Lauren's PTT journey

Lauren Spence always knew she wanted to teach. After nearly a decade working as a teacher aide across primary, special education, and high schools in Brisbane, she commenced a Permission to Teach (PTT) teaching role at Glenala State High School in June 2022.

When a registered teacher can't be found to fill a teaching vacancy, schools can make a declaration requesting PTT for an individual who is not eligible for registration, to fill the position for a short period. In 2025, 1,325 people were approved for PTT, with 97 per cent of them undertaking initial teacher education as preservice teachers.

With just six months left in her Bachelor of Education (Primary), majoring in special education at the University of Southern Queensland, Lauren was approved to teach English, Humanities and Maths at Glenala. She balanced her full-time PTT teaching role with the final stretch of her degree, graduating in December 2022.

She says her PTT experience proved to be extremely valuable for preparing her for the profession.

"It gave me the confidence to really step into my role as a 'real' teacher," Lauren said. "I was given autonomy over decision making which gave me more confidence to try different strategies."

That autonomy, she explains, was key to developing her professional identity, which she felt her professional experience placements couldn't fully provide.

"Being under constant observation always made me nervous and doubt my own ability," she said. "[With the PTT] I was able to be more independent in decision making to really cultivate my identity as a teacher."

Lauren credits her school's support as central to her success. Glenala offered her a mentor, additional planning time, and a permanent position for when she became a registered teacher.

That foundation made her transition from provisional to full registration in 2024 smooth. By the time she formally applied, Lauren had accumulated two years of full-time classroom experience, a well-developed pedagogy, and a clear sense of her identity as a teacher.

She has a clear message for anyone considering a PTT: "Make sure you're committing to a school who supports and advocates for your needs. Make the most of your time, link into your colleagues, and be willing to step outside your comfort zone," she said.