This page outlines what is required to apply for approval to teach in CEDoW schools. There are two pathways to follow – one for graduate teachers just embarking on a new career, and the other for experienced teachers returning to teaching or moving from another jurisdiction.

If you require further advice regarding this process, please make contact with our recruitment team at recruitment@dow.catholic.edu.au.
  

Pathway 1: Undergraduate/Graduate Teacher Taking the first steps to becoming a classroom teacher

Apply for approval to teach with CEDoW by following these steps...

Step 1: Apply for accreditation to NESA, and gain a NESA ID

Step 2: Obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment

Step 3: Gather your documentation:

• NESA ID
• Valid WWCC for paid employment
• 100-point proof of identity (see here for more information)
• Copy of most recent practical experience report
• Most recent university official academic transcript
• Other relevant qualifications/certificates (eg: First Aid Certificate)
• Financial information (banking and superannuation details and tax file number)

Step 4: Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below

Step 5: Now you're ready to apply here!

Pathway 2: experienced Teachers Returning to teaching after a career break or moving from another jurisdiction

Apply for approval to teach with CEDoW by following these steps...

Step 1: Check your NESA accreditation to teach is active

Step 2: Check your Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance for paid employment is active

Step 3: Gather your documentation:

• Valid WWCC for paid employment
• 100 point-proof of identity (see here for more information)
• Where relevant, copy of Statement of Service
• University official academic transcript/qualifications
• Other relevant qualifications/certificates (eg: First Aid Certificate)
• Two (2) referees who can attest to teaching experience
• Financial information (banking and superannuation details and tax file number)

Step 4: Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below

Step 5: Now you're ready to apply here! 

Approval to teach Frequently Asked Questions 

General Enquiries:

Where can I find the Approval to Teach application form?

The 'Approval to Teach' application form can be found here. The application is completed online. The online application has instructions to guide you through.

Can I transfer my teaching number from another diocese?

Unfortunately, you are unable to transfer your teaching number across different systems. You are required to apply for approval to teach with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong.

Please note: St Mary’s College Wollongong, St Patrick’s College Campbelltown, St Gregory's College Campbelltown and Edmund Rice College Wollongong are independent schools and have their own recruitment processes separate to the Diocese of Wollongong.

Can I work within the Diocese of Wollongong before I receive my approval to teach or casual number?

No, once your approval has been processed you will receive your approval letter, employment number and CEDoW email address via email.

Can I apply for temporary/permanent roles?

Yes, you currently can apply for temporary/permanent roles without having an employee number or casual approval as the application form for specific temporary/permanent positions requires you to provide similar information as when you are applying for approval to teach in casual positions.

How long does it take to gain approval to teach with Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW)?

Generally no more than 4-6 weeks, but it depends on the time of year and it may take longer if there are gaps in your application. If you have any concerns about the length of time it is taking for your application to be progressed, please email recuitment@dow.catholic.edu.au.

Do I need to be Catholic to work at the Catholic Education Office?

No, but you must be willing to be supportive of the Catholic ethos. It is mandatory for teachers in primary schools and Religious Education teachers in secondary schools to be accredited to teach Religious Education LEVEL D (WTL) (See: Accreditation to Work Teach Lead) if they are employed in a permanent capacity.

If I had a permanent/contracted position with a school that has now finished and I want to teach on a casual basis, do I still have to re-apply?

No, you don’t need to apply for approval to teach but you will need to contact a recruitment officer to be added to Tap for Teacher and gain a letter indicating your approval to seek casual employment. Please email recuitment@dow.catholic.edu.au for further information.

How long does my casual teaching status stay valid for?

Two (2) years from the date of your approval letter. It is expected that casual teachers will work actively over that time to maintain their currency. To maintain an active employee ID number, you will need to work at least one (1) day within each 12-month period. You will also need to ensure your WWCC and NESA details are up to date, as you will be terminated if either of these things lapse.

Approval to Teach Application Process:

My NESA accreditation status currently is ‘TAA decision required’ or my NESA membership is listed as ‘leave of absence/suspended’, will this affect my approval to teach with CEDoW?

Yes, your application won’t be processed until you reactivate your NESA membership and/or your accreditation status is approved by NESA. All teachers are required to be active members of NESA and be currently accredited by NESA in order to be approved to teach with CEDoW. If you require further clarification, please make contact with the CEDoW Teacher Accreditation Authority (TAA).

What documents do I need to submit if I want to be approved to teach?

Proof of Identity: Current Australian Passport or Driver’s Licence and Birth Certificate or current overseas passport + valid working visa if applicable

Undergraduate/Graduate Teacher:

• Official academic transcripts (for all relevant degrees)
• Final or most recent practicum report (if you have not completed your final practicum, please upload your most current practicum report)
• A reference (preferably practicum supervisor)
• Other qualifications (eg: First Aid Certificate)

Returning Teacher:

• Qualifications
• Official academic transcript
• Statement of Service
• Two (2) referees

If your application is incomplete, It will be placed on hold until you provide the required documentation. THIS WILL DELAY YOUR APPROVAL TO TEACH. If you do not provide the required documentation within the timeframe requested, it will be then be withdrawn.

Do my supporting documents need to be certified?

No. Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong only requires copies of your documents. They do not need to be certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP).

Who should my referees be?

Your referees need to be people who can comment on your character and/or teaching abilities. Typically referees include Principals and Assistant Principals, and for undergraduates, practicum supervisors/coordinators and, where appropriate, workplace supervisors. Please note, your final practicum report can be used as one of your references.

I am having issues while completing the form online, can I handwrite the form and then scan it?

No, you must submit an application using the CEDoW online recruitment tool. If you are having difficulties and need support, contact our recruitment team on (02) 4250 9500.

I have previously worked with CEDoW. Do I need to submit my application with all supporting documentation again?

To maintain an active employee ID number, you will need to work at least one (1) day within each 12-month period. Once the 12-month period has lapsed, your EMP ID will be deactivated and you will have to re-apply for approval to teach – you must submit a complete updated application form along with the supporting documentation.

How do I re-register to teach with CEDoW?

You can register by completing the application for 'Approval to Teach - Returning Teacher' application here. Please ensure you note your previous CEDoW Employee ID number on the application form and/or tick 'YES' to previously being employed with CEDoW.

Returning Teachers:

What information does a Statement of Service need to contain?

A Statement of Service must be obtained from the previous employer. It must be signed and contain the official letterhead of the organisation. It must include the following:

1. Position title
2. Start date and termination date (DD/MM/YY) for each teaching position held.
3. Specify if the role was full-time or part-time; if part-time, specify the number of hours worked per day or full-time equivalent (FTE).
4. Specify the total number of casual days completed (if applicable).
5. Specify the total number of days taken as leave without pay. Where no days of leave without pay were taken, this also must be stated.

Accurate and specific Statements of Service ensure that you are classified correctly and are paid at the correct amount.

I have worked in various public schools. Do I need to get a Statement of Service from each school?

If you have worked in public schools in NSW, you do not need to obtain a Statement of Service (Record of Employment) from each school – you will be able to obtain a Statement of Service from the Department of Education for your service as a teacher in all of the public schools in the state. Please be advised this process could take up to eight (8) weeks.

I have worked in a different industry prior to teaching. Can I still request for this professional work to be included in my classification

Unfortunately, the current Enterprise Agreement does not recognise any service other than teaching for classification purposes.

I have taught overseas in the equivalent of K-12, do I need to include Statements of Service for my teaching service completed overseas?

Yes, please ensure all Statements of Service include the necessary information as per above.

It will take approximately 4-8 weeks for my previous employer to issue a Statement of Service. Do I need to wait till I receive this before I submit my application?

If you are unable to submit your Statements of Service from previous teaching positions along with your original application, and do not want it to be returned to you, then please state in an email to recuitment@dow.catholic.edu.au when submitting your application, that you want your application to be processed based only on your submitted documents. It is important that you understand and acknowledge that this may impact your rate of pay. Once you have the Statements of Service, you can request to be reclassified.

Undergraduates/Graduates:

I am still studying and am unable to include a copy of my final transcript. What should I do?

You will need to contact your university student centre to obtain an official copy of your most recent academic transcript. This must list the name of the course you are enrolled in, the units you have completed and your grades, in chronological order.

Will you accept a copy of my 'online report - academic results' instead of my transcript?

No. We require official academic transcripts from your university. We do not accept online reports or online printouts of your results summary in lieu of your official academic transcript.

Do you need my entire practicum report booklet?

Yes, we need evidence of the number of days you have completed in your practicum – i.e. a minimum of twenty (20) days completed and a copy of your supervisor’s comments. We also use this as part of your references.

Please note: If your university does not list the dates/days of your practicum, please submit at least two (2) practicum reports.

Can I submit my online transcript if I am enrolled in a Bachelor or postgraduate degree but have decided to exit the course with a Certificate or Diploma instead?

No. You must submit an official academic transcript that clearly lists the course you are completing and the subsequent units you have completed towards this course. If you submit an online transcript that states you are enrolled in a Bachelor degree and have completed X no. of units, we will accept this document as evidence of you being enrolled in a Bachelor degree.

I want to teach Religious Education. Where do I note that in my application?

In the 'WTL Accreditation' section of the application, note your accreditation level and upload a transcript of your Relgious Education qualifications. Further information regarding the Accreditation to Work Teach Lead (WTL) Policy can be accessed here. If you have any questions regarding the WTL accreditation process please email wtlaccreditation@dow.catholic.edu.au.

I am qualified to teach in a secondary school but want to teach in a primary school. Is this possible?

Not usually. Further study may be required but approval may be granted in particular circumstances. Please contact recruitment via email on recuitment@dow.catholic.edu.au for further information.

I am qualified to teach in a primary school but want to teach in a secondary school. Is this possible?

Not usually. Further study may be required but approval may be granted in particular circumstances. Please contact recruitment via email on recuitment@dow.catholic.edu.au for further information.

A school is willing to offer me work if I have my Employee ID number. What can I do to get this number quickly?

If you receive an offer of employment before/after submitting your Approval to Teach application, email recuitment@dow.catholic.edu.au with the name of the school that has offered you employment. Once we verify this offer of employment, we will expedite your application. If possible, include the name and contact details of the school employee that has offered you employment in the email.

What teaching roles are in demand right now?

Please view advertised positions on our Positions Vacant page on the CEDoW website and teachers.on.net to ascertain which roles are in demand right now. Casual opportunities are in high demand in the Macarthur and Southern Highland regions of our diocese.

Casual Teaching:

When am I eligible to apply for casual teaching approval?

You are welcome to apply for casual teaching approval when you have completed 75% of your teaching degree and have received conditional accreditation from NESA.

Can I have both SSO approval and teacher approval?

No, you can only work as either as casual SSO or a casual teacher. You cannot have approval for both at the same time.

Do I need casual approval or an employee number before I apply for a temporary or permanent position?

No, you can apply without this but if you are the successful candidate, you will require clearance from our recruitment team before you can commence in the role.

RELIGIOUS REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKING IN CEDoW:

When applying for positions at CEDoW is it essential that you have a priest as a referee?

No, there are other options of alternate referees that are also acceptable. Please note: Having a priest as a referee is significant in applications for senior leadership positions.

When completing the application form to apply for positions there is a question that requires that you tick a box if you are Catholic. What is the criteria for ticking this box?

It refers to those who have been baptised a Catholic.

Do you have to be Catholic to apply for positions in CEDoW?

There are many non-Catholic teachers in the CEDoW. Most of these are in secondary schools. The requirement to be Catholic applies to teachers who teach Religious Education (RE). The challenge for primary teachers is that most teachers teach RE. We recommend that you contact the school or system directly when contemplating applying for a position so your application can receive full consideration.

What are teachers of Religious Education required to have? 

Teachers of Religious Education (RE) are required to have completed a Certificate of RE (Catholic Diocese of NSW) or completed undergraduate studies that include a minimum of six (6) approved units in Religious Education/Theology at a Catholic tertiary institution, or, have completed a minimum of four (4) postgraduate units of study in Religious Education/Theology at a Catholic tertiary institution.

Am I required to have my Religious Education qualifications before applying for a permanent primary teaching position?

No, you can apply for this position and if successful you will be required to commit to completing your RE qualifications within a five (5)-year period.

Is there funding support available to assist me in completing this course?

Yes. CEDoW offer scholarship support for all teachers to complete their Religious Education qualifications.

Are there exceptions to the above rule? 

Yes, according to our policy if the teacher is non-Catholic and expected to teach Religious Education, the Principal is expected to contact the Head of CLEM (Catholic Life, Education and Mission) seeking exemption for the duration of their contract.

What qualifications do I need to be able to teach Religious Education in a secondary school?

The policy is the same in secondary schools, where teachers of the Religious Education (RE) curriculum are expected to be Catholic and possess or be willing to acquire RE qualifications.

If your teaching area falls outside the teaching of Religious Education in a secondary school can you become a KLA Co-ordinator (Middle Leader)?

Yes, there is no requirement for teachers of other KLAs to be Catholic. They must however, be willing to support the Catholic ethos. Level C is for applicants applying for Middle Leader 2 (ML2) or Middle Leader 3 (ML3) leadership positions – for more information on this, please see our Accreditation to Work Teach Lead (WTL) Policy.

Further Enquiries

For further advice or enquiries regarding the registration, classification, or reclassification processes, please contact our recruitment team at recruitment@dow.catholic.edu.au, noting the area of your inquiry within the subject line.