Welcome back to Term 3. I hope you managed some downtime over the break!
As we know, Term 3 is often the most settled term of the year, and can provide a great opportunity to reflect on the year to date, and to plan the next steps in your professional development and learning. A quick reminder that our updated Grow in 2026 page is there to help you do this.
This is a bumper edition of AITSL Mail, with some exciting updates including an opportunity to have your say on the Review of the Teacher Standards, a first look at how your feedback has shaped the 2026 World Teachers’ Day theme, and a preview of the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey coming in August.
All of this is brought together here and on the Grow in 2026 page, making it easier to stay across what’s happening without having to look for it.
Wishing you a positive and rewarding Term 3 ahead.
Shape how the Teacher Standards reflect practice
What is the purpose of the review?
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards) were developed over 15 years ago. While the Teacher Standards continue to guide practice across Australia, they have not been formally reviewed since they were first adopted.
The review will consider the extent to which the Teacher Standards remain relevant, evidence-informed and aligned with an understanding of effective practice.
Your experience and perspectives will help identify areas where the Teacher Standards may be strengthened or improved to ensure they remain fit for purpose and inform recommendations on revisions needed.
How can I give feedback?
We encourage teachers, leaders and anyone with an interest in the Teacher Standards to take part.
You can share your views by completing our 20-minute survey.
The survey will be closed on 7 August.
The votes are in: meet the 2026 World Teachers’ Day theme
Thanks to everyone who took part in our quick survey and shared their thoughts on this year’s World Teachers’ Day theme. We heard you, and we’re excited to share that the 2026 theme is: Shine a light on teachers ✨.
Thank you for being part of the AITSL Mail community and for helping shape the celebration.
Mark your calendars: World Teachers’ Day is on Friday 30 October. More details will be shared soon.
Coming to your inbox soon: the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey
The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey is not just ‘another survey’ that sits in a drawer, it’s a powerful opportunity to bring the voice of the profession directly to the door of senior decision makers in education.
The Teacher Survey is opening soon, with all registered teachers across Australia invited to take part.
It takes around 15 minutes to complete. By sharing your experience of teaching today – from workload and wellbeing to working hours and career intentions – you’ll help build a clearer, evidence-informed picture of the profession.
When the survey opens, you'll receive a unique survey link by email from your Teacher Regulatory Authority. Invitation dates vary across states and territories.
Find out more here.
The results are shared with Education Ministers and leaders across systems and sectors to better understand the realities of teaching and inform future support for the profession.
If you don’t speak up, others will decide for you.
New Middle Leaders resources
The Australian Professional Standards for Middle Leaders (Middle Leader Standards) are a practical guide for teachers who lead others in schools. They help middle leaders understand what good leadership looks like and support them to grow in their role while improving teaching and learning.
New resources to support the Middle Leader Standards are now available on our website, including fact sheets, elaborations documents and a self-reflection tool. These resources are designed to support current and aspiring middle leaders in their professional growth and development.
New AITSL website coming soon
We’ve heard you loud and clear – you are busy and you need easy access to our quality tools and resources. We are excited to share that we are getting ready to launch a new AITSL website by early September 2026.
📅 Dates for your calendar
3–9 August: Early Learning Matters Week3 August: Australian Teacher Workforce Survey opens in some states and territories
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4 August: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day7 August: Australian Primary Principals Day15–23 August: National Science Week18 August: AITSL Mail in your inbox day!
