Permission to teach

Approved teachers

Only approved teachers may undertake the duties of a teacher in a state or non-state school in Queensland. Approved teachers include registered teachers and persons approved to teach under Permission to teach (PTT). Holders of a PTT are not registered teachers. PTT approval is granted within strict parameters.

A short video about Permission to Teach in Queensland

Video transcript (Word doc 40 kb)

When a PTT application is required

An application for PTT is required where an employing authority or school -

has a vacant teaching position, is unable to find an appropriate registered teacher for the position, and wants to employ in the position a person who is not eligible for registration as a teacher
considers that the person has the knowledge, qualifications, skills or training relevant to the vacant teaching position
wants to engage the person for the delivery and/or assessment of student participation in an educational program which is either based on the national curriculum developed and administered by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority or is a syllabus developed, revised or purchased for a senior subject or P-10 subjects by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

Applying for PTT

For a person to apply for PTT, the employing authority or school must make an online declaration to the QCT about the position. The declaration must include the name and contact details of the person they want to employ. Once an employer declaration is received the QCT will contact the nominated person by email with log in details and instructions on how to submit a PTT application online. Further information via email, including a checklist of documents and confirmation page will be sent when the application is submitted.

Summary of application process

Non-state school principal or authorised signatory in the Department of Education and Training submits an online employer declaration via the PTT tab on their school or organisation’s myQCT account
QCT emails the nominated person with information on how to submit a PTT application online
Applicant submits PTT application
QCT notifies school or employing authority of submission
QCT notifies applicant of required documents and submission procedures
Applicant or school/employing authority pays PTT application fee
QCT commences assessment of eligibility for PTT once fees are paid and completed forms and documents have been received
If approved, the applicant and employing authority and/or school will be notified by email and a PTT approval notice and certificate will be emailed to the applicant

Assessment of a PTT application

An application can only be assessed once all required information and documents have been received from the employing authority or school, and the PTT applicant, and the fee has been received.

Consideration of eligibility for PTT will include -

evidence that no 'appropriate' registered teacher is available for the position
evidence that a nominated PTT applicant has the knowledge, qualifications, skills or training relevant to the teaching position on offer
evidence an applicant is suitable to teach

Other eligibility considerations may include

evidence of English language proficiency

If approved, the approval period of the PTT will be for up to two years. Towards the end the approval period, the QCT will communicate with the teacher and employer, explaining what will be required if the approval needs to continue. The Education (Queensland College of Teachers) Act 2005 provides for renewal only where a holder has held the permission continuously for at least two years.

Otherwise, a reapplication will be required. An employer must demonstrate they remain unable to find an appropriate registered teacher.