By Natalie Blewitt
Growth Team coordinator

The commencement of any school year is always so hectic and the last few weeks may have seemed like a bit of a blur.

But now that you are getting into the swing of your classroom routine, it is important to understand what additional support is available for you.

In the last issue of Western Teacher, we began to take a closer look at the graduate entitlements. In this edition, we will focus on the graduate teacher allowance, the in-class coaching program and the contingency allocation.

Graduate Teacher Allowance (start-up allowance)

Full-time graduate teachers will receive an allowance of $1,600 per year for each of their first two years, while part time teachers will receive this allowance pro-rata. Each annual allowance is paid according to the term of employment and is paid as soon as practicable after commencement of employment. This allowance is paid directly to you through payroll.

This allowance is usually paid within the first four weeks of your start date. If you have not received this allocation within this time frame, use the “Raise a support request” link via the IKON portal.

You can find this link and additional information by searching “Query your graduate allowance” using the IKON search function. Prior to submitting this online request, remember to check that your principal or deputy principal has submitted an electronic advice in the Department of Education’s (DoE) HRMIS portal. Your manager of corporate services may be able to assist you also.

It is also important to remember that as this allowance is paid as a lump sum, tax implications will apply.

In-class coaching program

The graduate teacher in-class coaching program (ICCP) is part of the overall graduate teacher induction program provided by the DoE. It is designed to support and challenge graduate teachers beginning their careers in public education.

To meet the eligibility criteria, you must have a teaching contract with the DoE for the duration of the program, be in your first 30 months of teaching and have completed graduate module one. This free in-class coaching program is confidential and non-judgemental and will prompt reflection against the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership standards.

Apply for this program through IKON by searching for ICCP or contact the team at Statewide Services at inclasscoachingprogram@education.wa.edu.au

Contingency allocation

Modules are often held in regional areas to accommodate regionally placed teachers. Contracted graduate teachers required to travel to attend modules are entitled to have their travel and accommodation expenses paid for. This contingency allowance is available for module one and two only. Any unspent contingency can be used to travel to modules three and four.

For metro schools, this allowance equates to 10 per cent of two teacher relief days. While for country schools, the amount is determined by distance from Perth and relative isolation. This allowance covers the cost of the trip to your nearest regional centre to attend the graduate module.

Before booking a place at a graduate module, please remember to negotiate this release time with your school leader. Also, speak with your manager of corporate services to find out how your expenses will be reimbursed as money under this allocation is paid directly to the school by Finance Planning and Resourcing.

Continuing to build positive relationships with your school leadership team and colleagues is key to your success.

Please ask questions and seek support if you are unsure about any of the additional support and entitlements.

You can reach our Member Assist Team at memberassist@sstuwa.org.au or by phone on 9210 6060 where a team of staff will answer questions both big and small that you have. And remember, you are never alone when you are a member with the SSTUWA.