Teaching and Learning German in Victoria
All teachers in schools must be registered with the Victorian Institut of Teaching (VIT).
German is taught across all sectors of education in schools –
- Government schools the Victorian School of Languages (VSL)
- Catholic schools
- Independent schools
- Lutheran schools
- Community schools
There are three registered Community Schools in Victoria:
- Geckos German Language Community School – in Reservoir
- German Saturday School – in Clifton Hill
- German Language School – Temple Society Australia in Bentleigh and Bayswater
There are two bilingual schools with German in Victoria.
German is also taught in –
- Early Years education e.g. Froebel Australia
- Local initiatives e.g. Spatzenschule at Toorak PS, Alle Munchkins
- Adult Education Centres e.g. Council of Adult Education
- Tertiary Education: Monash University, University of Melbourne, RMIT
Registration of Teachers in Victoria
Teachers in Victorian Schools must be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and satisfy annual requirements and pay an annual registration fee.
Teachers with interstate qualifications may be eligible for mutual recognition.
Teachers with overseas qualifications are required to provide evidence of their qualifications and may be required to complete an English language competency test.
Casual Relief Teachers (CRT)
Language Teachers
Further information about qualifications for teaching languages in Government schools.
Qualifications & Prerequisites for New Teachers
Under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006, in order to become registered as a teacher, a person must obtain a qualification that is appropriate for entry to teaching, or a qualification determined by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) to be equivalent to an approved qualification.
The Victorian Government offers scholarships to teachers currently employed in government schools to gain a Graduate Certificate in Modern Languages.
Finding Teaching Jobs in Victorian Schools
The Committee is happy to advertise positions for teachers of German to members. Please forward details with a link and/or contact details to agtv[a]agtv.vic.edu.au.
Government school positions are advertised on the Department of Education and Training (DET) website. Applicants must address the selection criteria in their applications.
DET also have an online Language Educator Register for anyone interested in being notified of Languages education vacancies in Victorian government schools.
Independent schools advertise for staff through various media and agencies.
Look online on various employment websites e.g. SEEK or in some print media e.g. The Saturday Age, or on individual school websites.
Catholic schools have a platform to search for jobs in Victoria:
- Job Search – Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd
Teacher Salaries
- Government schools – salaries negotiated under the AEU agreement
- Catholic schools – salary and conditions negotiated under a VCEMEA agreement
- Independent schools – negotiated with each school under IEU agreements
Language Assistants
Victoria
Some schools employ Language Assistants, often for conversation classes with students.
Assistants will need to be registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) or have a current Working With Children Check (WWCC).
Sometimes volunteers assist teachers. They also require VIT registration or a WWCC.
DET facilitate a Language Assistant program in Government schools where clusters of schools apply for an assistant either locally sourced or from Germany.
Language Assistants in Germany
Each year, the Pädagogische Austauschdienst (PAD) offers scholarships for language assistant positions in Germany. The assistants commence their stay in Germany with an introductory seminar between August and October, and finish on 31 May of the following year. The scholarship includes a monthly allowance, insurance and a travel grant.
World Education Program (WEP) Language Assistant Program
WEP* offers Teacher Assistant Exchanges in Australia (SLAP) and overseas (Global PALS)! This program offers young professionals from around Australia and the world, the opportunity to hone their skills in an international classroom for 3 to 12 months.
*World Education Program Australia Ltd (WEP Australia) is an independent, incorporated, not-for-profit Australian student exchange organisation registered/approved by the education departments/regulatory authorities in The Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.