The Standards that shape teaching and leading in Australia

In schools and early childhood settings across Australia, these Standards are helping teachers and leaders grow and support learners to thrive. The Standards provide a shared vision of quality. They define the work of teachers and leaders and present a common understanding and language.

Effective teachers and leaders can be a source of inspiration and, equally importantly, provide a dependable and consistent influence on children and young people as they make choices about further education, work and life.

From the graduate teacher in their first year, to the mid-career teacher undertaking professional learning, to the Lead teacher mentoring a new career teacher, to the principal collaborating with the wider community… the Standards are there to provide clarity, consistency and a path forward.

Australian Professional Standards for Teachers

The Teacher Standards define what teachers should know and do at all 4career stages: Graduate, Proficient, Highly Accomplished and Lead.

The Standards and their descriptors represent an analysis of effective, contemporary practice by teachers throughout Australia. Their development included a synthesis of the descriptions of teachers’ knowledge, practice and professional engagement used by teacher accreditation and registration authorities, employers and professional associations.

Explore the Standards with our interactive page

Built with the profession, for the profession

AITSL’s Teacher Standards were developed in partnership with teachers, leaders, experts and communities across Australia. They define the work of teachers and make explicit the elements of high-quality effective teaching that will improve educational outcomes for children and young people.

Australian Professional Standard for Principals and the Leadership Profiles

The Principal Standard describes what leaders and principals are expected to know, understand and do to succeed in their work. The Leadership Profiles describe the Principal Standard in more detail and show higher levels of proficiency.

The Principal Standard and Leadership Profiles guide leaders on their learning pathway, empowering leaders to develop and support teaching and maximise impact on learning.

Explore the Principal Standard

Australian Professional Standards for Middle Leaders

The Middle Leader Standards identify the key capabilities to be effective as a middle leader. They acknowledge the key role of middle leaders in schools and are intended to bridge the gap between the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and the Australian Professional Standard for Principals.

The Middle Leader Standards were built in consultation with the profession to help guide ongoing leadership development for middle leaders.

Read the Middle Leader Standards