Experienced Teacher Accreditation allows eligible teachers to be accredited by ISTAA at the level of Experienced Teacher. This applies to AIS Standards Based or Hybrid model schools as well as Catholic independent Model A schools.
The IEU has worked with over one thousand members and all have been successful in achieving their accreditation and a higher salary scale.
While the process is time consuming and demanding, it delivers significant salary benefits. Teachers who are eligible to undertake the process but fail to apply remain on a lower salary scale. This greatly impacts their income over time.
The IEU can assist members understand the process and help them with the preparation of evidence and documentation. Members can attend meetings and have access to ongoing phone and online assistance. Members can submit evidence and receive detailed feedback.
The AIS have made some changes to the Experienced Teacher process. The dates for submission are from March 2023 to 28 June 2023 instead of submissions being due in September.
Applicants may submit any time between March and June and should receive a result within 12 weeks of submission.
Changes for 2023/2024
Testimonials and Head of School Report have been replaced by the Principal Attestation to cover 14 descriptors. This requires less paperwork for supervisors. In addition, five descriptors can be met by a classroom observation and a report written by the supervisor.
Nineteen descriptors can be satisfied by the Principal Attestation and the classroom observation with teachers to provide evidence for 18 descriptors.
Previously, a reference was able to satisfy four descriptors but this option is no longer available.
In 2022, Testimonials and the Head of School report met 14 descriptors plus the four from references giving a total of 17. Teachers had to provide evidence for 19 descriptors. The testimonials usually involved two classroom observations and a detailed report.
The level of support across schools remains inconsistent. Some schools have a well organised process and assist teachers with their accreditation. However, there are still schools that offer very limited support making it difficult for teachers trying to complete the process.
There are ongoing meetings between the AIS and the IEU with a view to securing improvements in the process. There is agreement in principle around the need to avoid duplication, allow for alternative types of verification and reduce the need for teachers to expand on self-explanatory content.
