Teaching is a way of life.  A commitment to lifelong growth and learning, both with others and for others to invest in the future. 

The connections teachers make with students, colleagues and the community make a real difference.

We provide a supportive environment where teachers can:

  • build on their quality teaching practice 
  • pave a career path and reach their full potential  
  • empower students to reach theirs. 

We are committed to reflecting the broader diversity of the Tasmanian community. As part of our inclusive practice, we are flexible to the needs of our staff, students and applicants. 

Requirements to be a teacher at DECYP

All teachers employed by our Department must have: 

  • Registration granted by the Teachers Registration Board of Tasmania 
  • Registration to Work with Vulnerable People granted by the Department of Justice 

✅ Teacher registration

All teachers intending to work in Tasmanian schools must be registered with the Teachers Registration Board (TRB). Mutual recognition may apply for teachers who are currently registered in other states or territories. The TRB is an independent statutory authority separate from any educational authority.

Any enquiries in relation to teacher registration should be directed to the TRB.

The TRB is located at 213A Cambridge Road, Warrane. You can contact them via e-mail at trb.admin@trb.tas.gov.au or call on 03 6165 5977.

You can also find information and assistance on the TRB website.

✅ Registration to Work with Vulnerable People

All teachers intending to work with us must also satisfy the requirements of Tasmanian Registration to Work with Vulnerable People (RWVP) with the Department of Justice.

As of 1 January 2017, it is a legislative requirement for all teachers to hold a RWVP card (registration status – employment). The cost associated with obtaining RWVP is the responsibility of the individual.

Find more information and apply for RWVP on the Consumer, Building and Occupational Services website or in the Registration to work with Vulnerable People Policy (PDF, 541KB).

✅ Overseas Applicants – Eligibility to Work in Australia

If you are from overseas, contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship to determine your capacity to work in Australia before beginning any DECYP application process.

If you are not an Australian citizens or permanent resident, you can still work for the State Service. To hold a permanent or fixed term appointment, you must at all times hold and comply with all visa requirements as determined by the Commonwealth Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Migration Act 1958.

Relief Teaching

Relief teaching is short-term and irregular (up to 20 continuous days). Schools directly appoint relief teachers on a day to day basis.

To become a relief teacher at with us, register for relief employment on the our Fixed Term and Relief Employment Register.

Relief teachers can only be employed when they have satisfied all of the above registration and eligibility requirements.

Tips for success as a relief teacher

  • When registering on our employment register, simply register for the specific areas of training and expertise held. Do not register for interested areas available just to increase chances of employment.
  • Where possible, visit schools of interest. Leave a CV, inform the school of active registration on DECYP’s employment register and request a meeting with the principal and/or the relief teacher coordinator.
  • If given enough notice, arrive at the school 30 minutes before the start of lessons.
  • Be prepared. As a qualified teacher the expectation is to arrive with appropriate material for the subject/grade.
  • At the end of the day leave a brief written report of how the class went and what was covered.
  • Follow up on any difficulties with the principal or relief teacher coordinator and ask for performance feedback.

Performance management

When you undertake a relief appointment in a school, your suitability will be assessed by the school. The main areas of assessment include:

  • Capacity to teach – this covers assessment of prepared material, subject knowledge of the subject/grade and overall suitability as a relief teacher.
  • Behaviour management – this covers the ability to engage and interact with the students. It includes consideration of our Student Behaviour Management Policy (PDF, 256KB) and specific information on any particular student issues at that school. Raise any queries with the principal and/or other staff. Preferably do that before starting in the school to get a clear understanding of expectations.
  • Professional conduct – this includes behaviour and conduct with the students, staff and parents. The principal or school contact should provide direct feedback about any concerns they have or if they are not satisfied with any aspect of the performance of a relief teacher. This may involve formal or informal feedback.