The teaching profession is always evolving. So too are the needs of teachers, leaders, and the children and young people that you support.
An important role that AITSL plays is providing key decision makers – including senior leaders in systems and sectors, and all Ministers for Education – with key information about you and your work.
In this edition, Shane Fagg, Year 5–6 Teacher at Wondall Heights State School, highlights how you can have your voice heard. We also provide an example of how the data gets used, with an interesting data snapshot about early career teachers.
Speaking of early career teachers, a reminder to listen in to my catch up with Rachael Miller, a first-year teacher from Charleville, Queensland. I found Rachael’s reflections about the supports that had made a positive difference to her as she started out so insightful, and I am sure you will too.
There's also a buzz at AITSL as we prepare for World Teachers’ Day. We are proud to be entrusted with taking the lead on a day that recognises the care and impact you bring to your work. Take a look at our new theme, 'Shine a light on teachers', which was voted for by you!
I hope you find plenty here, including our resources to support your ongoing growth in the months ahead. As always, we love to hear from you about what else you'd like to see more (or less!) of in these editions of AITSL Mail, so stay in touch!
Shine a light on teachers✨
World Teachers’ Day is coming on Friday 30 October. This year, we’re shining a light on you and the difference you make every day.
Think about those moments when something suddenly clicks for a learner. The encouragement that helps a young person discover what they’re good at. The support that helps someone find their way.
Whether you’re in the classroom or leading and supporting teachers, you help create those moments. Your skill, expertise and care make a difference to Australia’s children and young people every day.
This World Teachers’ Day, it’s time to put that impact in the spotlight.
Ready to celebrate?
The World Teachers’ Day celebration kit is now available, with everything you need to start planning – including social media assets, thank you cards, gift tags, printable resources and more.
And don’t keep the celebration to yourself! Invite your learners, colleagues, families and wider community to Shine a light on the teachers who have made a difference in their lives.
Start planning your World Teachers’ Day celebration and explore the celebration kit.
Our new website is here!
We’re excited to share that our new website is now live.
Designed with teachers and leaders in mind, the new site makes it easier to find what you need, when you need it.
The new website has a modern design, improved navigation and a more accessible experience. Whether you’re looking for the Teacher Standards, the Teacher Self-Assessment Tool, national frameworks, research, or practical resources: we’ve designed the site to get you where you need to be.
Visit the site now to start exploring, or visit the page below to find out what’s changed.
Take part in the Australian Teacher Workforce Survey
Hear from Shane Fagg (pictured above), Year 5–6 Teacher at Wondall Heights State School, about why taking part matters.
“It’s very important for our profession that the decision makers, who make long-term decisions about where resourcing goes, know exactly what’s going on for us.
“They need to know what our thoughts are. They need to know who’s deciding to leave the profession soon. They need to know where the pain points are, so they can better resource us and have better schools to make sure that we have better outcomes for our students.
“After all, as teachers, that’s what we’re all here for.”
— Shane Fagg
The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey gives you the chance to share what’s really happening in your working life and help build a clearer picture of the profession.
Please take 15 minutes to influence the policies that will shape the teaching profession.
What's the data saying?
Shane’s message above is a good reminder of why hearing from teachers matters. The Australian Teacher Workforce Survey helps us understand what’s happening across the profession – and our latest In Brief brings some of those insights to life.
Released today, In Brief: Supporting early career teachers looks at the support teachers receive as they begin their careers, and which types of induction support they find most valuable.
Did you know early career teachers – those in their first 5 years of teaching – make up around 22% of the teacher workforce?
Drawing on responses from previous Australian Teacher Workforce Surveys, the In Brief explores the role of induction in helping early career teachers settle into their school community, understand the working environment, develop their practice and navigate the challenges of the role.
Take a look at what the data tells us about supporting teachers at the start of their careers.
Read In Brief: Supporting early career teachers
Hear it from an early career teacher ☕
Our latest Tea with Tim features Rachael Miller, a first-year teacher from Charleville, Queensland. Hear about her experience starting out, including the mentoring and support she received.
Watch Rachael’s conversation with Tim
Grow your practice. Grow your impact. 🌱
For teachers and leaders shaping what’s next, Grow in 2026 brings together resources, ideas and opportunities to support your growth and impact.
Where will you grow next?
Professional experience
Help shape a great start to teaching.
Mentoring
Great teachers don’t grow alone.
Leadership
Who are you growing next?
Classroom practice
What’s working in classrooms around Australia?
National teacher certification
Love teaching? Want to grow your impact?
Review of the Teacher Standards update
AITSL is conducting a phased review of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards). In July, we invited you to share your experiences and perspectives about the Teacher Standards through an online survey.
The next opportunity to have your say will be in November 2026. There will be a discussion paper outlining key research insights and questions to support deeper feedback, either through an online survey or a written submission.
Review of the Teacher Standards
Review of the Principal Standard begins
We’re excited to share that we have kicked off work on the Review of the Australian Standard for Principals (Principal Standard) and we’re getting things ready for Consultation 1, opening in November 2026.
Current and future school leaders across Australia can help shape the Principal Standard to elevate leadership practice and improve outcomes for children and young people.
We’ll keep you up to date as work progresses. In the meantime, read about the Review of the Principal Standard on our website.
Review of the Principal Standard
📅 Dates for your calendar
1–31 October: Down Syndrome Awareness Month
1–31 October: Dyslexia Awareness Month
(You can find a range of resources for supporting students with disability here.)
4–10 October: World Space Week
5 October: International World Teachers’ Day, celebrated by UNESCO
6 October: World Habitat Day
10 October: World Mental Health Day
13 October: AITSL Mail in your inbox day!
30 October: 🔦 Australia’s World Teachers’ Day! 🔦
