teaching refers to casual teaching work in a school (for less than 20 consecutive days) that becomes available on an as needs basis. Individual schools are responsible for the employment of relief teachers. Your guide to applying for relief teaching: Step 1 Check the Eligibility to teach criteria to ensure you meet the requirements. To be eligible to teach in a Western Australian public school, or undertake relief teaching, you must meet the Department of Education s eligibility requirements possess a teaching qualification from an accredited teacher education program or one recognised by the Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia (TRBWA) as equivalent. This can be either a four year Bachelor of Education in one of the following areas: a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 9
o early childhood education o primary education o middle school o secondary education o other teaching specialisations o or a minimum of a three-year degree in a relevant discipline, followed by a one-year graduate diploma in education with a specialisation such as primary education. Step 2 be registered with the TRBWA meet the Department of Education s probity checks be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or have permanent residency in Australia, or have a visa with relevant Australian work rights from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. Find suitable schools by visiting Schools Online. (See Key Contacts) Step 3 Contact individual schools to introduce yourself and let them know you are available. Step 4 Provide the schools with the necessary documentation (resume, copy of your Teachers Registration, qualifications and Department probity checks which include the National Police History Check and a Department Screening Clearance Number less than 12 months old). Step 5 Once you obtain relief work, if you don t already have a Working With Children Check (Western Australian) card you must apply within five days of starting relief teaching. Application forms can be obtained from selected Australia Post offices. The form needs to be signed by the school principal. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 10
The Working with Children (WWC) Check is a compulsory criminal check for many people who work with children under the age of 18 in Western Australia. The WWC Checks are administered by the Working with Children Screening Unit (WWC Screening Unit) at the Department for Child Protection and Family Support (DCPFS). The legislation aims to protect children from harm by: o deterring people from applying to work with children if they have criminal records that indicate they may harm children; o preventing people with such criminal records who do apply from gaining positions of trust in certain paid and unpaid employment; o establishing consistent standards for criminal record screening for people working with children and for the ethical use of such information; and o contributing to awareness that keeping children safe is a wholeofcommunity responsibility. The WWC Check is different and additional to the National Police History Check conducted through the Department of Education's Screening Unit. In many cases, employees will require both checks. Step 6 Provide your bank details to the school when you complete your relief teaching so you can be paid. The school submits a commencement form to Personnel and Payroll, and this generates your Employee Identification Number. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 11
Teacher flying squad Teachers employed as Teacher Flying Squad members are required to provide relief in locations throughout regional Western Australia. Being part of this team offers a unique opportunity to further develop teaching skills while assisting regional communities. If you are looking for a different kind of professional challenge you may wish to consider the benefits of joining the Teacher Flying Squad. Who can apply? To apply for the flying squad, you must meet the eligibility to teach requirements. The Teacher Flying Squad consists of the following two categories: Teacher Flying Squad Fixed-Term Appointment (Category 1) Teachers appointed to the position are: - o merit selected for a two (2) year tenure o required to fill vacancies at regional locations are for an indefinite duration, usually from twenty (20) working days to one (1) term o required to undertake relief duties at an agreed location if not required at an alternate location o entitled to free travel to and from the relief location o entitled to free accommodation in the relief location o paid appropriate salary rates as set out in Schedule A Salaries The School Education Act Employees (Teachers and Administrators) o General Agreement 2014 o entitled to a dislocation allowance to the value of $16,500 per annum, paid fortnightly in lieu of any other allowances provided to teachers on the basis of the location on the school o appointed as permanent subject to the completion of their probationary period and two (2) years continuous service as a member of the Flying Squad. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 12
Teacher Flying Squad Short-Term Appointment Pool (Category 2) Teachers appointed to the Short-Term Appointment Pool: o must currently reside in Western Australia o fill vacancies at regional locations for short-term duration, from twenty (20) working days to one (1) term o remain active for the duration of the pool o remain active in other central pools (e.g. fixed term/graduate teacher pools) whilst in a Teacher Flying Squad appointment o have the flexibility to accept or decline appointments as offered o can withdraw from the pool at any time o are entitled to payment of the locality and/or school specific allowances on a pro rata basis o are entitled to free accommodation in the relief location o are entitled to free travel to and from the relief location o are entitled to a meal allowance if no cooking facilities are available. What are the benefits of being in the teacher flying squad? Providing short term relief to country and remote schools in urgent need offers many professional and personal benefits such as: o a unique teaching experience o opportunity to contribute expertise to a variety of country communities o opportunity to gain further teaching experience which can enhance competitiveness for merit selection to teaching positions o financial incentives o free travel to and from the school location free accommodation at the relief location. Where are the schools? Short- term appointments are required in a diverse range of schools across regional Western Australia and provide an opportunity to teach at interesting and isolated locations for short periods of time. You may also be asked to consider taking up short-term appointments at remote schools. It is important to be prepared and research the schools where you have been offered an appointment. Information on each school is on Schools Online. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 13
Applications must be submitted online. Category 1 positions are advertised on Jobs WA. Category 2 applications are accepted at any time during the year through the Teacher Flying Squad Short-Term Appointment Pool advertised on Jobs WA. Criminal Check FAQ Q. I need to get this clearance as quickly as possible - how can I do that? A. To get the National Police History Check processed quickly, please complete the online version of the application. If you complete the hard copy version, please make sure that you submit everything that is required, as the Screening Unit cannot process an application unless it is complete. Your application will be returned to you if it arrives at the Screening Unit incomplete. A complete application can be processed on the same day that it is received, and potentially the result can be obtained the next day. Some applications may take up to three (3) weeks to be processed, but in most cases, the result will be available within one (1) week. Q. Can I start work after I have submitted my National Police History Check Application form, whilst the check is being undertaken? A. No. You can only commence work with the Department once you have been cleared, and a Screening Clearance Number (SCN) has been issued. If you provided your mobile phone number within your application, you will receive an SMS the instant you have been cleared. Q. How long will it take for my clearance to be processed? A. If your application is complete when it is received by the Screening Unit, it will usually be processed through CrimTrac on the day that it is received and, in most cases, will be cleared the following day and posted out that same day. However, if your application is incomplete or the payment is not received, it will be returned to you with a letter explaining what is needed for the application to be processed. Additionally, if your application is processed by CrimTrac and returns with a possible name match, it may take up to three (3) weeks for the process to be completed. The time that it takes is dependent on CrimTrac and the various State Police jurisdictions completing a thorough check on the details submitted. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 14
Q. Why do I have to have a criminal record check done before I commence employment? A. The Department of Education is committed to ensuring that individuals who are to be employed to work in our schools and within the Department are suitable for the roles they will undertake. This involves a risk assessment based on consideration of any previous criminal history. A previous criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment with the Department, but it must be considered. Q. I do not have a birth certificate, passport nor an Australian Citizenship Certificate - can I make up the 100 points identification from the Secondary Identification boxes for the identification requirements? A. No. The Screening Unit can only process an application where Primary Identification (original or certified copy) has been sighted. If the applicant was born in Australia, they will be required to apply for a birth certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. If the applicant was born overseas, they should contact the relevant agency in that country to obtain their birth certificate. All identification documents must be correctly certified. Q. I have a Spent Conviction and was told that I would not have to declare that to anyone - how should I answer Question 2 on the Application Form? A. The Department of Education has a full exclusion under the Spent Convictions Act 1988 which entitles this agency to receive information regarding any WA Spent Convictions. If you have a Spent Conviction, you are not required to disclose this, however, the CrimTrac Agency will release details of all WA spent convictions as part of this Criminal Record Check. The Department is entitled to receive these details and consider them in determining your suitability for employment. Q. Will a conviction received in another state of Australia show up in the criminal history check carried out by the Department? A. Yes. The National Police History Check is a check of all criminal information from all Australian states and territories. Q. I have previously undergone a criminal history check, why can t I use that for job I am applying for now? A. For non-teaching staff who are not current employees, if you have been screened but have not worked with the Department in the last 6 months, you must apply for a new criminal screen. For Teachers, if you have been screened but you have not worked during the last 12 months, you must apply for a new criminal screen. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 15
Q. How often do I need to have the criminal clearance? A. Usually only once if you maintain ongoing employment with the Department. However, you should note that as an employee of the Department, you are obliged to inform your line manager of any criminal charges and/or convictions that occur during your employment. If you have a break in service of more than 6 months (for non-teaching staff) or 12 months (for teachers) you will be required to have a new National Police History Check, and be cleared, before you can be re-employed. a reliefteaching.com publication 2017 16
Western Australia - Key Contacts Recognised Teaching Qualifications to teaching in WA Teacher Registration Board of Western Australia http://www.trb.wa.gov.au/ Schools Online http://www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline National Police History Checks Post Screening Unit, Department of Education, Locked Bag 2, East Perth, WA, 6892 In Person Screening Unit, Department of Education, 151 Royal Street, East Perth, WA, 6004 Email applications are only accepted from schools on behalf of applicants. Working with Children Card (Western Australia) http://det.wa.edu.au/careers/detcms/navigation/chooseteaching/teachingqualifications/ http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/detcms/navigation/screeningforcriminal-history/national-police-history-check--application-package/ http://www.det.wa.edu.au/screening/detcms/navigation/workingwithchildren-checks Teacher Flying Squad T: (08) 9264 4419 E: flyingsquad@education.wa.edu.au