The Independent school sector is dedicated to supporting quality teaching and career growth. The new Accomplished Teacher accreditation is a voluntary level of accreditation exclusively available to eligible teachers in the Independent sector, serving as a pathway for professional advancement. 

AISNSW and the Independent Schools Teacher Accreditation Authority (ISTAA) recently launched Accomplished Teacher accreditation to replace Experienced Teacher accreditation from 2026, supporting the implementation of the new CMEA and further enhancing the accreditation process.


What are the benefits of Accomplished Teacher accreditation?

Accomplished Teachers have more than just experience, they are consistently operating beyond the level of a Proficient Teacher demonstrating an accomplished level of expertise in their practice.

Accomplished Teacher accreditation is a standards-based industry framework custom designed for the Independent sector. It provides a framework for both teacher growth and recognition and is positioned on the professional growth continuum between Proficient Teacher and Highly Accomplished Teacher accreditation.

Growth framework 

The Accomplished Teacher Standards can be used to inform the growth and development of your practice, beyond the level of proficiency.

They detail how you can enhance your expertise and positively affect student learning, engagement and wellbeing.

Proficient Teachers can use the Accomplished Teacher Standard Descriptors as a self-assessment and reflection tool to identify how they can enhance their expertise and practice to set goals for their growth and development.

Industry recognition

Accomplished Teacher accreditation provides a pathway for recognition and additional remuneration.

Applying for Accomplished Teacher accreditation enables teachers to demonstrate that their practices align with the Accomplished Teacher Standards and provides a mechanism for their expert practice to be externally validated and formally recognised by ISTAA.

Recognition and remuneration of ISTAA-accreditation at Accomplished Teacher is portable across schools in the Independent sector with industrial agreements that include Accomplished Teacher or Experienced Teacher accreditation.


How to start your Accomplished Teacher accreditation journey

1 – Understand the Accomplished Teacher Standards and accreditation requirements 

Review the Accomplished Teacher Accreditation Manual to get a better understanding of:

  • The Standard of practice of an Accomplished Teacher
  • The policies and procedures for Accomplished Teacher accreditation
  • The guidance, tools, resources and professional learning available

2 – Develop a plan to build your practice to the Standard of an Accomplished Teacher

Use the Accomplished Teacher Standard Descriptors detailed in Part 4 of the Accomplished Teacher Accreditation Manual:

  • To reflect on and self-assess the level of your current practice
  • To set goals for your growth and development aligned to the Descriptors you have identified for further development
  • As an annual self-reflection tool until you are confident your practice aligns with all of the Standards

Consider registering for AISNSW professional learning designed to support you in working towards the Accomplished Teacher Standards.

3 – Assess your eligibility and readiness to apply for Accomplished Teacher accreditation 

Once you are confident your practice aligns with the Accomplished Teacher Standards:

4 – Plan to make an application

Once you have confirmed your eligibility and readiness to apply for Accomplished Teacher accreditation, you can plan to make an application:

Courses for Accreditation Supervisors are also available, for details see the AISNSW Courses and Events page.

 To find out more about Accomplished Teacher Accreditation visit the AISNSW website or speak with our Accreditation Coordinator by calling (02) 9299 2845.