Certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers in Australia

Certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers in Australia is designed to ensure that the processes for certification of teachers at the Highly Accomplished and Lead career stages are rigorous and authentic. This paper is not intended to address issues around industrial relations or existing awards. The way in which certified teachers may be recognised or rewarded is an employment matter.

Certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers is an important element in a broader teacher quality strategy that develops, recognises and supports excellent practitioners. Formal recognition of exemplary teachers can make an important contribution to the quality teaching and leadership in schools. Certification will benefit all those involved in the process, including teachers, school leaders and education systems. The recognition and certification of excellence aims to encourage teachers to engage in a process aimed at developing ongoing, collaborative learning professionals who strive to reflect upon and improve their practice.