Want migrate as a teacher or professor in Australia? Getting a skills assessment done by AITSL Australia might be the first step for you to settle in Australia as a teacher in 2023.
AITSL Australia could be just what you need to teach in the Land Down Under. Here is a detailed guide to migrate as professor or teacher.
What is AITSL Australia?
AITSL (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership) is an independent statutory authority that sets the national standards for teaching and school leadership in Australia. It was established to raise the quality of education by ensuring teachers and school leaders have the necessary skills, knowledge, and practices to teach and lead in Australian schools effectively.
AITSL works with government and non-government education authorities, universities, and professional associations to develop policies and strategies that ensure teachers meet national standards. It also provides advice, support, and resources for those working in the profession of teaching and school leadership.
What is AITSL’s Teacher Skills Assessment?
Teachers looking to migrate to Australia are usually required to complete a skills assessment through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). The AITSL will assess your qualifications against the Australian standards before you can apply for an Australia skilled visa as a teacher.
The comprehensive Teacher Skills Assessment (TSA) is used by educational institutions, government bodies, and other organizations to assess the skills of potential teaching staff.
The TSA is divided into four core domains:
- Professional Knowledge,
- Professional Practice,
- Professional Engagement, and
- Professional Learning.
Each domain has a range of skills and competencies.
What are the Requirements to be a Teacher in Australia?
Overall, the main requirements to be a teacher in Australia are:
- Four years Bachelor of Education OR 3 years degree (any subject)
- One year PGCE/PGDE
To become a qualified teacher in Australia, you must meet the standards laid down by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). To be eligible for accreditation, you must have an approved teaching qualification from a recognized university or college.
The accepted qualifications include –
- initial teacher education programs, such as a Bachelor of Education (BEd) or Graduate Diploma in Education, and
- postgraduate qualifications, such as a Master of Education (MEd).
You will also need to complete a Professional Experience program to receive accreditation. This includes 40 days of professional experience in an approved school. Before accreditation, you must also pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education Students (LANTITE).
On top of these requirements, you must demonstrate a commitment to ethical teaching, ongoing professional development, and maintain registration with the relevant teacher registration board.
How long will it take to get an AITSL assessment?
Generally, teacher skills assessments are completed by AITSL within 4 to 6 weeks from submission.
How long will my AITSL assessment be valid for? Can I get it renewed?
An AITSL skills assessment certificate is valid for 2 years from the date that it was issued. Your teacher skills assessment by the AITSL cannot be renewed.
What is the cost for AITSL assessment for teachers?
The AITSL Assessment for Migration fees are -
- Skills assessment: AUD 1,050
- Skilled Employment Statement (SES): AUD 234
- Appeal of assessment outcome: AUD 868
How to get a skills assessment from AITSL Australia?
Some Australian permanent visas require you to get a teacher skills assessment to migrate to Australia as a skilled worker. All applications that want to meet AITSL standards are assessed against a criteria of English proficiency and qualifications. Both must be met for a successful outcome.
Do note that the specific checklist must be completed as per the most relevant teaching occupation. That is, if you are an early childhood teacher you must prepare your application as per that specific checklist.
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Teacher Skills Assessment from AITSL Australia |
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STEP 1: Check that you meet criteria. |
Qualification Must have completed a minimum of 4 years’ full-time (or equivalent in part time) study at university level that led to a qualification including a relevant initial teacher education qualification. |
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Language proficiency English language requirement to be met through either -
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STEP 2: Complete the specific document checklist as per the most relevant occupation |
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STEP 3: Read the AITSL Application Guide |
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STEP 4: Go through the online Portal Guide to understand how to use the portal for submitting your application |
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STEP 5: Submit your application |
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Tips to Develop Teacher Standards in Australia
Here are seven proven strategies to help develop teacher standards in Australia -
1. Stay informed about the current educational standards and regulations:
It is important to stay informed of new laws, regulations, or trends that affect the teaching profession. Educators should also consult with their school district or local education authority to ensure that they are aware of any new requirements for teachers in Australia.
2. Participate in professional development activities:
They can help educators stay current in their field, hone their skills, and learn new techniques. Through workshops, seminars, and conferences, teachers can meet other professionals in the same discipline and collaborate on ways to serve students better.
3. Seek feedback from peers and colleagues:
Educators should seek regular feedback from peers and colleagues to ensure they are on the right track in meeting teacher standards. This can help teachers identify areas where they need improvement and create action plans for further development.
4. Use technology to enhance instruction:
Technology is a great resource for educators to develop creative, engaging lessons that keep students interested and engaged. Teachers should explore various ways to integrate technology into their instruction, such as online learning, video conferencing, and other interactive media.
5. Utilize data-driven decision-making:
When assessing the effectiveness of teaching strategies or curriculum objectives, educators should use evaluation tools that can help gauge student performance. This data can be used to make informed decisions on improving instruction.
6. Get involved in advocacy:
Educators should become involved in local and state education policy organizations where they can voice their opinions on important issues related to teaching. This can help ensure that the best interests of students, teachers, and schools are considered when making decisions about educational resources and standards.
7. Develop relationships with students:
Establishing strong relationships with students helps foster a positive learning environment and increases student engagement in the classroom. Educators should get to know their students, understand their interests and develop strategies that best meet their needs. By creating a more personal connection between teachers and students, educators may be better able to meet teacher standards.
Final Discussions
Every year, millions of people worldwide decide to pursue a career as an educator. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Australia provides teacher certification programs that allow aspiring teachers to receive their qualifications and jumpstart their teaching careers.
AITSL’s comprehensive online courses provide up-to-date best practices on teaching the Australian curriculum in today’s classrooms, preparing educators with everything they need to become successful professionals dedicated to positively impacting students’ lives.
AITSL is a great resource for those who want to migrate to Australia as a teacher. From process guides and resources to the comprehensive professional standards developed by AITSL, prospective teachers can be confident that they are substantially prepared for a career in education in Australia.
If you feel a true passion for teaching, take some time to explore the services AITSL Australia offers - it may be the key to helping you unlock your ultimate goal.
FAQs
What Does AITSL Do?
A national agency, AITSL works to advance the quality of teaching and school leadership throughout Australia. AITSL has been established as part of the reforms of the National Education Agreement with all state, territory, and Commonwealth governments.
The Institute is responsible for ensuring excellence in initial teacher education and the ongoing professional development of teachers and school leaders.
AITSL’s work is focused on the following areas:
(1) Skills assessment
A skills assessment confirms that you have the required qualifications and English language proficiency for your specific occupation. Both the criteria - qualifications and language requirement - must be fulfilled for a successful outcome.
(2) Initial Teacher Education (ITE)
AITSL sets the professional standards for initial teacher education and promotes quality assurance processes to meet these standards. This includes setting entry requirements, providing guidance on course accreditation processes, and implementing quality assurance across ITE programs.
(3) Teaching
AITSL supports teachers by developing frameworks and resources that support their teaching practice. It also encourages effective collaboration between schools, services, and universities to provide professional learning opportunities.
(4) School Leadership
AITSL works to develop leaders across the school system by providing guidance and support on effective school leadership practice. It also facilitates networking and collaboration between educational leaders, enabling them to work together for better student outcomes. In addition, AITSL provides resources that support the development of effective school plans and policies.
(5) Other Activities
AITSL also runs research projects, events, and initiatives for promoting excellence in teaching and school leadership. These include initiatives such as the Teacher Education Summit, which brings together researchers, educators, and policy-makers to discuss best practices for ITE, and the Australia Awards for Excellence in Educational Leadership, which recognizes the outstanding achievements of school leaders.
Overall, AITSL works to ensure that Australia’s teachers - including teacher educators - and school leaders are of the highest quality and that they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing educational environment.
What is a Skilled Employment Statement (SES)?
An optional document, a Skilled Employment Statement (SES) provides a summary of the relevant skilled employment. A SES can be used as part of the Points Test for Australia skilled migration.
A SES can be requested - through the “Request SES” button on the AITSL online portal - after you have received your Skills Assessment Certificate from AITSL.
What activities does AITSL undertake?
AITSL undertakes various activities to support excellence in teaching and school leadership. This includes -
- conducting skills assessment for teachers for Australia PR visas;
- providing advice on national policies, standards, and practices;
- developing resources to assist with professional learning;
- providing research and advice on teacher registration, accreditation, and renewal.
What opportunities are available for teachers through AITSL Australia?
AITSL provides professional learning resources and support to help teachers develop their teaching practice. This includes access to online learning modules, webinars, research and publications, and professional development programs. There are also opportunities for teachers to become professional members of AITSL or to receive recognition for their commitment to the profession through awards and grants.
How does AITSL support school leaders?
AITSL provides resources and advice to help school leaders build their capacities and capabilities as effective educational leaders. This includes access to professional learning resources, tools and templates, webinars, and research reports.
How can I become involved with AITSL?
You can become a professional member of AITSL, enjoying access to resources and the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals. Alternatively, you can also engage with AITSL by attending events such as conferences and seminars or volunteering to help with research projects and other activities.
What is Initial Teacher Education (ITE)?
Initial Teacher Education (ITE) is a partnership between a university and school. Under the ITE, the university and school work in collaboration with each other to provide professional education and development of future teachers that are presently students.
ITE aims at ensuring that graduate teachers begin their teaching careers in Australia with the required skills, knowledge and disposition to succeed in any school.
What is the Teacher SAT by AITSL?
An online questionnaire, the Teacher Self-Assessment Tool (Teacher SAT) by AITSL enables teachers to gain an insight into their teaching practise as per the Australian standards.
The self-assessment component allows teachers to reflect on their skills and identify areas of improvement. The Teacher SAT is designed to be part of an ongoing professional development process helping teachers to identify areas of strength and weakness. It also provides a roadmap for improvement by identifying and working out the future implementation of strategies and activities.
What are the teaching jobs in Australia?
Each of the jobs available in the Australian labour market is allotted a unique code as per the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). The following jobs come under the teaching category -
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Teaching Jobs in Australia |
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Job Code |
Title |
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ANZSCO 241111 |
Early Childhood (Pre-Primary) Teacher |
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ANZSCO 241213 |
Primary School Teacher |
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ANZSCO 241411 |
Secondary School Teacher |
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ANZSCO 241599 |
Special Education Teachers nec |
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ANZSCO 241511 |
Special Needs Teacher |
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ANZSCO 241512 |
Teacher of Hearing Impaired |
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ANZSCO 241513 |
Teacher of Sight Impaired |
What are Australian Professional Standards for Teachers?
Put simply, the Australian Professional Standards describe what a teacher in Australia should know and be able to do.
The Australian professional standards for teachers aim to improve the quality of teaching and leadership in Australia. They provide a national benchmark for the knowledge, professional practice, and ethical conduct teachers must meet to be registered to teach in Australia.
The standards are as per the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and are used to shape professional learning and development and inform best practices in the profession.
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Australian Professional Standards for Teachers | 7 Standards |
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Domain |
Standard |
Focus Areas |
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Professional Knowledge |
Standard 1: Know students and how they learn |
Focus area 1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of student |
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Focus area 1.2 Understand how students learn |
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Focus area 1.3 Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds |
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Focus area 1.4 Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student |
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Focus area 1.5 Differentiate teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities |
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Focus area 1.6 Strategies to support full participation of students with disability |
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Standard 2: Know the content and how to teach it |
Focus area 2.1 Content and teaching strategies of the teaching are |
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Focus area 2.2 Content selection and organisation |
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Focus area 2.3 Curriculum, assessment and reporting |
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Focus area 2.4 Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians |
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Focus area 2.5 Literacy and numeracy strategies |
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Focus area 2.6 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) |
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Professional practice |
Standard 3: Plan for and implement effective teaching and learning |
Focus area 3.1 Establish challenging learning goal |
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Focus area 3.2 Plan, structure and sequence learning programs |
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Focus area 3.3 Use teaching strategies |
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Focus area 3.4 Select and use resource |
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Focus area 3.5 Use effective classroom communication |
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Focus area 3.6 Evaluate and improve teaching programs |
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Focus area 3.7 Engage parents/carers in the educative process |
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Standard 4: Create and maintain supportive and safe learning environments |
Focus area 4.1 Support student participation |
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Focus area 4.2 Manage classroom activities |
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Focus area 4.3 Manage challenging behaviour |
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Focus area 4.4 Maintain student safety |
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Focus area 4.5 Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically |
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Standard 5: Assess, provide feedback and report on student learning |
Focus area 5.1 Assess student learning |
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Focus area 5.2 Provide feedback to students on their learning |
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Focus area 5.3 Make consistent and comparable judgements |
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Focus area 5.4 Interpret student data |
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Focus area 5.5 Report on student achievement |
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Professional Engagement |
Standard 6: Engage in professional learning |
Focus area 6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs |
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Focus area 6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice |
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Focus area 6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice |
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Focus area 6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning |
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Standard 7: Engage professionally with colleagues, parents/carers and the community |
Focus area 7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities |
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Focus area 7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirement |
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Focus area 7.3 Engage with the parents/carers |
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Focus area 7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities |
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By meeting the standards, teachers can demonstrate their commitment to the profession and remain up-to-date with the latest teaching practice and research. Ultimately, this will lead to improved learning outcomes for students.
The standards also provide a framework to ensure that all teachers and school leaders have the same expectations and are held accountable for their professional practices.
