“That ICPA Qld lobbies the Department of Education (DoE) to offer renumeration to Permission to Teach (PTT) teachers while undertaking mandatory practicum placements required as part of their university studies.”
Permission to Teach (PTT) teachers in Education Queensland play a critical role in maintaining continuity of learning, particularly in rural and hard-to-staff schools. Removing or reducing their pay while they complete their practicum places an unnecessary financial burden on individuals who are already contributing meaningfully to the workforce. Unlike traditional pre-service teachers, PTT teachers are actively employed, often holding ongoing responsibilities within their schools. Continuing their pay during practicum recognises that they are not stepping away from the profession, but rather, strengthening their capability within it.
It is also important to note that permanent Education Queensland employees are able to access study pathway leave to support their professional development, often without financial penalty. Providing similar support to PTT teachers ensures equity across the workforce. PTT teachers are undertaking formal study as a requirement of their employment pathway, and withholding pay during practicum creates a disparity between them and other employees who are supported to upskill while remaining financially stable.
Additionally, PTT teachers are frequently still contributing to their school communities during their practicum periods. Many continue to plan lessons, complete marking, and contribute to reporting requirements, even if they are temporarily placed in a different classroom setting. In rural schools especially, where staffing shortages are most acute, their absence is felt—and their ongoing behind-the-scenes work is vital.
Continuing to pay PTT teachers during practicum acknowledges both their existing workload and their essential role in addressing the broader teacher shortage. It further acknowledges the importance of equitable access to professional development pathways, consistent with provisions such as study pathway leave available to other permanent employees, and affirms that financial continuity during practicum is essential to support workforce sustainability and retention.
