Competence Investigation

Mandatory reports about competence are referred to the Advisor: Teacher Practice for investigation. 

Investigation

The Advisor: Teacher Practice will either:

  • refer the matter back to the employer to deal with; or
  • investigate the matter if the teacher's current employer is unable to deal with it, the teacher is not currently employed, or the matter has been referred by the
    Complaints Assessment Committee (CAC). 

Every mandatory report is sent to the teacher concerned for their response. Four weeks is the usual amount of time given for a response. When the Advisor: Teacher Practice begins a competence investigation, further information may be sought from the employer and/or teacher. When all information is gathered, the Advisor: Teacher Practice will assess the teacher's competence. This involves analysis and interpretation of the information provided. 

In some circumstances, the Advisor: Teacher Practice will refer the teacher to an impairment process. The Impairment Committee will consider the case and prepare a report for the Advisor: Teacher Practice.

Possible outcomes of this process

  1. If the teacher is assessed as competent, a report is prepared for the New Zealand Teachers Council. The Advisor: Teacher Practice recommends no further action.
    The New Zealand Teachers Council will consider the report and either accept the recommendation or refer it back to the Advisor: Teacher Practice for further work.
  2. If the investigation finds that the teacher needs support to be competent, the Advisor: Teacher Practice will meet with an advisory group to discuss the monitoring process.

Agreements

These discussions are the basis of the negotiated agreement with the teacher.  One or more of the following options will provide the basis of a negotiated agreement with the teacher. These options include:

  • conducting or arranging for the evaluation or assessment of the teacher's competence;
  • arranging, and if necessary attending, meetings between the teacher and any other person or persons;
  • arranging for the teacher to take part in any procedures designed to improve the teacher's competence;
  • arranging advice and guidance for the teacher; and
  • arranging for monitoring of the effect of any procedures undertaken by the teacher or of any advice and guidance offered to the teacher.

Supporting a teacher to become competent