By Natalie Blewitt
Growth Team coordinator

So, you have gained a contract or even a permanent position for 2022. You are totally focused on your classroom and there is a lot to do to get organised for Term 1. But it is also important to understand what you are entitled to as a graduate teacher.

In this edition, we will take a closer look at graduate release time, graduate teacher professional learning program and curriculum materials allowance.

Graduate teacher release time

In your first year of teaching, additional non-contact time of 0.05 FTE per week will be provided to each graduate teacher. This time is used for the same purposes as duties other than teaching (DOTT).

Activities may include, but are not limited to: preparing materials, planning lessons, finding resources, professional learning, setting up for lessons and report writing.

While it is expected that this time allocation is available to graduates on a regular basis, it can be accumulated over no more than a term to accommodate different contexts and needs.

Funding for graduate teacher release time is forwarded to your school as a targeted initiative; your school will source this funding for you.

Make a time with your line manager/ school leader early in the year to discuss your graduate teacher release time. This will lead to the best outcome for both you and your school context.

Graduate Teacher Professional Learning Program

Over the first 30 months of teaching, graduate teachers are required to participate in structured professional learning which is coordinated by the team at Statewide Services.

Seize these opportunities to sharpen and refine your skills, network with others and advance in your career.

Module one, two and three are completed sequentially, while the fourth module may be accessed at any time within the first 30 months of teaching.

The modules are designed as a selfreflection and sharing tool for graduate teachers to learn and network in a safe environment.

Each module aligns to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers to build the skills and understandings needed to become a highly effective classroom teacher and help to become a full registered teacher.

Under the Schools General Agreement 2019, Clause 13.2, graduate teachers are given paid release time to attend these modules.

Curriculum materials allowance

A curriculum materials allowance is available to support contracted first year graduate teachers in acquiring personal curriculum materials.

Primary and district high school graduate teachers have access to $150 and secondary graduate teachers have access to $78.

You should use your own professional judgement to choose the materials suited to your needs and the materials purchased will belong to you.

Speak with your manager of corporate services prior to making any purchases as they will advise you as to the best method to make payments for your purchases.

Don’t forget, you will need to produce receipts to your school in order to be reimbursed if you have paid cash for the materials.

In our next edition, we will continue to explore your entitlements. Remember, building a positive relationship with colleagues and your school leadership team is key to your success. They won’t expect you to know everything, you are still learning your craft. If you don’t know something, ask.