Return to teaching

​​​​If you would like to return to teaching after time away from the classroom, you may be wondering what steps you need to take.

​​​Education is a constantly changing field and it is important that if you are returning to teaching you are familiar with the current curriculum and contemporary teaching practices, as well as relevant legislation and policies. This knowledge helps to build your capability and confidence, and ensures you can be successful in the transition back to teaching.

Your individual circumstances will determine what you need to do to ensure you are able to return to teaching in a Queensland state school.

Eligibility for employment

To be able to return to teaching in Queensland state schools you need to meet the current eligibility requirements, including ensuring that you have current teacher registration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)​.

You will also need to submit an application for employment via our online portal to ensure that you can be considered for permanent, temporary and casual teaching opportunities.

If you have previously been employed as a teacher in Queensland state schools, you will need to submit a new application for employment along with your previous employment details.

Renewing your teacher registration

If you have maintained your teacher registration during your absence from teaching but do not meet the recency of practice requirements, the QCT may apply a Returning to Teaching (RTT) condition on your registration.

If you have not taught for more than 100 days in the previous five years, you will have the RTT condition applied to your teacher registration. This means that you will need to complete RTT focused professional development within 12 months of recommencing employment as a teacher.

The RTT condition will not affect your ability to seek employment and you can apply for roles in Queensland schools.

Once you have met the requirements of the RTT condition, you can apply to have the condition reviewed by the QCT.

If you have let your teacher registration lapse, you will need to reapply for registration through the QCT to be eligible for re-employment as a teacher in Queensland.

Supporting your return to teaching

If you are returning to teaching in Queensland state schools and have a RTT condition associated with your registration, we want to ensure that you are familiar with current legislation, teaching practices and the expectations of our teachers.

Your RTT condition will require you to undertake a minimum of 20 hours of relevant professional development. These hours can also contribute to the Continuing Professional Development requirements to maintain your teacher registration.

This professional development will include mandatory requirements and important topics such as such as behaviour management, record keeping and the Australian Curriculum.

To provide flexibility for individual teachers and their teaching context, there are a couple of ways you can meet requirements of the RTT condition. Details of the Returning to Teaching programs and pathways​ are available on the QCT website.

If you are teaching in Queensland state schools, you have the opportunity to meet your RTT condition by:

• ​undertaking the online modules and support offered by the QCT​
• working with your school principal, to ensure you can access appropriate professional development and support, including building your knowledge in current teaching practices and school processes.

You can also advantage of the professional development opportunities offered by the Education Futures Institute.