This would be based partly on their basic education (the Australian example in the web link requires at least a BA) and partly on their work/professional experience, which is considered to be of value within the school system.


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Note added at 22 mins (2006-12-26 13:51:24 GMT)
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NOTE: these may be extra-curricular subjects at times, but no always. See hamo's comment about temporary vacancies. The main point here is that they did not follow the normal system, whether into a teaching career, or as simply extra-curricular teachers.

A secondary school teacher who is employed by the host educational system to fill temporary vacancies among permanent staff. It likely applies to primary school as well, but there is no evidence for this in the document provided.

See page 173 of the referenced document.

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Note added at 23 mins (2006-12-26 13:51:33 GMT)
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I certainly would not conclude, as at least one contributor has done, that the term is unique to the Australian education system. I have provided you with the closest English language equivalents for both the British (Hong Kong) and US systems of education.

Judging by some job description pages, this is a teaching position "Not Elsewhere Classified", i.e. "Other".

http://www.liveinaustralia.com/457/visa_descriptions_eligibi...

I believe this position may be "private", i.e. outside of school system / teachers union, or "in the union". The important distinction seems to be in subjects taught (dance, dressmaking, crafts, etc., i.e. outside of the standard structured curriculum).



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Note added at 27 mins (2006-12-26 13:56:25 GMT)
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I guess they must be outside the "school system", i.e. teachers union.