Term 1 always moves so quickly as learners in our schools and early learning settings start to settle into the rhythm of the year, and the focus shifts to teaching and learning in classrooms and communities across the country.
It’s been a pleasure for our team to spend time out and about this term, connecting with the work of teachers, school leaders, and our partners that are supporting the profession. Those conversations are always a reminder of the depth of expertise in our schools and learning environments, and of the value of sharing ideas and experiences with one another.
In this edition of AITSL Mail, we’ve brought together a few resources, updates and conversations from across the profession. As you move into the final weeks of term, we hope you find something here to try, share or just to pause and reflect on – including resources shared in recognition of Close the Gap Day, along with tools to support reflection and growth on our Grow in 2026 page.
Supporting culturally safe and inclusive learning
Schools shape more than academic outcomes. They shape whether children, young people, teachers and leaders feel valued, respected, and able to fully participate in learning, teaching and leadership. Close the Gap Day on 19 March is a timely reminder of the importance of culturally safe and inclusive learning environments that help improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners and educators.
If you’d like to explore this area further, we invite you to take a look at our Indigenous Cultural Responsiveness Toolkit and Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali materials. Both offer support for ongoing reflection and learning.
Everything in one place, no digging required
From new guidelines and Spotlight reports to the core Teacher Standards and year-round support, our
Grow in 2026 page is your go-to hub for professional growth, at your pace.
Strengthening induction and mentoring
Structured induction and mentoring help teachers and school leaders build confidence, capability and connection in their roles. As featured on
Grow in 2026, we offer a suite of evidence-informed resources to support this work, including:
One of the most valuable parts of our work is spending time with teachers, leaders and those who support the profession. These conversations help us stay connected to what’s happening in schools, early learning settings and teacher education across Australia, keeping our work grounded in the realities of the profession.
Here are a few places the team has been connecting with the profession recently.
Behind the numbers: what ducks can teach us about data
At the recent Sydney Morning Herald Schools Summit, our CEO Tim Bullard, joined sector leaders to talk about the realities schools are navigating right now — recruitment and retention, workload, career pathways and teacher wellbeing. Drawing on insights from the
Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD) initiative, Tim shared national evidence to help keep the conversation grounded in what teachers and school leaders are actually experiencing every day. Understanding these patterns helps inform practical responses that support sustainable careers in teaching and school leadership.
AITSL's Sandra Robinson pictured with middle leaders from Catholic Education Northern Territory and the Association of Independent Schools Northern Territory at the commencement of their Middle Leader Standards Implementation Pilot.
Middle leaders at the heart of school improvement
Our Director of Teaching and School Leadership, Sandra Robinson, has been on the road meeting with principals and middle leaders across Australia, working alongside them to explore how the nationally agreed Australian Professional Standards for Middle Leaders (Middle Leader Standards) can support development of leadership practice and school improvement in their local contexts.
If you’re curious about how the Middle Leader Standards were developed and what they mean for schools, you can also read a Q&A with Tim Bullard in Teacher Magazine.
Strengthening professional experience for future teachers
AITSL’s Director of Initial Teacher Education, Judith Page, recently spoke at the Professional Experience (PeX) Conference at RMIT University, convened by the Australian Council of Deans and its Network of Associate Deans of Professional Experience, bringing together leaders in teacher education from across Australia.
Professional experience placements are a cornerstone of initial teacher education, helping pre-service teachers develop the practical skills and professional identity needed for the classroom. Judith shared insights from the Australian Professional Experience Guidelines and
Mentoring Guidelines and joined conversations about how universities and schools can continue strengthening placements for the next generation of teachers.
A special moment for Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers
Our Acting Director of Teaching and School Leadership, Nicole Jones, joined the Catholic Education Victoria Certifying Committee to recognise teachers achieving national certification at the Highly Accomplished and Lead (HALT) career stages. The event highlighted the dedication and expertise certified teachers bring to their schools and the wider profession, and the important support HALT assessors provide in the certification process. Congratulations to the recently certified HALTs!
All the best for the final stretch of term, and for a restful school holiday break when it comes.
📅 Dates for your calendar
19 March: Close the Gap Day20 March: International Day of Happiness21 March: World Down Syndrome Day27 March: Earth Hour Schools Day3–6 April: Easter7 April: World Health Day11–22 April: Nature Play Week21 April: AITSL Mail in your inbox day!
