Minister for Education and Training
The Honourable Geoff Wilson

Friday, November 06, 2009

QUEENSLAND TO CO-HOST NATIONAL TEACHER STANDARDS BODY

Queensland will co-host a national institute designed to boost teaching standards, Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson announced today.

Mr Wilson said Australia’s Education Ministers agreed that Queensland and Victoria would co-host the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership.

“This is a major achievement for our state and recognition of our expertise in education leadership and professional development,” Mr Wilson said.

“I’m pleased our joint bid has been successful and the Bligh Government looks forward to working with Victoria to improve the status of the teaching profession.”

Mr Wilson said AITSL would have premises in Brisbane and Melbourne, and would closely collaborate with the new Queensland Education Leadership Institute and Victoria’s Bastow Institute for Educational Leadership.

“QELI was launched as part of the Masters Review of Queensland’s education system, confirming our commitment to improving education standards.

“We know that quality teaching is the key to student success and that’s why we’re investing in initiatives designed to ensure our teachers have all the knowledge and skills they need.

“A good school starts with good leadership and these institutes will play a key role in developing the leadership skills of our workforce.

“AITSL will work with the Catholic and Independent school sectors, the Stronger Smarter Institute for Indigenous leadership, teacher unions, professional associations, teachers and school leaders to develop programs and standards to help educators improve student results.

“The institute will support all teachers and school leaders to strengthen the quality of teaching in every classroom, every day.”

He said Queensland was already leading the way on professional development and improving teacher quality.

“Our innovative strategies in Indigenous education and leadership, small and rural/remote schools, the delivery of professional development via ICT, low socio-economic status (SES) schools, and teacher registration and standards are cutting edge,” Mr Wilson said.

The agreement was reached at today’s Ministerial Council for Education, Early Childhood Development and Youth Affairs (MCEECDYA) in Adelaide.

MCEECDYA meets several times a year to consider matters in its areas of responsibility.

Media contact: Jo Crompton or Emma Parnell on 3237 1000

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