All teaching staff are required to be Accredited as a Teacher (At). New teachers complete the Connect program, which is an introduction to Lutheran education and ideally within their first year.
Accreditation
Educators in Lutheran schools and early childhood services play a crucial role in fostering student learning and supporting the distinct identity and culture of Lutheran education. To ensure they are well-equipped for this important work, Lutheran Education Australia provides comprehensive and rigorous pathways for their preparation, ongoing professional learning, and spiritual formation.
Accreditation is a key process through which the Lutheran Church of Australia ensures that those working in its schools understand and uphold its teachings. This is especially important for school leaders and Christian Studies teachers, who are expected to have a strong foundation in Lutheran theology. These requirements, which reflect each staff member’s responsibilities, are outlined in the LCA’s staffing policy.
The staffing policy affirms the contributions of all educators while also establishing clear expectations to ensure schools operate in alignment with the mission of the church. As part of this, all teachers and leaders participate in an orientation to Lutheran theology and the principles of Lutheran schooling, helping them understand and embody the unique character of a Lutheran school.
View our accreditation requirements summary.
Required Accreditation Status
Teachers of Christian Studies must work towards their Accreditation as a Christian Studies Teacher (Ac). They complete the Equip program, focused on the purpose and practice of Christian Studies, ideally within their first three years.
School leaders (e.g. principals, deputies, heads of sub-school) must be Accredited as a Leader (Al). This is achieved through postgraduate study in leadership and theology, such as the Leadership Development Program (LDP), ideally completed within the first three years in the role.
Staff employed in ministry roles complete their Accreditation for ministry (Am). This is achieved by completing Connect, the Introduction to ministry in Lutheran education workshop, and commencing a theological qualification supportive of their role and responsibilities.
Pathways to Accreditation
Accreditation is achieved through the Connect and Equip programs or equivalent postgraduate study at Australian Lutheran College.
Accreditation Currency
Accreditation remains current for five years and reflects a commitment to ongoing growth in Lutheran identity and practice.
Recognition of Equivalent Learning (REL)
Equivalent prior study (e.g. in biblical studies, theology, pedagogy for Christian Studies, or postgraduate educational leadership studies) may be recognised towards Equip or the Leadership Development program. Access the REL Guidelines.
The Connect and Equip programs are recognised by the University of Divinity toward the Graduate Certificate in Education and Theology—up to 50% credit may be granted. Contact Australian Lutheran College for more details.
Accreditation Guidelines and Forms
There are several guidelines and forms to support your accreditation process, view our news and resources for more detail.
Responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with the LCA staffing policy
- Track staff completion of Connect, Equip, LDP, Accreditation for ministry
- Nurture a faith-based learning community
- Promote professional and theological development
- Maintain staff records in the national database, LExICON
- Support principals in fulfilling accreditation requirements
- Track regional staff participation in Connect, Equip and Accreditation for ministry
- Maintain regional staff data
- Monitor compliance with LCA staffing policy
- Provide formation resources to schools and regions
- Maintain the national register of accredited staff