SSTUWA - State School Teachers' Union of Western Australia

Teachers set to raise school standards

Improvements to teacher quality in Australian schools took an important step forward today, with School Education Minister Peter Garrett welcoming the release of new National Professional Standards for Teachers.

Mr Garrett said the Standards will drive future reform in the areas of national accreditation of teacher education programs, nationally consistent teacher registration, and the certification of highly accomplished teachers.

“The development of the new national teacher standards is an historic move toward making every school a great school because we know that outside of the home, teachers have the greatest impact on the development of young Australians,” Mr Garrett said.

“Teachers play such an important role in our classrooms, it is vital that we have nationally consistent standards that will help our dedicated teachers to continue to strive for excellence.

“The Australian Labor Government recognises that teachers have one of the most important jobs and is therefore committed to improving conditions for teachers by providing better support, ongoing professional development and rewarding and recognising those that go above and beyond.

“Along with the Teacher Standards, Australian Government investments in teaching such as the $550 million National Partnership on Improving Teacher Quality are helping to improve teacher recruitment, development and excellence and ensure that our teachers are of the highest quality.”

The Standards were released today by the Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs (MCEECDYA).

They describe the professional knowledge, practice and engagement expected of teachers throughout their career pathway from graduate through to lead teacher.

“By outlining the knowledge and skills required of teachers at each level, the Standards will be a great tool to help teachers to pursue the professional development opportunities best suited to their roles,” Mr Garrett said.

Finalised by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), the Standards were presented to MCEECDYA for endorsement late last year.

The Standards are available at: www.aitsl.edu.au