Initial Teacher Education – Professional Standards and Criminal Offences Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to codify the requirements that:

1. persons who are applying for enrolment in University of Otago College of Education initial teacher education programmes must consent to verification from the New Zealand Police and Department of Courts (and/or equivalent for international applicants) that they have no undeclared criminal charges or convictions; and
2. students enrolled in College of Education initial teacher education programmes must abide by professional standards and declare to the College any charges or convictions for criminal offences during the period of their study.

Organisational scope

This policy applies to all students who are applying for enrolment in, or are enrolled in, any College of Education initial teacher education programmes.

Definitions

Content

Students graduating with an initial teacher education qualification are eligible to apply to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand for registration as teachers and provisional certification.

In view of the Teaching Council requirements for the registration and certification of teachers, the Children's Act 2014, and the entitlement of schools, early childhood centres, and other education services participating in initial teacher education programmes to have confidence in the character and behaviour of UOCE students:

1. Persons who are applying for enrolment in initial teacher education programmes must consent to such checks as are prescribed by the UOCE in light of the requirements of the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Children's Act 2014, which shall include verification from the New Zealand Police and Department of Courts (and/or equivalent for international applicants) that the applicant has no undeclared criminal charges or convictions;
2. Depending on the nature and recency of any offending, an applicant for admission to a programme may be declined admission by the Dean of the UOCE on the recommendation of the Selection Committee concerned, on the grounds that the applicant is not of good character and/or has been guilty of misconduct (see Education and Training Act 2020, Section 255(5) (a) and (b) and the Admission to University Statute 2011);
3. Students who are enrolled in initial teacher education programmes must adhere to the professional standards required during the period of the teacher education programme and also must declare any charges or convictions for criminal offences;
4. Any student charged with or convicted of a criminal offence during the period of an initial teacher education programme must inform the Associate Dean Initial Teacher Education within seven days of such charge or conviction (in the case of a student who is currently enrolled) or before enrolling for further study (in the case of a student who is not currently enrolled). A determination about the student's eligibility to continue to study towards the qualification will be made by the Dean of the UOCE on the recommendation of the Associate Dean Initial Teacher Education.

Related policies, procedures and forms

• Admission to University Statute 2011
• Education and Training Act 2020
• Children's Act 2014

Contact for further information

If you have any queries regarding the content of this policy or need further clarification, contact:

The Manager
Policy and Compliance
Email policycompliance@otago.ac.nz