If you are a pre-service teacher looking to join the largest education system in Australia, your application for approval to teach is an essential step to commencing your teaching career in NSW public schools.

Step 1: Ensure you are eligible to apply

Before you begin your application you will need to:

1. Obtain a NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) for paid employment

2. Apply for and gain accreditation as a teacher in NSW through the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

You will be emailed an accreditation letter which includes your accreditation number status and the list of subjects you have been accredited to teach.

To find resources in all areas of teacher accreditation, including procedures, forms and templates, visit NESA's Accreditation resource index webpage.

Step 2: Begin your application for approval to teach

In the online application, you will provide your personal information, choose the locations or schools where you have an interest in working, and upload the mandatory documents required.

You may not have all of your practicum reports or academic transcripts yet, but you should upload everything you have completed so far.

Important points to consider:
Selecting your location preferences is a key part of the application. When choosing schools or areas, think about your long-term career goals and where you would consider working in a full-time or permanent capacity. The broader your options, the greater chance you have of being matched to a role.

Step 3: Progress your application
You will receive an email once your application has been assessed and validated. Included are details of the subjects you are accredited in and the next steps you will need to complete.

At this point, you can retrieve your application and have the option to request interim approval to teach. Interim approval has the benefit of enabling you to work as a casual or temporary teacher before completing your studies.

Step 4: Finalise your application
It is now time to complete the online interview, which allows you to demonstrate your readiness and capability to teach in NSW public schools. You will be invited to complete a video-based interview that must be finished within one hour, including the time provided to read and prepare your responses.

Many applicants find it helpful to watch the preparing for your approval to teach interview video before starting.

All graduates will also be required to provide their final transcript and final professional experience report prior to gaining full approval to teach.

It is a great idea to subscribe to JobFeed to receive a weekly list of available permanent and temporary jobs to start your teaching career in NSW public schools.