Queensland’s first language teacher registration

In a Queensland first, Wakka Wakka language teacher Corey Appo has been registered as a specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language teacher, recognised with a Permission to Teach (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages). Corey has taught the Wakka Wakka languages curriculum at Eidsvold State School for the past five years. Permission to Teach (PPT) is a process of paraprofessional registration which has differently named in each state and territory. PPT recognises the technical skills that industry professionals can bring to school classrooms. It can provide teacher registration to technical experts who are skilled to teach school subjects but do not hold a Bachelor of Education. First Languages Australia looks forward to seeing the registration of specialist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language teachers nationally at levels that recognise the extensive skills and expertise that language teaching requires.

First Languages Australia would like to commend Principal Preston Parter who has advocated for Corey’s registration for the past four years. And the Department of Education, Queensland College of Teachers, and Queensland Teachers Union for their support in making this happen.

Language teacher Corey Appo and Edisvold State School’s Wakka Wakka language advisory group, celebrating Corey's registration. Photo: Courtesy of Eidsvold State School.