Limited Authority to Teach
What is a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT)?
A Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) is an authority for a specified person to teach in a specified school/centre in a temporary capacity. It is not a form of registration. Limited Authorities may be used to cover teaching positions of a variety of roles. They should only be used in the case where a registered teacher cannot be found for the specific role.
A LAT is not transferable. It can only be used within the school/centre for the position for which it was granted, except where the position involves an itinerating role and then it is only for the schools/centres named on the approval letter. In such circumstances the LAT must be applied for at a designated home school/centre and all other schools/centres at which the position applies must be listed on the application.
A LAT is not an extension to the 10 full days that a person can teach without holding a practising certificate or authorisation from the Teachers Council; it is a specific authorisation.
Who can Apply for a LAT?
LATs are granted for people who will hold a teaching position (over the period of the contract), within a particular school/centre.
LATs are not for people working as teacher aides, kaiarahi i te reo/kaiawhina or other such support roles. These are not considered teaching positions. The Council will not grant an authority to any person who is already eligible for registration; they would need to go through the normal registration process.
Durations and Fees for LAT applications
LATs are granted for limited periods. You can use the guidelines on the Duration and Fees for LAT applications page to find out the duration of time that a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) applicant could be eligible for and which processing fee would need to be provided.
How to Apply:
A Limited Authority to Teach is applied for by the person needing it, with an application for a Limited Authority to Teach (TC4) form.
The application must be endorsed by the principal of a school (or senior teacher of a kindergarten) wishing to employ the person. The need for an authority should be anticipated in advance and an application made before the date it is needed. Where an authorised teacher is to be employed in several schools (e.g. as an itinerant teacher) the endorsement is made by a principal who will be responsible for the performance appraisals.
LAT Policy
The LAT Policy can be found in Section Three of the Registration Policy.