Despite the past 18-months of disruption to the education sector, 23 Queensland independent school educators have powered through the completion of the national Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT) certification to place them among the nation’s most proficient teachers.

The 23 regional and metropolitan teachers have been certified by Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) as Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers (HALT) - the two most advanced levels of the Australian professional standards for teachers.

They were formally recognised at a ceremony at Customs House in Brisbane last night. Scroll down to see the photo gallery.

These teachers bring the total number of HALTs working in Queensland independent schools to 109, joining a further 891 certified teachers nationwide.

HALT certification is overseen nationally by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and undertaken locally by certifying authorities including ISQ.

Teachers applying for certification undergo a rigorous evaluation process that involves gathering evidence of their teaching practices, classroom observations and peer and student reviews.

ISQ Chief Executive Officer Chris Mountford said the latest HALT-certified independent school educators were representative of the high calibre of teaching expertise in the sector.

“Teaching is a vocation – it’s the heart’s work of the men and women who choose to lead and inspire learning in classrooms, early learning centres, music rooms, science labs, skill centres and on sporting fields across the state,” Mr Mountford said.

“These HALTs are influencers in the classroom and staffroom. They bring energy, passion and exceptional practice to their schools every day, which benefits their students and colleagues,” he said.

AITSL Chief Executive Officer Mark Grant said the hard work these teachers displayed was a testament to their commitment to positive educational outcomes for their students.

“I congratulate these 23 teachers for their incredible commitment to deepen their professional expertise for the benefit of students’ learning, despite the many challenges that 2021 has brought with it,” Mr Grant said.

“National teacher certification requires teachers to demonstrate their impact on students and colleagues through a rigorous process, evaluated by trained assessors. These teachers are at the very top of their game, and this is a tremendous achievement.

“I thank the colleagues, principals, families and friends of these outstanding individuals, who have no doubt drawn on the support and encouragement of those around them in their pursuit of excellence. I also acknowledge the momentum that Independent Schools Queensland is building around teacher certification, partnering with their schools to recognise and build teacher expertise so all students benefit.”

Media Contact

0428 612 315 | media@isq.qld.edu.au

HALT Graduates

Congratulations to the following Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher graduates!