Accreditation in Lutheran schools
Accreditation is the means whereby the Lutheran Church of Australia can be assured that its teachings are known to and understood by those who work as educators in Lutheran schools, and that those who lead the school or teach Christian Studies have an adequate grounding in Lutheran theology. These requirements which reflect the responsibilities that each person has in the Lutheran school are outlined in the LCA staffing policy for Lutheran schools.
Through its staffing policy for Lutheran schools, the Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA) both affirms those who work in its schools and also establishes procedures to ensure that its schools operate in accordance with the mission of the church. The staffing policy requires all teachers and leaders to engage in an orientation to Lutheran theology and the practice of Lutheran schooling so that they can have an understanding of the special character of the Lutheran school.
Required accreditation status
- Teaching staff who do not teach Christian Studies are required to be Accredited as a teacher (At)
- Teaching staff who teach Christian Studies are required to be Accredited as a Christian Studies teacher (Ac)
- Teaching staff who hold a key leadership position such as principal, deputy principal or head of sub-school are required to be Accredited as a leader (Al)
Accreditation is achieved through the completion of the Connect and/or Equip accreditation courses, or the completion of formal post graduate study at Australian Lutheran College (or equivalent). Detailed information on accreditation requirements.
Accreditation currency
Accreditation currency supports the ongoing learning of accredited teachers and leaders and recognises that staff continue to grow in their understandings of the Lutheran identity of the school or early childhood service through their years of service. Accreditation currency is renewed every five years once the required Accreditation status has been achieved.
Recognition of Equivalent Learning (REL) for accreditation
Recognition is given for equivalent learning that is study of similar standard and similar content. Recognition will be assessed based on units completed in the areas of the Bible, the Christian faith, pedagogy for Christian Studies (or RE).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Graduate Certificate in Education and Theology
The Connect and Equip programs are recognised by the University of Divinity as suitable for inclusion in their Graduate Certificate in Education and Theology. Teachers who successfully complete these in-service programs may be granted recognition of prior learning for up to 50% of the award. Full details of RPL are available at:
Responsibilities: Principals
- Ensure that the LCA staffing policy and accreditation requirements are fulfilled and that those who work in their school are equipped to contribute to the mission of the Lutheran school
- Facilitate and maintain records of completion of Connect workshops delivered for staff in their school
- Establish and nurture a staff learning faith community
- Lutheran school as a place of mission and ministry
- Principal as spiritual leader of the school
- Provide opportunities for ongoing study and development
- Advertise all full-time permanent educational positions via the LEA website
- Extend a letter of appointment which describes the position and the conditions that apply to it
- Maintain data for staff in national database
Responsibilities: Regional office
- Ensure principals meet their responsibilities in relation to the LCA staffing policy and accreditation requirements
- Maintain data for staff in national database
- Facilitate and maintain records of completion of Connect and Equip workshops delivered for staff in their region
Responsibilities: LEA national office
- Monitor the requirements of the LCA staffing policy in regions and schools
- Provide resources for schools and regional offices for staff formation
- Maintain data for staff in national database
- Maintain register of accredited staff