Preservice teacher gains extended classroom experience through PTT pathway

For Brisbane preservice teacher Bailey Young, the opportunity to take on a short-term teaching role in a regional Queensland school has been a transformative step in his teaching journey.

Bailey is one of a growing number of Queensland preservice teachers taking an opportunity to teach under Permission to Teach (PTT) while completing initial teacher education (ITE) studies.

PTT allows schools to make a declaration for an individual to apply for PTT and fill a position for a short period when a registered teacher can't be found. In 2024 , nearly 1,300 PTT applications were approved.

The majority of PTT holders are preservice teachers undertaking ITE, with most approved to teach in regional Queensland schools.

In his fourth year of studying a Bachelor of Education (Secondary) majoring in History and Geography at QUT, Bailey is gaining extended classroom experience at St George State High School while simultaneously completing his studies.

He says the transition from university lecture theatre to regional school has been both challenging and rewarding.

“It’s been the most rewarding challenge I’ve taken on yet. Teaching in a smaller rural school means you build really strong connections with students and staff, and you learn fast,” Bailey said

PTT holders in schools are considered to be approved Queensland teachers for the period of their approval notice and can be expected to carry out non-teaching duties of a teacher, including supervisions and attendance at non-curricular events. PTT is granted within strict parameters, allowing individuals to teach certain subjects and year levels.

At St George State High School, Bailey is approved to teach Year 8 Humanities, Year 10 History and English, and Year 11 Essential English.

He says his PTT opportunity came about after a professional experience placement at the school in the third year of his ITE program.

“I felt a real sense of belonging and purpose while working in the community.”

The ability to apply newly gained skills from university to teaching practice has been particularly rewarding.

Support has been a key factor in Bailey’s journey. From his mentor and school leadership team to the local Country University Centre and an online tutor through QUT’s EQuIPT program , it’s been a collaborative effort

This wrap-around support has been instrumental in building skills such as classroom management, assessment literacy, and professional confidence.

“Whether it’s lesson planning, behaviour management, or assessment design, I’ve always had someone to turn to.”

“I’ve developed a much stronger sense of professional identity, I feel like a teacher now, not just a preservice teacher. That confidence has flowed into my university work now, too.”

To other preservice teachers considering PTT roles, particularly in regional schools, Bailey says it’s a unique chance to make an impact while developing your craft.

“Rural communities are some of the most welcoming places to begin your journey.”