AITSL CEO resigns, search for new CEO commences

The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is searching for its next CEO following the resignation of Mr Mark Grant PSM, who left the role on 28 January 2024 to take on the role of Deputy Secretary (Chief Operating Officer) at the NSW Department of Education.

 

AITSL is best known in early childhood education and care (ECEC) circles for World Teachers Day celebration campaigns, and for its collaborations with other organisations to elevate the profile of the sector, including the Illustrations of Practice series which was filmed in Victorian kindergartens to capture authentic teaching practice aligned to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST) at the Proficient teacher level. 

 

Mr Grant PSM was the CEO for nearly five years, and on his departure the Board acknowledged his contribution to the work of AITSL, to Australia’s teachers and school leaders, and through that ultimately to Australian children and young people. 

 

“AITSL has thrived both operationally and culturally under Mark’s leadership since April 2019, and has gained the respect and support of stakeholders through his work in strengthening relationships that have been forged across Australia’s education system,” Dr Michele Bruniges AM, Chair, AITSL Board of Directors said. 

 

Key national initiatives delivered under his leadership include the launch of cultural responsiveness tools, High Quality Professional Learning (HQPL) resources, and professional learning modules to improve teaching effectiveness. During his tenure, AITSL also established the Australian Teacher Workforce Data (ATWD) as the key information source on the supply, characteristics and experiences of Australia’s teacher workforce.

 

The work of AITSL over this period has increased the esteem of the teaching profession through the expansion of World Teachers’ Day in Australia, a focus on increasing the cohort of Highly Accomplished and Lead teachers (HALTs) and ensuring their expertise is used effectively, and the implementation of initial teacher education reforms across all 47 higher education providers that prepare Australia’s future teachers. 

 

“During his tenure, Mark has been a strong advocate for national action to support and grow Australia’s teacher workforce, and over the last twelve months has led the delivery of a significant proportion of work associated with the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan agreed by Education Ministers in December 2022,” Dr Bruniges said.

 

The Board will appoint an Acting CEO in order to allow time for the search for Mr Grant PSM’s successor for this important role. An announcement on the Acting CEO will be made shortly.