Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT)?
The purpose of a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) is stated in section 130A of the Education Act (1989):
"Where any person has skills that are appropriate to advance the learning of a student or group of students in any particular institution, but who may not have a specific qualification normally associated with teaching, and provided that person meets the tests set out in section 130B of this act. That person shall on application to the New Zealand Teachers Council, be granted a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT)."
The intent of the Act is to ensure that:
- all persons having contact with students in an instructional capacity should be of good character, fit to be a teacher. and likely to be a satisfactory teacher, and
- that school authorities and kindergarten management wishing to employ people with particular skills and experience can do so.
Why does the Council issue LATs?
The Council's view is that the best way to ensure high quality teaching and learning is to appoint fully qualified and registered teachers. Under the Education Act 1989, the Council can also authorise an unregistered person to teach on a temporary basis by issuing a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) for a specific position, provided that the person has the necessary skills and experience.
Is a LAT the same as registration?
A LAT is NOT a form of registration. It is an
authority for a person to teach in a specified school/centre in a temporary capacity. LATs may be used for a variety of roles but should only be used in cases where registered teachers cannot be found.
Who should apply for a LAT ?
LATs are granted to people who will hold prime responsibility for the planning, implementation, assessment, evaluation and reporting of a sequential programme with a student or group of students (over the period of the contract), within a particular school/centre. LATs are not intended for people working as teacher aides.
What is the application process for a LAT ?
A LAT is applied for by the person needing it, on an application form (TC 4) available from the Council. The application must be endorsed by the principal of a school or head teacher of a kindergarten.
Is a LAT transferable from one school to another?
A LAT is not transferable. It can only be used within the school/centre for the position for which it was granted, except where the position involves an itinerating role. In such circumstances the LAT must be applied for at a designated home school/centre and all other schools/centres at which the position applies must be listed on the application and be signed by the professional leaders of those schools.
What is the role of the professional leader when an application for a LAT is made?
The Council will only consider an application for a LAT when the application is supported by the professional leader of the school/centre intending to employ the applicant. The professional leader needs to take responsibility for a range of tasks as part of the LAT application (for more details see the full list in the LAT Policy).
What supervision is required for a person granted a LAT ?
The professional leader within a school or centre has a responsibility to have in place a performance management system that will provide the LAT holder with a clear job description, regular appraisals, access to appropriate professional development and supervision from a fully registered teacher who holds a current practising certificate.
