Teaching Australia - now the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership - supported and advanced the effectiveness and standing of the teaching profession. It was launched as a permanent body on 5 December 2005, following a period of interim operation as the National Institute for Quality Teaching and School Leadership (NIQTSL). Visit the web site
AITSL seeks to be a strong unifying body acting in the interests of teachers and school leaders, drawing the profession together to promote quality teaching and school leadership for the good of all Australians.
AITSL has responsibility for:
- rigorous national professional standards
- fostering and driving high quality professional development for teachers and school leaders
- working collaboratively across jurisdictions and engaging with key professional bodies.
History of Teaching Australia
Teaching Australia was established with four core functions: professional standards and accreditation professional learning and course accreditation research and communication promotion of the profession
Teaching Australia conducted its business according to the following operating principles:
- national perspective
- engaging the profession catalysing action focus on quality teaching and school leadership
- advocacy collaboration and communication evidence base independence
Background
On 17 July 2003, the Australian Government Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson, announced that the Australian Government would establish a National Institute for Quality Teaching and School Leadership commencing in 2004.
A Consortium of the Allen Consulting Group, Dr Gregor Ramsey and Deloitte was commissioned by the Department of Education, Science and Training to develop an implementation strategy to establish the Institute. Based on submissions and consultations, a detailed implementation strategy and establishment plan was presented to the Australian Government in March 2004.