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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-05-07 Daily Xml
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Teachers Registration Board

In reply to the Hon. K.L. VINCENT (16 September 2014). (First Session)

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): The Minister for Education and Child Development has received this advice:

On 13 April 2013, the State Government announced changes to the existing screening process in relation to fitness and propriety undertaken by the Teachers Registration Board. Since 2014 all applicants for registration, including renewals and Special Authorities to Teach are assessed under an enhanced screening process using information collected by Families SA together with a National Police History Check.

The Teacher Education Taskforce, which includes representatives from all education sectors in SA, South Australian tertiary institutions and the Teachers Registration Board (TRB), met in May and September of 2014 to discuss child protection in relation to initial teacher education programs. It has been agreed that the Taskforce will take a proactive approach ensuring the child protection curriculum is being included/integrated into all initial teacher programs. Teachers seeking to work in South Australian government schools, regardless of gender, are required to gain a criminal history screening clearance and complete training that addresses the mandatory notification responsibilities of those working in education and care settings.

Although any teacher who has been found guilty of unprofessional conduct is a serious matter, the nine cases reported in 2013 need to be put in perspective. In 2013, there were 10,112 male teachers registered by the TRB SA. Nine of these male teachers were found guilty of unprofessional conduct or 0.00089% of the male teaching workforce. Over 99% of the SA male teaching workforce proved competent and professional in their teaching practice.

South Australia, in 2013, had the highest percentage of male teachers (29%) in government schools compared to the national average (26%).

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