It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the end of Term 2.
As the rhythm of the school year settles in, I hope you can take a moment to reflect on the growth you’ve seen in your learners this term. Whether it’s mastering a challenging concept, demonstrating a disposition you’ve been nurturing, or simply showing greater confidence and engagement, those moments matter. And they happen because of the work you do every day.
Over recent weeks, I’ve been fortunate to spend time with primary school principals at the Australian Primary Principals’ Association conference. The presentations were thought-provoking, but what stayed with me most was the opportunity to connect with a group of people united by a shared commitment to helping learners thrive.
That same spirit has been evident in the response to AITSL’s Future Teacher Future Leader initiative. Together with teachers, school leaders, researchers, policy makers and young people, we have begun exploring possible futures for education in Australia in 2040 and what those futures might mean for the profession.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this work has been partnering with young people through Learning Creates to ensure learner voices are part of the conversation. It represents a new way of working for AITSL, and one we are excited to continue.
Both experiences reminded me that teaching and learning is fundamentally a human endeavour. While education is constantly evolving, it is through relationships, collaboration, and a shared commitment to learners that meaningful change happens.
Thank you for everything you are doing to support children and young people to learn and grow. And as always, please let us know what more AITSL can do to support you.
Tim
Help shape Australia’s World Teachers’ Day theme 🍎
We’re refreshing the World Teacher’s Day theme and would love you to be part of shaping it with us.
Three themes to consider. One quick, anonymous survey (under 2 minutes). Your input will help guide how Australia celebrates you!
Mark your calendar 📅 World Teachers’ Day 2026 is on Friday 30 October. We will announce the 2026 theme shortly.
What we’re recommending this month
We asked a few colleagues from across AITSL to share something they'd recommend right now. Here's what made their shortlist.
Review of the Teacher Standards
As a former teacher, I know all too well how important the Teacher Standards are to the profession. They’re embedded in the work you do every day.
That’s why we’re excited to have been tasked with conducting a review of the Teacher Standards (and then later this year, the Principal Standard). We’ll explore how the Teacher Standards remain relevant, evidence-informed, and aligned with a contemporary understanding of effective practice.
We’ll be opening 2 consultation opportunities this year for you to share your experiences and perspectives. The first one will be open in a month on 20 July 2026 – watch this space!
Mark – Principal, Teaching and School Leadership
Australian Professional Standards for Middle Leaders
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 are organised across a developmental continuum to support growth and professional development.
I was lucky enough to spend the day with a group of Tasmanian middle leaders in Penguin, Tasmania on 3 June, unpacking the Middle Leader Standards. I encourage you to take a look – whether you are a current middle leader, aspiring middle leader or principal!
Nicole – Director, Teaching and School Leadership
75 Years of Society and Schooling in Australia
If you’ve got a spare 10 minutes, take a look at our short film on the history of education in Australia, made to support our
Future Teacher Future Leader initiative. How much has changed, and how much has stayed the same?!
Alexandra – Principal, Research and Evaluation
In the Classroom series
My go-to AITSL resource is the In the Classroom series. Having worked as both a teacher and school leader, I know how valuable it is to see what practice actually looks like in a real classroom. It is powerful to observe teaching in action and hear directly from teachers about the decisions they make and the challenges they navigate.
What I like most about this resource is that it offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at teaching and learning across a range of contexts. The classroom footage, teacher reflections and accompanying materials provide practical ideas that teachers can apply in their own settings, while also prompting reflection and professional conversations. It's a practical resource that I regularly recommend.
Caroline – Senior Policy and Project Officer, Teaching and School Leadership
Grow in 2026
This reflection from a teacher, featured in our
Classroom Management: Standards-aligned evidence-based approaches Spotlight report, sparked some of the strongest engagement across AITSL's social channels this term. You'll find the Spotlight, Middle Leader Standards, In the Classroom resources and more on our Grow in 2026 page. We're preparing a fresh collection of resources for Term 3, so don't miss the current Term 2 line-up.
Jess – Acting Senior Advisor ‑ Marketing and Communications
Beyond Blue’s Teacher Wellbeing resource
As Term 2 comes to a close,
Beyond Blue’s Teacher Wellbeing resource offers timely support for both teachers and school leaders. The resource encourages reflection on personal and professional wellbeing, helping educators recognise the factors that sustain their effectiveness and identify areas that may need attention. It provides practical prompts for recovery during the break, and strategies to support work-life balance for when Term 3 starts up. As the holidays begin, take the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned break, grab a cup of tea, recharge, and look after yourself.
Sophie – Policy and Project Officer, Teaching and School Leadership
Alongside the resources recommended above, if you’re after a few ideas for the school holidays, here are some of the shows and reads currently popping up in water cooler conversations.
- For laughs, Shoresy on SBS
- For interesting reality, Educating Yorkshire on YouTube
- For your crime fix, The Crash on Netflix
- For your movie night, Remarkably Bright Creatures on Netflix (book by Shelby Van Pelt)
- For a can’t-put-it-down read, The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage
We hope the break brings time to rest, recharge and enjoy a slower pace.
📅 Dates for your calendar
1–30 June: International Pride Month21 June: World Music Day5–12 July: NAIDOC Week12 July: Malala Day21 July: AITSL Mail in your inbox day!
