The Beginning Teacher Time Release (BeTTR) program provides support to Early Career Teachers (ECTs) through the provision of time-release.
The Teachers Agreement 2019 (No.2) provides that BeTTR program applies to teachers who are in their first and second year of employment since graduation and are employed on a permanent or fixed-term basis for at least one school term at 0.5 full-time equivalent or more.
Under the BeTTR program full-time ECTs are able to access a minimum instructional load time-release of two hours per week in the first year, and one hour per week in the second year.
Part-time teachers (0.5 full-time equivalent and above) can access the time release on a pro-rata basis according to the actual hours worked. For example, if you’re employed at 0.5 FTE you can access one hour instructional load time-release per week.
The extension of the BeTTR program to the second year of teaching was an AEU win from the campaign for the 2019 Teachers Agreement.
Under the Teaching Service (Tasmanian Public Sector) Award 2021, the instructional load for a full-time unpromoted teacher should be no more than:
- Kindergarten to Grade 6: 42 hours per fortnight
- Grade 7 to Grade 12: 40 hours per fortnight
This time release period may be “banked” up to a maximum period of six hours to accommodate a block release for the ECT to participate in a full day professional development program.
The purpose of BeTTR program will vary according to the needs of each ECT, but may include:
- ongoing feedback meetings with senior staff and/or other experienced teachers;
- observation of experienced teachers in the classroom;
- induction programs relating to the school, district and Department of Education (DoE);
- attendance at formal induction and training courses provided by the DoE’s Professional Learning Institute;
- additional DOTT (Duties Other Than Teaching) time for lesson preparation;
- visiting other schools/colleges – discussions with experienced teachers;
- meeting with relevant Learning Services, DoE curriculum officers;
- attendance at “awareness meetings’ with Learning Services, DoE support staff;
- collaboration, including attendance at meetings with other collaboration, including a professional network and collaborating directly with other ECTs. within the Learning Service, DoE.
BeTTR program should not be substituted for individual, school or Learning Services, DoE professional learning programs. The professional development activity for each ECT will be tailored in consultation with their mentor and the school principal.
Don’t forget that your Principal must complete an application for BeTTR program funding.
BeTTR program is a legal entitlement and if you have any difficulties accessing it be sure to contact us!
