For many teachers, there comes a point in their career when they want to stretch themselves - to take everything they’ve learned in the classroom and bring it to a new level. That’s exactly what Accomplished Teacher accreditation is all about.
Designed for experienced educators in Independent schools, this voluntary level of accreditation gives teachers the chance to show just how deeply they understand their craft. It recognises teachers who go beyond what’s expected at the Proficient Teacher level - the teachers who bring expertise, creativity and reflection to everything they do.
Accomplished Teacher accreditation is a journey of growth. It’s a framework that supports teachers and their schools to take teaching and learning further. Across NSW and the ACT, Independent schools are using it to guide professional development, build stronger teaching cultures and, ultimately, make learning better for students.
One teacher who knows this journey well is Sinead Kelly, a Learning Enrichment teacher at Claremont College. Looking back on her experience, she says becoming an Accomplished Teacher helped her see her teaching practice in a whole new light.
“When you're working at an Accomplished Teacher level, there’s that elevation in your practice where you're not just doing the basics well — it’s a deeper, more thoughtful approach beyond the basics,” Sinead explains.
The Accomplished Teacher Standards gave Sinead a clear picture of what great teaching looks like and how each element connects to student learning.
“The standards gave me a greater understanding of the skills and thinking behind effective teaching and how that impacts each student’s learning,” she says. “Now I see how the standards link together, and I can use that understanding to support other teachers too.”
For teachers who want to keep growing, the Accomplished Teacher Standards are also a great stepping stone toward Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation in the future.
What really stood out to Sinead, though, was the collaborative nature of the process.
“It was the people along the way - my mentors - who made a big difference. Having those collaborative conversations helped me see how everything connects,” she shares. “And in my role, I’m always working with different classroom teachers. The process recognised that collaboration and allowed me to include evidence we developed together.”
When it came time to pull her evidence together, Sinead found the experience surprisingly affirming.
“Even though I knew I was working at that level, it wasn’t until I gathered all my evidence that I could really see the full scope of my practice,” she says. “It was so encouraging to have that recognised through my submission and by AISNSW.”
In the end, Accomplished Teacher accreditation is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of excellence in the teaching profession and a reminder that great teaching never stands still.
If you want to grow and celebrate your practice at the Accomplished level in 2026, visit the AISNSW website or email the accreditation team via [email protected].
