Entitlements and Conditions

(June 2007)

Once I have done my 6 continuous terms do I work as a Permanent Replacement Teacher (PRT) for 2 or 4 more years?

After 6 continuous terms, you work as a PRT for 4 more years, unless you win an advertised vacant position. However if you have already been employed for more than 6 terms prior to obtaining PRT status your fixed term and PRT employment will be no more than 18 continuous terms.

When can I apply for leave without pay (LWOP)?

Generally, LWOP won't be approved during an employee's PRT tenure unless there are extenuating circumstances and where the absence can be accommodated within the system.

Can I have maternity leave?

Yes, normal maternity leave provisions apply.

How will maternity leave be counted towards my 12 continuous terms as a PRT?

Maternity leave is not counted within the 12 continuous terms, however there will be the opportunity to complete the required 12 continuous terms work provided that you return to work directly after maternity leave. There will not be the opportunity for extended LWOP at this stage.

How much say will I have in relation to my placement?

Placement of staff is always a best fit exercise for employer and employee. As these are replacement positions, the Learning Services Office will need to match vacancies, skills and personal preferences as best they can. If you do not wish to accept a placement, then it will be necessary for you to forgo the PRT status and return to fixed-term employment.

Could I be placed over 2 different locations?

While this may not be the preferred option, over your time as a PRT this may happen, especially in order to accommodate your FTE entitlement. Specialist teachers may find that this happens more frequently for them as it is often the norm for permanent employees working in specialist areas.

What happens if I refuse a placement?

If you do not wish to accept a placement, then it will be necessary for you to forgo the PRT status and return to fixed-term employment.

What happens if there are no vacancies that match my skill mix?

While a level of flexibility is required of a PRT, you will not be asked to teach in a area that is not reasonable given your skill mix. If there is no reasonable placement for you at a certain time, you will be placed over quota in a school that will benefit from your skills until a suitable placement arises. Alternatively you may wish to temporarily reduce your FTE to fill a lower FTE vacancy that matches your skills.

Can I have a temporary reduction in my FTE?

Yes, this can be negotiated to meet systems and personal needs though it cannot be used as a mechanism to choose particular school locations. There may be times that you will be asked to teach in a school that is not your preferred choice.

Can I increase my FTE?

Yes, this can be negotiated to meet system and personal needs. At times you may be asked to temporarily increase your FTE to make the best fit for a particular assignment though this will not contribute to your permanent FTE.

What are the chances of me being able to stay in the same school over my time as a PRT?

This may happen for some PRT's, particularly if they are working in a large school and the PRT has a broad skill mix. In these circumstances a PRT may find that he she is able to cover several continuous vacancies that occur across the school.

I work on a specialist funded program. Am I still eligible for PRT?

Yes your work in specialist areas will contribute to accumulating 6 contiuous terms as a fixed-term teacher. However under the Ministerial Direction you are converted to permanency as a teacher, not a specialist teacher. Unless there are temporary specialist vacancies you may be asked to cover regular teaching vacancies.

Can I work between two Learning Services Offices?

This would not be normal, however with negotiation and if it suited the needs of the system, then it may occur.

Can I transfer to another Learning Services Office?

The conversion to permanency is in the Learning Services where the majority of your fixed-term work occurred in the six continuous school terms preceding appointment as a replacement teacher. The entitlements of the transfer policy apply once you gain your permanent replacement status.