Institute sends $80 bills to new scheme teachers

New scheme teachers are up for $80 for the Institute of Teachers but they are asking where's the value in it. JENNIFER LEETE reports.

The Institute of Teachers has recently sent invoices to all teachers who are "New Scheme Teachers" under the Institute's legislation. The correspondence requires a payment of $80 to the Institute.

The schedule of fees to be imposed by the Institute is set by a regulation adopted by the NSW Parliament.

The annual fee for new scheme teachers is $80. The annual fee for those who become accredited at professional accomplishment level or professional leadership level is $150. In addition, the draft regulation proposes application fees for accreditation at the voluntary levels. These are $250 to apply for professional accomplishment level and $350 to apply for the professional leadership level.

A number of members who are new scheme teachers have expressed concerns about the $80 payment, which they will be expected to pay every year in order to maintain accreditation at the Professional Competence level.

Members have questioned why they need to make these payments and point out that they are at a point in their careers when they are facing many financial demands including setting up a new residence and facing huge HECS repayments.

While the Federation can obviously take up these concerns with the Institute, it would be useful for the Institute to hear those concerns directly. Teachers have asked the Federation, "What do I get for my $80?" Clearly, this is a question for the Institute.

The Institute of Teachers' legislation was pushed through the NSW Parliament in haste and has been implemented in haste. There has been very little time yet for the Institute to show teachers what it can offer.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.

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