Professional Experience Placements for Pre-Service Teachers

Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to most of your questions relating to Professional Experience placements, please view our comprehensive list of FAQs below. If your question is not answered here, please contact EduPEx@westernsydney.edu.au

Placement Dates

Important information for current and commencing Pre-Service Teachers

Before you can register into any subject with a placement, you must complete and submit evidence of having completed all special requirements. If you are having problems registering, please go to the Special Requirements page to view details.

InPlace Online Student Placement System

Pre-service teachers can access all professional experience placement information and records through InPlace, the University’s online placement management system. Click here to learn more.

Rural Professional Experience Opportunities

This is an exciting opportunity for eligible M.Teach Primary and Secondary students to complete their Professional Experience placement in a Rural and Remote area of NSW. This collaboration between the Western Sydney University and and the NSW Department of Education opens doors for pre-service teachers to experience the numerous benefits of a rural placement.

By participating in this program, you can enjoy the following advantages:

  • Enhanced employment prospects.
  • Being an integral part of a close-knit and supportive community.
  • Making a positive impact on the lives of your students and the rural community in which you will be placed.
  • Partnering with a fellow pre-service teacher, embarking on this exciting challenge together.
  • Exposure to a diverse range of teaching tasks, providing an excellent opportunity to acquire new skills.
  • Discovering more about rural NSW and exploring the Tamworth area during your free time.

For more information, please visit the NSW Department of Education's rural placement resource page, or contact WSU Education Professional Experience team EduPEx@westernsydney.edu.au

Compulsory Name Badges

Pre-service Teachers must order their name badge directly with the supplier. It is important to order at least four weeks prior to starting placement.

For details on how to order please view the name badge ordering information sheet here.

Credit for Prior learning for Professional Experience Subjects

For information regarding eligibility and how to apply for credit for prior learning for Professional Experience subjects, please click here.

Application to Undertake Final Placement in the School where you are Employed

For information regarding eligibility and how to apply for a Waiver of Appendix B of the NESA Professional Experience Policy, please click here.

Work Health & Safety Online Modules

Students enrolled in below listed subjects are required to complete Occupational Health and Safety training before attending placement.

  • TEAC 7154 (Master of Teaching PE 1)
  • TEAC 7104 (Master of Teaching Early Childhood B-2yrs - PE 1)
  • TEAC 7037 (Master of Teaching Early Childhood)
  • TEAC 2023 (Bachelor of Education Early Childhood - PE 2)
  • TEAC 2048 (Bachelor of Education Primary - PE 1)

Please click here to access the Instructions on how to complete this training and submit proof of completion.

Requesting evidence letter for ACECQA's skills assessment application from Western Sydney University

To request an evidence letter from Western Sydney University for ACECQA’s skills assessment (Early Childhood Teacher), please complete this form.

Approval may take up to three weeks. If you are currently enrolled, processing will start after your final grades are released, with an additional three weeks for statement preparation.

For more details, visit the AITSL website.

Apply for Conditional Accreditation

To qualify for Conditional Accreditation must meet either of the following criteria:

  1. You've completed a substantial part of an accredited undergraduate or graduate entry teaching degree.
  2. You hold a non-teaching bachelor's degree and have an offer to teach that discipline in a NSW school.

As a Conditionally Accredited teacher, you'll need to complete and be awarded an accredited teaching degree to progress to the next level of accreditation as a Proficient Teacher. To find out more please click here to visit The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

Enquiries: EduPEX@westernsydney.edu.au.

Taking control of your professional development

Visit the NSW Department of Education website -  Pre-service teachers (nsw.gov.au)

For the opportunity to speak with expert teachers from across the NSW Department of Education and receive targeted professional learning to support you in becoming ready to teach in an NSW Public School.

Commonwealth Prac Payment Information

Click here to find out more about the Commonwealth Prac Payment (CPP) — launching in July 2025, this new support will help students cover the costs of mandatory placements (practicums) in higher education courses for teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work.

Financial Support

If you're facing financial hardship due to personal circumstances or extraordinary events such as health issues, a humanitarian crisis, or a natural disaster. The Student Welfare Service can support you with grocery assistance, financial grants, textbook support, and referrals to external services. Click here to find out more.

WSU Student Support Services

As a Western Sydney University community member,  there are a number of support services available at WSU. These services are free and confidential for you to use. Please click here for a full list of services and to make a booking.

Be you | Beyond Blue

Please click here to access tools and resources designed to support you in your role as a Pre-service Teacher with a focus on your own mental health and wellbeing while studying. You will find helpful strategies and resources to promote and protect your wellbeing throughout your placement journey.

You can also visit the Beyond Blue website to access The Educator’s Handbook, which contains all the information you need to start your teaching journey.

Contact the Professional Experience team

EduPEX@westernsydney.edu.au for all Professional Experience enquiries

Or call:

  • Early Childhood 02 9772 6396 ( Beth Gibson)
  • Primary 02 9772 6663 (Daniel Macey)
  • Secondary 02 9772 6349 (Sharmaine Danby)
  • Team Manager 02 9772 6119 (Rowa Omari)

For Academic Program Advice, please email your relevant Academic Program Advisor (APA)