Australia's teachers, school leaders and education stakeholders are being invited to help shape the future of one of the profession's most important frameworks, with a landmark review of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers set to begin.
More than 15 years after the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards) were first developed, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) will undertake a comprehensive review to ensure the Standards remain relevant, evidence-informed and aligned with contemporary understandings of effective teaching practice.
The review comes in response to feedback from teachers, school leaders and the broader education profession, who have highlighted the importance of ensuring the Standards continue to reflect the realities of modern classrooms and evolving expectations of the teaching profession.
A Significant Opportunity for the Profession
The Teacher Standards have long provided the foundation for teacher development, professional reflection, registration and certification across Australia. While they continue to guide practice in schools nationwide, they have not undergone a formal review since their adoption.
The upcoming review represents a rare opportunity for educators and stakeholders to contribute directly to the future direction of the profession.
AITSL will explore whether the Teacher Standards remain fit for purpose and identify areas where they may be strengthened or improved. Findings from the review will inform recommendations to Australia's Education Ministers on any future revisions.
Voices from Across Education Sought
A central feature of the review will be extensive consultation with the profession and the broader community.
Teachers, school leaders, education organisations, researchers, parent groups and other interested stakeholders will have opportunities to share their views through a public submission process. Consultation activities will also include direct engagement with educators and key stakeholders across the education sector.
By gathering perspectives from a wide range of voices, AITSL aims to ensure the review captures both the strengths of the current Standards and opportunities for improvement.
What Happens Next?
The review will examine the extent to which the Teacher Standards continue to:
- Reflect high-quality teaching practice.
- Align with current evidence and research.
- Support teachers throughout their professional careers.
- Meet the needs of contemporary Australian education.
Importantly, while the review is underway, the Teacher Standards will remain unchanged and continue to be used across all jurisdictions.
Review Timeline
AITSL will conduct the work in stages, reviewing both the Teacher Standards and the Australian Professional Standard for Principals.
Teacher Standards Review
- May 2026 to February 2027
Principal Standard Review
- September 2026 to May 2027
Why It Matters
The Standards influence the professional journey of every teacher in Australia, from graduates entering the classroom to experienced educators seeking certification and leadership opportunities.
Whether you are a classroom teacher, school leader, education researcher or community member, the review offers a chance to help define what effective teaching looks like for the next generation.
As consultation opens, the message from AITSL is clear: the future of the profession should be shaped by the profession itself. Now is the time for educators across Australia to have their say.