Higher pay and recognition coming for Queensland teachers

Published Tuesday, 28 August, 2018 at 01:45 PM

Minister for Education and Minister for Industrial Relations
The Honourable Grace Grace

Education Minister Grace Grace has unveiled one of Queensland’s biggest reforms to the teaching profession in decades, to provide enhanced career pathways for teachers.

“In recognition of the important role teachers play in educating young Queenslanders, from 2019, we will introduce two new teaching classifications,” Ms Grace said.

“I am proud to be delivering on this Palaszczuk Government commitment to raise the status of the teaching profession in Queensland.

“Our Highly Accomplished Teach (HAT) and Lead Teacher (LT) program means experienced Queensland state school teachers will have the opportunity to earn up to around $122,000 per year.

“It’s about giving teachers a genuine career pathway that will see our best educators stay in the classroom.

“Every day, in classrooms right across the state, Queensland teachers work hard to give our students the very best start in life.”

Ms Grace said these new classifications meant there had never been a better time to teach in Queensland.

“Quality teachers in our state schools means a bright future for Queensland and we believe our teachers deserve to be recognised and acknowledged for their hard work and professionalism.

“We believe they deserve to have career development opportunities, a clear path for progression and we think they deserve to be remunerated well.

“Since 2017, we have been trialling a pilot of the national certification process for HAT and LT in collaboration with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) and the QTU.

“To date, 33 teachers in Far North Queensland and the North Coast regions have been certified against the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers through a rigorous and nationally-aligned process.”

QTU Vice-President Sam Pidgeon said this was a great opportunity for Queensland teachers to gain national recognition, progress their careers and retain their expertise in the classroom.

“It’s important that the important work of our classroom teachers is valued and celebrated,” Ms Pidgeon said.

“HAT and LT certification will involve teachers focusing on their practice, how they work to improve student outcomes, enhance collaboration with colleagues and continue their professional growth.”

Lead Teacher pilot participant, Susan Scott, from Chevallum State School said certification acknowledges and values the importance of providing leadership from within the classroom.

“Leading from this context makes a difference to the school community, colleagues and students through decision-making, sharing of practice and mentoring,” Ms Scott said.

“Throughout the certification process it provided opportunities for genuine self-reflection, continuous professional learning and personal goal-setting.”

Classroom teachers from across the state can apply for HAT and LT certification next year. All Queensland state school teachers will see important HAT and LT messages in the coming weeks.

Media contact: Emma Clarey – 0439 578 472