Teacher quality and the strength of school leadership are recognised as the greatest school-based determinants of educational success. Quality teaching has a measurable impact on student outcomes.
The teaching profession in Australia has much to celebrate. Our teachers and school leaders are having a profound impact – with Australian schools performing strongly in international tests such as PISA and TIMMS.
Issues related to teacher and school leader quality affect all stages of the teaching ‘lifecycle’, from attraction into the profession to ongoing development and retention in our schools.
To improve equity in educational outcomes, quality teachers must also work in schools where they are needed most including, remote and disadvantaged schools.
Improving teacher and school leader quality requires action to:
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Attract the ‘best and brightest’ entrants to teaching;
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Train our future teachers through world-class pre-service education;
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Place quality teachers and school leaders in schools where they are needed most;
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Develop teachers skills and knowledge through ongoing professional learning; and
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Retain quality teachers and school leaders in our schools.
Our Initiatives