Unlocking Opportunities at the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)?
We’ve done the heavy lifting by dissecting their annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this influential organisation—from core functions and financials to the qualifications and skills they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to pursue a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership Limited (AITSL)
Location: Head office at 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Victoria (serving all of Australia)
CEO: Acting CEO, Mr. Edmund Misson
Total Revenue: $23.13 million (2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 83 employees (as of 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Education (Bachelor or Master): Directly relevant to AITSL’s mission of supporting teaching standards.
Public Policy / Public Administration: Helpful for strategic initiatives and policy formulation.
Business Management / Commerce: Assists with financial oversight, resource planning, and organisational leadership.
Information Technology / Data Analytics: Beneficial for supporting digital tools (e.g., the Australian Teacher Workforce Data initiative).
Project Management (Certificate IV, Diploma, or above): Key for delivering major national projects effectively.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP) or PRINCE2: Essential for structured project delivery and accountability.
Change Management Certifications: Eases organisational transitions and new framework rollouts.
Human Resources Management (AHRI or equivalent): Supports teacher workforce strategies.
Financial Management Certifications (CPA, CIMA): Critical for grant management and compliance.
Teaching / Education Registration or Certification: Shows hands-on experience in the classroom sector.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Teaching Professionals: Classroom insights directly inform policy and resource development.
Policy and Research Officers: Strengthen AITSL’s evidence-based approach to improving teaching quality.
IT Developers / Data Analysts: Enhance digital platforms, data systems, and user experiences.
Communications / Marketing Specialists: Raise awareness of tools and research (e.g., My Induction app, Spotlights).
Finance / Accounting Professionals: Oversee compliance, grants, and broader financial accountability.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Policy Development: Critical for shaping national standards and frameworks.
Stakeholder Engagement: Enables cross-collaboration with diverse education and government bodies.
Project Coordination: Manages multiple programs like teacher certification and workforce data initiatives.
Research and Analysis: Underpins evidence-based decisions and Spotlights.
Digital Literacy: Facilitates edtech research, data dashboards, and online applications.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
School-based Experience: Classroom understanding helps create practical, impactful solutions.
Government / Public Sector Roles: Familiarity with legislative, regulatory, and funding processes.
Project Management in Education or Community Services: Demonstrates capacity for large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Supports the Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD) and research-driven policy.
Consulting or Advisory Work: Providing high-level strategic advice, especially in education reforms.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL)
Name of CEO: Acting CEO, Mr. Edmund Misson
Location: Nationwide reach (HQ in Melbourne, VIC)
Year Founded: 2010 (commenced operations in January 2010)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
AITSL provides national leadership in promoting excellence in the profession of teaching and school leadership for the Commonwealth, state, and territory governments. This includes building tools, standards, and research to help educators excel and improve outcomes for students.
Real-world example: Their work on the Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD) helps policymakers and leaders get a clearer picture of teacher supply, wellbeing, and career trends—shaping better staffing strategies.Main duties of the department:
Developing and maintaining the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
Supporting certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALTs)
Accrediting initial teacher education (ITE) programs alongside teacher regulatory authorities
Publishing research Spotlights to inform policy and best practice
Providing digital tools (e.g., My Induction, Teacher Self-Assessment Tool, and 360° Reflection Tool) to support teacher and leader growth
Real-world example: AITSL’s national teacher certification process empowers high-performing educators to become HALTs, showcasing excellence in classrooms and raising national teaching standards.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
National Teacher Workforce Action Plan (NTWAP): Addressing teacher supply challenges and supporting workforce growth.
Certification of HALTs: Streamlined processes to recognise advanced teaching expertise.
Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD): Continues to expand data-driven insights and research.
Guidelines for Induction of Early Career Teachers & New School Leaders: Improving transitions into teaching and leadership roles.
Did you know?
210 teachers achieved national certification as HALTs in 2023, bringing the total to 1,410 HALTs across Australia. This milestone highlights the growing recognition of high-quality teaching nationwide.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 83 (as of 30 June 2024)
Total Number of Employees at each pay level: Not publicly disclosed
Salary Bands: Not published in the annual report
Average salary in the department: Not published in the annual report
Total Revenue: $23.13 million (2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately $278,000 (calculated by dividing $23.13 million by 83)
GETTING A JOB AT AITSL
✨ Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate III/IV in Business Administration – Aids office coordination and admin tasks.
Diploma of Project Management – Supports structured project design and control.
Diploma of Information Technology – Useful for digital resource development and data platforms.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Education / Master of Teaching – Aligns perfectly with AITSL’s focus on teaching excellence.
Bachelor of Business / Commerce / Master of Public Policy – Addresses operational and policy analysis.
Master of Data Analytics / Computer Science – Ideal for managing large datasets like the ATWD.
PhDs:
PhD in Education Policy / Curriculum Studies – Offers advanced research capabilities for shaping national standards.
PhD in Data Science – Essential for deeper analytics and outcome measurement of teaching practices.
🎯 Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Teaching professionals (classroom know-how)
Policy officers (education/government)
ICT professionals (development and data analytics)
Communications and marketing (stakeholder relations)
Finance specialists (grant and contract management)
⚡️ Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Experience in school leadership or direct classroom teaching
Background in project management and coordination
Data-oriented roles in education or government
Policy and regulatory experience in public sector
Advisory or consultancy experience in education reform
💡 Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Stakeholder engagement
Clear communication
Collaboration and teamwork
Critical thinking
Adaptability
Technical skills:
Data analytics and interpretation
Policy analysis and drafting
Project management (tools, budgeting, scheduling)
ICT/app development
Research methodologies
General skills:
Effective writing (reports, briefs)
Public speaking and presentations
Strategic planning
Customer or client service focus
Basic finance and resource allocation
🤔 Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Educational volunteering or tutoring: Shows commitment to student growth.
Ongoing professional development (online courses, certifications): Reflects adaptability and a learning mindset.
Attending conferences/webinars: Facilitates networking and staying updated on teaching practices.
Research, reading, or blogging on education: Demonstrates passion and thought leadership in teaching.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address: 360 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9944 1200
Email: info@aitsl.edu.au
Website: https://www.aitsl.edu.au/
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