Changes to the classifications, pay and allowances under the Educational Services (Teachers) Award 2020 (Award) came into effect from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2022.
The key changes to the Award are:
- New classification structure
- Pay rates
- Changes to allowances
New classification structure
A new classification structure has been introduced reducing the current 12 levels to 5 levels. The classifications are based on the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and are tied to registration.
The new classifications are:
| Classification | Criteria |
|---|
| Level 1 | Graduate teacher and all other teachers (as defined) including those holding provisional or conditional accreditation /registration |
| Level 2 | Teacher with proficient accreditation/registration or equivalent |
| Level 3 | Teacher with proficient accreditation/registration or equivalent after 3 years’ satisfactory teaching service at Level 2 |
| Level 4 | Teacher with proficient accreditation/registration or equivalent after 3 years’ satisfactory teaching service at Level 3 |
| Level 5 | Teacher with Highly Accomplished / Lead Teacher accreditation / registration or equivalent |
The Award sets out the arrangements to transition current employees into the new structure in Schedule H. The Schedule specifically provides the following translations (unless the classification above would result in a higher classification for the employee):
| Classification prior to 1 January 2022 | Classification on and from 1 January 2022 |
|---|
| Level 5 | Level 2 |
| Level 6 | Level 2 |
| Level 7 | Level 2 |
| Level 8 | Level 3 |
| Level 9 | Level 3 |
| Level 10 | Level 3 |
| Level 11 | Level 4 |
| Level 12 | Level 4 |
Pay rates
The minimum pay rates increased in January 2022 and are set out in Schedule B to the Award.
Changes to allowances
The leadership allowance for teachers in schools and the director’s allowance for childcare centre directors was increased. There is no transition period to the new allowances.
So, what do I need to do?
- Check if your staff are affected by the new classifications and transition them to the new arrangements.
- Update payroll system changes required for the pay rates and allowance changes.
- Communicate any change required to employees.
How Moores can help
Transitioning staff to the new classification system might not be smooth sailing. We can set you on the right path if you experience a few bumps in the road with identifying the correct classification or your employee disputes their new classification.
It is always better to be on the front foot if you identify a potential misalignment with the Award. Get in touch with the workplace relations team at Moores if you need support and advice.
Contact us
Please contact us for more detailed and tailored help.
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