❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice regarding delays in the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, specifically concerning Chanel De Klerk's application. The Minister acknowledges the issue, citing staffing shortages and the need to ensure teacher suitability.
AnsweredQoN 107Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
OVERSEAS-TRAINED TEACHERS - CHANEL DE KLERK
I refer to the much-reported teacher shortages in schools across rural Western Australia and the government’s registration process for overseas teachers. (1) Can the minister explain why South African-trained teacher Chanel De Klerk has not been issued with a Department of Education and Training employee number after beginning the registration process last November? (2) Can the minister explain why Ms De Klerk was advised it would take eight weeks to assess her application for an employee number before she would be eligible to complete the required orientation program and 10-day practical assessment? (3) Will the minister concede that the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, which involves both the department and the Western Australian College of Teaching, needs to be streamlined to avoid such lengthy delays for suitable teachers? (4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN
I refer to the much-reported teacher shortages in schools across rural Western Australia and the government’s registration process for overseas teachers. (1) Can the minister explain why South African-trained teacher Chanel De Klerk has not been issued with a Department of Education and Training employee number after beginning the registration process last November? (2) Can the minister explain why Ms De Klerk was advised it would take eight weeks to assess her application for an employee number before she would be eligible to complete the required orientation program and 10-day practical assessment? (3) Will the minister concede that the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, which involves both the department and the Western Australian College of Teaching, needs to be streamlined to avoid such lengthy delays for suitable teachers? (4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(1) Can the minister explain why South African-trained teacher Chanel De Klerk has not been issued with a Department of Education and Training employee number after beginning the registration process last November? (2) Can the minister explain why Ms De Klerk was advised it would take eight weeks to assess her application for an employee number before she would be eligible to complete the required orientation program and 10-day practical assessment? (3) Will the minister concede that the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, which involves both the department and the Western Australian College of Teaching, needs to be streamlined to avoid such lengthy delays for suitable teachers? (4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(2) Can the minister explain why Ms De Klerk was advised it would take eight weeks to assess her application for an employee number before she would be eligible to complete the required orientation program and 10-day practical assessment? (3) Will the minister concede that the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, which involves both the department and the Western Australian College of Teaching, needs to be streamlined to avoid such lengthy delays for suitable teachers? (4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(3) Will the minister concede that the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, which involves both the department and the Western Australian College of Teaching, needs to be streamlined to avoid such lengthy delays for suitable teachers? (4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(1) Can the minister explain why South African-trained teacher Chanel De Klerk has not been issued with a Department of Education and Training employee number after beginning the registration process last November? (2) Can the minister explain why Ms De Klerk was advised it would take eight weeks to assess her application for an employee number before she would be eligible to complete the required orientation program and 10-day practical assessment? (3) Will the minister concede that the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, which involves both the department and the Western Australian College of Teaching, needs to be streamlined to avoid such lengthy delays for suitable teachers? (4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(2) Can the minister explain why Ms De Klerk was advised it would take eight weeks to assess her application for an employee number before she would be eligible to complete the required orientation program and 10-day practical assessment? (3) Will the minister concede that the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, which involves both the department and the Western Australian College of Teaching, needs to be streamlined to avoid such lengthy delays for suitable teachers? (4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(3) Will the minister concede that the registration process for overseas-trained teachers, which involves both the department and the Western Australian College of Teaching, needs to be streamlined to avoid such lengthy delays for suitable teachers? (4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(4) Given that Ms De Klerk notified the department of her wish to teach in a regional school and the desperate need for teachers, how can the minister justify this situation? Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
Mr M. McGOWAN replied: I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
I thank the member for Greenough for his question. (1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(1) Ms De Klerk’s application for employment with DET was received by the department on 12 February 2007. There is not as great a need for early childhood teachers such as Ms De Klerk as there is for secondary teachers. (2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(2) Escalating workloads have placed pressure on the unit and five officers left the unit within two weeks last month. While replacements have been found for four of them, the new staff members are in training and are not yet fully productive. (3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(3) In the past there have been issues regarding the suitability of some overseas teachers to work in Western Australian public schools. The department has adopted measures to ensure that all recruits meet the department’s requirements. An independent consultant is currently reviewing recruitment processes within the department. (4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
(4) There was no unfilled position that matched Ms De Klerk’s qualifications and she was not accorded priority over other applicants. Ms De Klerk’s application is being finalised. Had the need arisen to place a teacher with her qualifications, her application would have been assigned priority for immediate processing.
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