Funding for the Australian Government Quality Teacher Program (AGQTP) activities is provided by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The current funding agreement applies to the years 2011-2013.

The three stated objectives of the AGQTP are to:

• equip teachers with the skills and knowledge needed for teaching in the 21st Century;
• provide national leadership in high priority areas of teacher professional learning need; and
• improve the professional standing of school teachers and leaders

The three key areas for AGQTP activities are:

1. Australian Curriculum;
2. National Professional Standards for Teachers; and
3. Student Wellbeing (including bullying)

AGQTP contributes towards Professional Learning courses and conferences provided by the Association of Independent Schools NSW.

Independent Schools in NSW can access grants for Action Research Projects in three project areas:

• International Best Practice Pedagogy
• Professional Standards
• Supporting teachers to use learning technologies in the classroom
• Supporting teachers and schools to strengthen student wellbeing

Applications are sent to schools in August for the following years projects.

AGQTP funding for all NSW catholic schools, diocesan and independent, is administered by the Catholic Education Office Sydney.