C2. Applying for re-accreditation

Section C2 applies to teachers who were previously accredited to teach in NSW and want to return to teaching.

For all returning teachers, NESA follows the principles set out in C2.1.

For details about the specific re-accreditation process for different types of returning teachers, see:

• C2.2 for teachers whose Conditional or Provisional accreditation ceased after the maximum accreditation timeframe
• C2.3 for teachers whose accreditation was cancelled but the grounds for cancellation no longer apply
• C2.4for teachers whose accreditation was revoked due to misconduct, unsuitability or failing to meet the Standards
• C2.5 for teachers who voluntarily cancelled their accreditation
• C2.6 for teachers who have been away from teaching for more than 5 years and are eligible for immediate re-accreditation at the Proficient Teacher level.

C2.1 Re-accreditation process and principles

C2.1.1 Applicants must meet the re-accreditation conditions before they apply

To apply for re-accreditation, a returning teacher must:

• pay the re-accreditation application fee
• hold a current WWCC clearance for paid employment
• consent to a national criminal history check
• provide information relevant to their accreditation level, as set out in C2.2–C2.6.

If the application is successful, the returning teacher must pay any outstanding accreditation fees accrued during their previous accreditation period before they can be re-accredited.

C2.1.2 NESA will assess re-accreditation applications

When assessing re-accreditation applications, NESA may (where relevant and only with the teacher’s consent) contact a teacher’s previous employer(s) for information in relation to:

• their accreditation history
• previous teaching experience
• prospective employment opportunities.

Re-accreditation decisions

NESA will decide to either:

• re-accredit the teacher at one of the levels set out in the table below; or
• refuse to accredit them at any level.

Re-accreditation outcomes

NESA sends a notice to the teacher advising them of the outcome of their re-accreditation application. The notice will include:

• any conditions NESA is imposing
• details of the revised maintenance period
• the new maximum timeframe to achieve Proficient Teacher accreditation (for teachers re-accredited at Provisional level)
• information about the teacher’s eligibility to apply for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher (where applicable).

Re-accreditation refusals

NESA will refuse to re-accredit a teacher if they do not meet the requirements for accreditation in line with the TA Act.

C2.1.3 Teachers may seek a review of re-accreditation decisions

A teacher may apply to NESA for an internal review of a decision to not re-accredit them. They must do this within 28 days of being notified. Details of how to apply are on NESA’s website.

After the internal review is finalised, the teacher may apply to have the decision reviewed by the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

C2.2 Teachers whose accreditation ceased 

C2.2.1 Teachers whose accreditation ceased can apply to be re-accredited

If a teacher previously held Conditional or Provisional accreditation but their accreditation ceased after their maximum accreditation timeframe, they can apply to be re-accredited at Provisional level. 

C2.2.2 NESA may re-accredit certain applicants at Provisional level

In some cases, NESA may re-accredit teachers without convening a NESA Re-accreditation Panel (the Panel) (see C2.2.3). NESA will only do this if:

• this is the first time the teacher’s accreditation has ceased
• the teacher has appropriate employment that will enable them to achieve accreditation at the Proficient Teacher level.

Teachers must provide evidence of appropriate employment, which could be either:

• an ongoing teaching position – the teacher holds an ongoing position which began before their accreditation ceased
• a new teaching position – the teacher has written support from their current principal/TA Delegate agreeing to a new employment period, starting within 3 months of the date their accreditation ceased.

If a teacher’s Conditional accreditation ceased, they must give NESA evidence of their teaching qualification (as set out in A2.2.1) when applying to be re-accredited. If they have already supplied this, they do not need to resupply it.

C2.2.3 NESA may convene a panel to consider re-accreditation after ceasing

Where necessary, NESA may convene a panel to consider re-accreditation applications from applicants whose accreditation ceased.

The panel will make a recommendation based on:

• the teacher’s reasons for not achieving Proficient Teacher accreditation by the end of their maximum timeframe
• what the teacher has done to address the reasons for not achieving Proficient Teacher accreditation by the end of their maximum timeframe
• documents from prospective NSW employers confirming that the applicant has the opportunity to work as a teacher so they can meet the Proficient Teacher accreditation requirements
• evidence of the teacher’s pattern of teaching employment during their initial accreditation period, e.g. statement(s) of service or other appropriate documents
• any other information about the teacher’s initial accreditation period that NESA provides, which might include information from employing authorities.

After considering the panel’s recommendation, NESA will decide if it will re-accredit the teacher.

C2.2.4 NESA will make a re-accreditation decision

If NESA decides to re-accredit the teacher at the Provisional level, the teacher will have 2 years from their re-accreditation date to complete all the requirements for Proficient Teacher accreditation as set out in A3.

Teachers can apply to extend the 2-year timeframe as set out in A3.1.3.

C2.2.5 NESA may impose re-accreditation conditions

NESA can place conditions on the teacher’s re-accreditation at Provisional level. The conditions:

• will be imposed if NESA is satisfied that they will enable a teacher to meet the accreditation requirements at Proficient Teacher level
• can be amended or removed by NESA.

C2.3 Teachers whose grounds for cancellation no longer apply

C2.3.1 Teachers can apply to be re-accredited if grounds for cancellation no longer apply

A teacher whose accreditation was cancelled by NESA can apply for re-accreditation if the grounds for cancellation no longer apply. This includes cases where a teacher’s accreditation was cancelled because it had been suspended for more than 12 months for any of these reasons:

• an expired WWCC clearance
• outstanding fees
• failing to provide their PD log
• failing to meet their maintenance of accreditation requirements.

Teachers can apply for re-accreditation at specific levels depending on the level they held prior to the cancellation of their accreditation.

Teachers previously accredited at Conditional or Provisional level

Teachers previously accredited at Conditional or Provisional level can apply to be re-accredited at Provisional level only.

If a teacher’s Conditional accreditation was cancelled, they must give NESA evidence of completion of their teaching qualification (as set out in A2.2.1) when applying to be re-accredited. If they have already supplied this, they do not need to resupply it.

Teachers previously accredited at Proficient Teacher or HALT level

Teachers previously accredited at Proficient Teacher or HALT level can apply to be re-accredited at the same level if:

• their accreditation was not cancelled for failing to meet the accreditation maintenance requirements; or
• they have been away from teaching in NSW for less than 5 years.

If they wish, HALTs can write to NESA to request re-accreditation at Proficient Teacher level instead. 

C2.3.2 NESA will make a re-accreditation decision

After considering the re-accreditation application, NESA will either:

• re-accredit the teacher at the appropriate level; or
• refuse to accredit the teacher.

If the teacher is re-accredited at Proficient, NESA will reinstate the teacher’s maintenance period, and extend it by the length of time they were not accredited.

If the re-accredited teacher has been away from teaching for more than 5 years, NESA will:

• provisionally re-accredit them
• advise if they are eligible to apply for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher level (see C2.6).

C2.4 Teachers revoked for misconduct or not meeting Standards

C2.4.1 Teachers can apply to be re-accredited after revocation for misconduct or not meeting Standards

A teacher whose accreditation was revoked by NESA can apply to be re-accredited if their accreditation was revoked due to:

• misconduct
• being unsuitable to teach
• failing to meet the applicable Standards (see C2.4).

C2.4.2 NESA may convene a panel to consider these re-accreditation applications

A panel may consider cases where a teacher applies for re-accreditation after their accreditation was revoked for misconduct, being unsuitable or failing to meet the applicable Standards.

The panel will make a recommendation based on:

• the reason(s) the teacher’s accreditation was revoked and the nature of the circumstances that relate to the reason(s)
• any criminal or disciplinary history
• the length of time away from teaching
• information in the teacher’s application or in response to a request from NESA
• information provided by employing authorities.

C2.4.3 NESA will make a re-accreditation decision

After considering the panel’s recommendation (where applicable), NESA will decide to either:

• re-accredit the teacher at Provisional or Proficient Teacher level; or
• refuse to accredit the teacher.

If the teacher was previously accredited at Proficient Teacher and has been away from teaching for more than 5 years, they might be:

• provisionally re-accredited by NESA
• eligible to apply for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher level (see C2.6).

C2.4.4 NESA determines the new accreditation timeframe and maintenance period

For teachers re-accredited at Provisional level, NESA will revise the maximum timeframe for them to achieve Proficient Teacher accreditation. The new timeframe will be either:

• the balance of their previous accreditation timeframe; or
• up to 2 years from the re-accreditation date.

When determining the maximum accreditation timeframe, NESA considers the:

• length of time away from teaching
• nature of any employment the teacher had while away from teaching
• number of days the teacher taught before their accreditation was revoked.

For teachers re-accredited at Proficient Teacher level (see C2.4.3), NESA will:

• reinstate the teacher’s maintenance period
• extend it by the length of time they were not accredited.

C2.4.5 NESA may impose re-accreditation conditions

NESA may place conditions on the teacher’s re-accreditation depending on the original grounds for revocation.

The conditions will be imposed if NESA is satisfied that they will enable a teacher to meet the relevant accreditation requirements and can be amended or removed by NESA.

C2.5 Teachers who voluntarily cancelled their accreditation

C2.5.1 Teachers can apply for re-accreditation after voluntary cancellation

A teacher who voluntarily cancelled their accreditation can apply for re-accreditation.

Teachers can apply for re-accreditation at different levels depending on the level they held at the time their accreditation was voluntarily cancelled.

Teachers previously accredited at Conditional or Provisional level

Teachers previously accredited at Conditional or Provisional level can apply to be re-accredited at Provisional level only.

Teachers cannot be re-accredited at Conditional level. If a teacher’s Conditional accreditation was voluntarily cancelled, they must give NESA evidence of completion of their teaching qualification (as set out in A2.2.1) when applying to be re-accredited if they have not already done so.

Teachers previously accredited at Proficient Teacher or HALT level

Teachers previously accredited at Proficient Teacher or HALT level can apply to be re-accredited at the same level if they:

• cancelled their accreditation before the end of their maintenance period, and
• have been away from teaching in NSW for 5 years or less in NSW.

If they wish, HALTs can write to NESA to request re-accreditation at Proficient Teacher level instead. 

C2.5.2 NESA will make a re-accreditation decision

After considering the re-accreditation application, NESA will re-accredit the teacher at the appropriate level.

If the teacher was previously accredited at Proficient Teacher and has been away from teaching for more than 5 years, they might be:

• provisionally accredited by NESA
• eligible to apply for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher level (see C2.6).

C2.5.3 NESA will determine the new accreditation timeframe and maintenance period

NESA may re-accredit applicants at Provisional level with a 2-year maximum accreditation timeframe. However, if a teacher’s original timeframe is more than 2 years, this timeframe may be reinstated.

For teachers re-accredited at Proficient Teacher or HALT level (see C2.5.2), NESA will:

• reinstate the teacher’s maintenance period
• extend it by the length of time they were not accredited.

C2.6 Returning teachers

C2.6.1 Returning teachers can apply for immediate Proficient Teacher accreditation

Some returning teachers can apply for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher level.

Eligibility

Teachers are eligible to apply if they meet the requirements outlined in the table below.

Exceptions

Immediate accreditation at the Proficient Teacher level is not available for teachers who:

• were provisionally re-accredited following revocation of accreditation; or
• were provisionally accredited after voluntary cancellation but cancelled their accreditation after the end of their maintenance period.

If a teacher held HALT accreditation when NESA cancelled or revoked their accreditation or they voluntarily cancelled it, they are only eligible for immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher level.

Application process

To apply for immediate Proficient Teacher re-accreditation, teachers must:

• apply in eTAMS, and
• provide relevant supporting documentation as required.

Eligible teachers with Provisional accreditation can apply for immediate Proficient Teacher accreditation:

• at any time after they are provisionally accredited, and
• before the end of their maximum accreditation timeframe.

C2.6.2 Principals/TA Delegates must make a recommendation

A teacher’s current principal/TA Delegate must make a recommendation about the teacher’s application for immediate accreditation:

• in eTAMS
• within 28 days of the teacher submitting their application.

Exception:

• Teachers who taught in a NSW school before 1 October 2004 or in a NSW service before 18 July 2016 do not require a recommendation from a principal/TA Delegate if NESA receives written confirmation from a NSW employer that confirms their eligibility as set out in C2.6.1.

When making their recommendation, the principal/TA Delegate must consider:

• whether the teacher’s current practice meets the Standards for Proficient Teacher as observed through a range of professional activities
• the teacher’s previous level of accreditation
• the length of time away from teaching
• the length of employment as a teacher before their absence
• the nature of any work done during their absence from teaching in NSW, including employment as a teacher elsewhere
• any relevant tertiary study completed during their absence
• other appropriate professional or personal circumstances.

The principal/TA Delegate can recommend that NESA does one of the following:

• immediately accredits the teacher at Proficient Teacher level; or
• does not immediately accredit the teacher at Proficient Teacher level; or
• record that the principal/TA Delegate is unable to make a recommendation.

Recommending that NESA not immediately re-accredit a teacher

Before a principal/TA Delegate can recommend that NESA not grant immediate accreditation, the principal/TA Delegate must give the teacher and their employer 28 days’ written notice of their intention.

The notice must:

• include the specific reasons for the recommendation and the Standard Descriptors that the teacher has failed to demonstrate, and
• advise the teacher of their right to respond to the notice within 28 days.

If the teacher does not respond within 28 days, the principal/TA Delegate can then submit their recommendation to NESA.

If the teacher does respond, the principal/TA Delegate must consider the response before submitting their recommendation to NESA within 28 days of receiving the teacher’s response. 

C2.6.3 Principals/TA Delegates might be unable to make a recommendation

If a principal/TA Delegate decides they are unable to make a recommendation about immediate accreditation, they must:

• advise NESA
• include their reasons.

A principal/TA Delegate can only record that they are unable to make a recommendation if either or both of the following apply:

• the teacher has not worked in the school/service long enough to allow the principal/TA Delegate to confidently make a judgement about the teacher’s practice; and/or
• information provided by the teacher’s previous school/service (where relevant and with the teacher’s consent) has not helped the principal/TA Delegate to make a valid and reliable judgement.

C2.6.4 NESA may grant immediate accreditation

NESA will make its decision about immediate accreditation within 28 days of the principal/TA Delegate’s recommendation.

NESA will base its decision on:

• the principal/TA Delegate’s recommendation
• supporting documents submitted by the teacher.

Unlike the accreditation process set out in A3.1.1, NESA does not need to see evidence of the teacher’s practice or an observation report to immediately accredit a teacher at Proficient Teacher level.

NESA can decide either:

• that a teacher meets all accreditation requirements, so NESA will grant immediate accreditation; or
• that a teacher does not meet all accreditation requirements, so NESA will refuse to grant immediate accreditation.

Where NESA decides to grant immediate accreditation, it will:

• record the decision in eTAMS
• notify the teacher in writing.

The teacher will start a new maintenance period on the day the accreditation decision is recorded in eTAMS.

C2.6.5 NESA may refuse to grant immediate accreditation

If NESA decides not to grant immediate accreditation at Proficient Teacher, it will:

• record the decision in eTAMS
• notify the teacher in writing and give its reasons.

Provisionally accredited teachers who are not immediately re-accredited at Proficient Teacher level must work towards Proficient Teacher accreditation in line with the requirements in A3.