Initial teacher education inherent requirements

Knowledge and compliance with relevant Australian laws, regulations and professional standards required to work safely and ethically with children, families and educational communities. This ensures accountability, trust and suitability to teach. Students must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of and compliance with Australian legal requirements and professional regulations related to teaching. This ensures safe, ethical and lawful practice within educational settings, safeguarding children, families and the broader community.

• Legal compliance: understand and adhere to Australian laws, including workplace health and safety, privacy, anti-discrimination and child protection legislation.
• Professional regulation: meet all requirements set by professional bodies such as the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT), Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and Australian Institute for Teaching and Leadership (AITSL).
• Mandatory checks (e.g. Working with Children Check): obtain and maintain valid Working with Children Checks (WWCC), National Criminal Record Checks (NCRC) and other required clearances before professional experience placements.
• Duty of care: uphold responsibility for the safety, wellbeing and protection of children and learners at all times.

Ability to safely and effectively perform the physical tasks necessary for teaching, including movement, communication, supervision and emergency response. Includes adequate physical strength for classroom demands. Students must possess and maintain the physical, sensory and motor abilities required to perform essential teaching tasks safely and effectively, including classroom management and emergency responsiveness.

• Gross and fine motor skills: perform physical actions such as moving around classrooms, handling teaching materials and assisting students as needed.
• Sensory acuity (visual, auditory, language): accurately observe and respond to verbal and nonverbal cues, monitor student behaviour and communicate clearly.
• Physical strength and endurance: sustain the energy and physical capacity needed for full participation in teaching activities and supervision.

Effective and sensitive use of verbal, nonverbal, written and numerical communication to interact appropriately with students, colleagues, families and communities in diverse educational contexts.
Effective communication is critical for teaching success. Students must communicate clearly, sensitively and appropriately with diverse audiences, using a range of verbal, nonverbal, written and numerical forms.

• Verbal communication: convey information clearly and engagingly in spoken language, adapting style for different audiences and contexts.
• Non-verbal communication: use body language, facial expressions, eye contact and gestures to enhance understanding and rapport.
  

Capacity to regulate emotions and behaviour professionally in diverse, complex and stressful situations. Demonstrates self-reflection, ownership of actions and the flexibility to respond appropriately to feedback and changing circumstances. Students must demonstrate emotional regulation and behavioural stability in professional settings. They need self-awareness to reflect on their actions, adapt to complex and changing situations and take responsibility for their professional conduct.

• Emotional regulation and professional conduct: maintain composure, professionalism and objective decision making under pressure or in challenging scenarios.
• Self-reflection and insight: engage in ongoing self-assessment to improve teaching practice and interpersonal interactions.
• Adaptability and responsiveness: adjust behaviour and teaching approaches based on feedback and situational demands.
• Emotional resilience: ability to maintain composure, manage stress and respond constructively to challenging or unpredictable situations.
• Accountability and ethical decision making: accept responsibility for actions and decisions, acting ethically and transparently.
  

Ability to build and maintain positive, respectful and collaborative relationships with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds. Includes teamwork, conflict resolution, cultural competence and fostering inclusive environments. Building and sustaining positive, respectful relationships is essential. Students must demonstrate interpersonal skills that facilitate collaboration with students, families, colleagues and community members from diverse backgrounds.

• Relationship and building empathy: develop trust and rapport through respectful, empathetic interactions
• Collaborative teamwork and cooperation: work effectively in teams, valuing diverse skills and perspectives, contributing constructively to shared goals.
• Conflict resolution and negotiation: identify and address conflicts sensitively and professionally to maintain a positive educational environment.
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity: respect and respond appropriately to cultural, linguistic and social diversity, fostering inclusive learning environments.
• Cultural responsiveness and inclusion: ability to acknowledge and incorporate students’ cultural identities into teaching in affirming and respectful ways.
  

Ongoing demonstration of professionalism, integrity, ethical behaviour and commitment to continuous professional development. Ensures public trust and the wellbeing of all stakeholders in educational settings.
Sustained professional conduct involves consistent demonstration of integrity, ethical standards and commitment to professional development, ensuring the trust of learners, families, colleagues and the community.

• Ethical behaviour and integrity: uphold the highest ethical standards, maintain confidentiality and act as a role model.
• Professionalism and role modelling: demonstrate commitment, punctuality, preparedness and a positive attitude.
• Accountability to professional standards: comply with codes of conduct and legislative requirements governing the teaching profession.