Approval to teach
COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) advice for future teachers
All face-to-face teacher suitability interviews have been suspended until further notice.
The NSW Department of Education will look to move teacher suitability interviews to an online format in the near future. Interim approvals are still being processed and issued. High-quality future teachers that have been issued an interim approval are able to work in casual or temporary teaching positions in NSW public schools. Future teachers are encouraged to continue applying for their approval to teach (ATT) with the NSW Department of Education.
This page will be updated as further advice becomes available.
What is approval to teach?
The NSW Department of Education is the largest education system in Australia, with a range of employment opportunities available for qualified teachers.
Whether you are a pre-service or experienced teacher seeking employment in NSW public schools, you will need to successfully meet the department’s requirements for approval to teach.
Before you start your approval to teach application, you will need a NSW Working with Children Check clearance from the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian and apply for and gain accreditation from the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).
To find specific steps you need to follow to gain approval to teach select your pathway below.
- Pre-service teachers who commenced a teacher education course prior to 2019 (including NSW, interstate and overseas students and graduates)
- Pre-service teachers who commenced a teacher education course from January 2019 onwards (including NSW, interstate and overseas students and graduates)
- Experienced NSW public school teachers returning after a break from service
- Experienced interstate or overseas teachers or teachers from other NSW systems.
Read the FAQs
Get answers to your questions about the approval to teach process.
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