Study Leave
Teaching Service
Study leave is one of a range of professional learning options covering both formal and informal training and resources for members of the teaching service to build the capacity of the workforce to improve student learning outcomes. The purpose of study leave is to enable an employee to pursue a course of studies or training or to undertake research which would improve the capacity of the employee to serve the teaching service.
Members of the teaching service may be granted full or part time study leave, with or without pay. Applications for study leave are considered having regard to the following criteria:
- relevance of the study or research to the priorities of the school/Department;
- relevance of the study or research to the present or future duties of the applicant;
- the study or research is the most effective form of professional learning for the applicant;
- the study or research can be accommodated within the available budget;
- the staffing needs of the school can accommodate the proposed study leave.
Where study leave is granted without pay the period of leave is recognised as service for annual leave, personal leave and long service leave purposes.
Where an application for study leave does not satisfy the criteria set out above consideration may be given to granting a period of leave without pay provided the staffing needs of the school can accommodate the period of absence. In this case the period of leave without pay will not count as service.
The principal of each school is responsible for determining study leave applications from assistant principals, teachers and education support class employees in his or her school. The Regional Director is responsible for determining study leave applications from principals in his or her Region. Applications for study leave should include details of the course to be undertaken, a copy of the course timetable and details of leave required.
Part-time study leave
Where classes are not available outside normal working hours, part-time study leave may be granted for attendance at lectures, seminars and tutorials or other course requirements. Paid leave is usually limited to a maximum of one day per week (7.6 hours). In special circumstances, leave may be granted for attendance at classes held during working hours even when such classes are available outside normal hours of duty. Special circumstances would include situations such as an unavoidable clash in night lectures or pressing domestic responsibilities.
Examinations
Paid leave may be granted to an employee to attend an examination associated with a course of study. Leave may be granted for the full day when the examination is in the afternoon and for a half-day when the examination is held in the morning.
Graduation
Paid leave may be granted to an employee to attend graduation or conferring ceremonies when they have qualified for degrees or diplomas from a university. The period of leave granted should take into account the time of the ceremony and travel requirements.
Practicum
Where a principal has approved study leave for an employee that includes a practicum component, the principal may consider one or more of the following options to cover the employee’s absence:
- internal coverage by arrangement within the school;
- a temporary exchange with an employee from another school;
- employment of a casual replacement or an employee on a fixed term basis.
Teaching Service | Public Service
Other Resources
Procedures & Forms
The following applies in relation to applying for leave:
- Applications for leave should be submitted through Employee Self Service (ESS). Select the following link for more information ESS eduPay
- An application will need to be made in writing where an employee is unable to access or use ESS or wishes to amend/delete leave submitted through ESS and approved on eduPay.
Legislation
Related Topics