All SRE teachers will apply to the Macedonian Orthodox Church – Diocese of Australia and New Zealand (MOCDANZ) for authorisation upon undertaking the Teacher Authorisation Process as outlined below. The Diocese upon verification will issue a Certificate of Authorisation and SRE Teachers will be mandated to wear an authorisation card as a name tag on school grounds. (see attachments in Appendix). The process of authorisation for MOCDANZ SRE Teachers is:
- Prospective SRE Teachers fill out an application form that is endorsed by their local priest or spiritual father
- Apply for a WWCC and supply clearance to MOCDANZ
- Complete satisfactorily approved training including child protection and code of conduct
- Upon satisfactory completion of training receive an authorisation letter and official MOCDANZ name badge.
Verification of WWCC Clearance
In keeping with current child protection legislation, all SRE teachers are required to apply for a WWCC and obtain a clearance number. Approval as an SRE teacher will not be given by MOCDANZ unless a person has a valid Working with Children Check. Approved providers must keep relevant WWCC documents for five years after the employment or engagement has been completed.
Child Protection Training
It is an approved provider’s responsibility to ensure that all SRE teachers have participated in an initial child protection induction and annual update. This is to ensure that SRE teachers are aware of their obligation to advise the principal or workplace manager of concerns about the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people that arise during the course of their work. SRE teachers are mandatory reporters of suspected risk of significant harm and of the procedures for doing so. MOCDANZ requires its SRE Teachers to undertake the Mandatory Child Protection Training developed by the Department of Education. This training must be completed prior to entering a school and forms part of the initial basic training. Approval as an SRE teacher will not be given by MOCDANZ unless a person has completed this training and maintains its currency. Copies of the certificate of completion must be provided to MOCDANZ and will be kept on file. This training is offered via an online portal of the Department of Education NSW.
Awareness of the Department of Education’s Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct clarifies the standards of behavior that are expected of all SRE teachers in the performance of their duties. It gives guidance in areas where staff need to make personal and ethical decisions.
Completion of Initial Basic Training
Initial Basic Training is part of the authorisation process for all SRE volunteers. MOCDANZ as an SRE approved provider ensure that all SRE teachers have access to basic training standards. The basic training includes context, knowledge of authorised curriculum, classroom management, and the importance of continued professional learning. Upon completion, The Macedonian Orthodox Church Diocese of Australia and New Zealand provides the school with a letter which details the name of the authorised teacher(s), date of birth and contact details. The letter is updated annually before the start of term one, or as required.
Regular ongoing training and support
MOCDANZ provides an annual review of SRE teachers through reflective practice, mentor support, regular classroom observation, feedback, and adherence to the authorised curriculum. The review process will guide the focus for ongoing teacher training and the topics identified will be included in the annual assurance to the department. Each MOCDANZ SRE Teacher must be able to demonstrate that they are aligned with a MOCDANZ church through regular attendance and connection with their local church. As such, they will need their spiritual father or MOCDANZ priest to endorse their SRE Teacher Application. MOCDANZ SRE Teachers will also be expected to undergo ongoing training each year (minimum of 2 hours a year) in areas of classroom management strategies, lesson planning, implementation of the curriculum, and relevant Department of Education policies and practices.
MOCDANZ SRE AUTHORISATION PROCESS DOCUMENT
MOCDANZ TEACHER BASIC TRAINING
