Human Resources: Teachers in New South Wales must have degrees

Under new populist-pandering, window dressing legislation, schools in New South Wales can be fined up to $11,000 for hiring new teachers without degrees.

Teachers who were employed before October 2004, have seven years to obtain a degree, providing they can provide evidence of progress to New South Wales Institute of Teachers.

The new legislation is likely to hit private schools harder than state schools, who are already obliged by law to employ tertiary educated staff.

Some of Sydney's best private schools employ teachers who have no formal qualifications. It does not prevent them turning out some of Australia's top achievers.

Ironically, one top school has 20 teachers with degrees - but no formal teaching experience.