Probation
Teaching Service
Probation provides support and feedback to an employee in the first year of ongoing employment and complements the induction process. The purpose of the probationary period is to ascertain whether the conduct and work performance of the employee meet the standards expected of teaching service employees in Victorian government schools before the full rights and responsibilities of ongoing tenure are confirmed.
Section 2.4.8 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 provides that a person employed in a position in the teaching service may be required to serve a period of probation in accordance with a Ministerial Order. Division 6 of Part 9 of Ministerial Order 199 provides for probation for employees in the teaching service. A person remains a probationer until his or her employment is confirmed or annulled.
On first employment as an ongoing teaching service employee a twelve-month period of probation is required to be served by principals, assistant principals and teachers and a three month period for education support class employees. The offer of employment is to indicate that a probationary period is required and specify the duration of the probationary period. A probationary period is not required in respect of the transfer or promotion of an existing ongoing teaching service employee or where a person is employed fixed-term or on a casual basis.
For comprehensive policy and information concerning probation, see the Probation Guidelines – Teaching Service below which cover the following areas:
- Overview
- Probationary arrangements
- Probationary arrangements for provisionally registered teachers
- Salary progression and probation
- Leave while on probation
- Transfer or promotion during a probationary period
- Employment without probation
Teaching Service | Public Service
Other Resources
Policy and Guidelines
- Probation Guidelines - Teaching Service (PDF - 297Kb) (Last updated 2 March 2010)
Procedures & Forms
- Probation Outcome (Word - 139Kb) (Last updated 5 November 2010)
Legislation
Related Topics


