WA's lowered standards let unqualified teachers work elsewhere

A loophole in mutual recognition agreements is allowing unqualified teachers, due to lowered standards in Western Australia, to work in Victorian and NSW classrooms. Dozens of teachers have already exploited this loophole, prompting investigations by Victorian and NSW governments to close it. WA's decision to accept one-year teaching diplomas, despite national standards requiring two years, is the root cause. The situation arises amid a national teacher shortage, with concerns that lowering standards is not the solution. Both states are seeking ways to restrict employment of teachers who haven't completed the required study.