As we think about the future of teaching and leadership, one thing remains clear: we need to listen to the people at the heart of education.
Recently, I spoke with young people about the future of learning at Learning Creates’ We Are More gathering. What I heard was a powerful reminder that even as technology changes how teachers work, the relationship between teachers and learners remains at the heart of what matters.
That’s why listening to teachers is so important. Your experience, expertise, professional judgement and ideas help shape how we understand the profession today and prepare for what comes next.
And it’s those experiences and perspectives that I love hearing firsthand. For our latest Tea with Tim, I had the pleasure of sitting down for a cuppa with Rachael, a first-year teacher in rural Queensland. I was struck by her enthusiasm, willingness to learn and the way she spoke about the mentors and colleagues supporting her journey.
Just as Rachael has shared her view of teaching in Australia, you can too, by participating in the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey.
Or maybe you will feel inspired by Rachael’s curiosity and commitment to learning. In this issue you can explore ways to keep growing your expertise in Term 3 and get a first look at this year’s World Teachers’ Day celebration.
At AITSL we know that the future of teaching is shaped by listening, learning and growing together.
Tea with Tim: learning from the profession
What can we learn from an early career teacher working in a rural community?
In the latest episode of Tea with Tim, Tim sits down with Rachael, a first-year teacher at Charleville State High School in Queensland, to talk about her journey into teaching. They discuss the power of a great mentor and what she’s learned from her students, colleagues and community.
Rachael’s story is a great reminder that becoming a teacher doesn’t mean you stop being a learner. As she puts it:
“The day I stop wanting to learn new things is the day teaching for me no longer becomes a thing.”
From taking a chance on a rural placement to finding the right support as an early career teacher, Rachael shares practical advice on building confidence, learning from others, looking after your wellbeing and taking things one lesson at a time.
Your voice matters
What can we learn when teachers share their experience?
Listening to teachers helps us build a clearer picture of the profession, from what’s working well to the challenges teachers experience every day.
The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is an opportunity for every registered teacher and leader to share their experience. Whether you’re early in your career, an experienced teacher or in a leadership role, we want to hear from you.
If you’ve received your invitation, take around 15 minutes to share your experience.
One of AITSL’s important roles is making sure the voice of the profession helps shape the policies and priorities that affect teachers’ work every day.
Previous Australian Teacher Workforce Surveys have given us valuable insights into the profession:
- 78% of the teacher workforce have been in the profession for more than 5 years, with 38% having 20+ years of experience.
- 29% of teachers in schools work part-time, with higher rates in early childhood and primary settings.
- 71% of the teacher workforce are on permanent contracts.
- 56% of early career teachers reported receiving a formal induction, with mentoring and reduced face-to-face teaching hours being the most useful activities.
- 34% of teachers are unsure if they’ll stay in the profession until their retirement.
These insights are only possible because teachers and leaders take the time to share what their working lives are really like.
Not received your invitation yet?
Survey timing varies across states and territories. When the survey opens in your jurisdiction, you’ll receive a unique survey link by email from your Teacher Regulatory Authority.
Whether you’re a teacher, leader or work across the education sector, you can help make sure teachers’ voices are heard by sharing the survey with your networks.
Keep growing in Term 3
One thing that comes through clearly in Rachael’s story is her curiosity. She’s learning from her mentor, her colleagues, the young learners in her classroom and the community around her. She’s then taking those experiences and using them in her practice.
That spirit of learning is at the heart of Grow in 2026. Our collection of ideas, resources and inspiration will keep you growing throughout Term 3.
A few places to explore
Professional experience
Support high-quality placements for future teachers with the Professional Experience Guidelines.
Mentoring
Explore the Mentoring Guidelines and discover what effective support can look like for early career teachers and leaders.
Leadership
Explore Leading for Impact and ideas for developing leadership across your school.
In the Classroom
See how teachers across Australia are approaching literacy, inquiry-based learning, inclusive practice and more.
Certification
Discover how Highly Accomplished and Lead teacher certification can help expert teachers grow their impact while staying in the classroom.
World Teachers' Day is coming
We asked. You voted. And now we’re getting ready to celebrate.
The 2026 World Teachers’ Day theme is:
Shine a light on teachers ✨
This year’s theme is all about celebrating the teachers who make a difference every day. Whether you’re a leader, teacher or part of the wider education community, there are plenty of ways to help make sure teachers feel recognised and celebrated.
Spotlight a teacher who deserves recognition, celebrate a team making a difference, or share the story of a teacher who lit the way for you.
For children and young people, invite them to share a lightbulb moment they had with a teacher, when something finally clicked or a teacher helped them see what was possible.
Get ready now
World Teachers’ Day is Friday 30 October. Now is a good time to:
📅 Save the date in your school or early childhood setting calendar.
☕ Book a morning tea or staff celebration.
🎤 Plan a special assembly or celebration.
💌 Let parent and community groups know and invite them to get involved.
🌟 Start collecting stories about teachers who have made a difference.
📸 For leaders: think about how you’ll shine a light on your teachers through photos, videos, student messages, thank you notes or social media shout outs.
Save the date: Friday 30 October 2026
A new AITSL website is coming soon
It's almost time!
We’ve heard you loud and clear – you are busy and you need easy access to our quality tools and resources. We are getting ready to launch a new AITSL website by early September 2026.
The updated website has been designed with teachers and leaders in mind, making it easier to find what you need, when you need it.
📅 Dates for your calendar
28 August: Wear it Purple Day
2 September: Early Childhood Educators Day
2 September: Indigenous Literacy Day
10 September: R U OK Day?
15 September: AITSL Mail in your inbox day!
