The Association of Independent Schools values quality teaching and recognises the importance of professional growth and development in improving outcomes for students. The Association established the Independent Schools Teacher Accreditation Authority (ISTAA) to provide teachers in schools that adopted a NSW/ACT Standards or Hybrid Model Multi-Enterprise Agreement or a Tasmanian Independent Christian Schools (Teacher) Multi- Enterprise Agreement 2019 (CMEA) with a means to demonstrate the quality of their teaching and as a result increase their remuneration.

Accreditation provides a consistent and transparent process to assure the quality of teaching in our schools and provide the basis for ongoing growth and development of teachers to raise the outcomes of education for students. The Professional Teaching Standards define the qualities of effective teaching. They describe the knowledge, skills and practices expected of teachers at different stages of their careers, and provide a framework for critical reflection, professional development and growth.

ISTAA Teacher Accreditation: 
Professional growth in and beyond the classroom

Teachers:

  • Learn in their classroom with and from colleagues, using research and feedback
  • Develop quality teaching practice and improve student educational outcomes
  • Build their leadership practice and collaborative skills
  • Gain recognition and respect from students, colleagues and parents

Accreditation Updates


Record number of teachers achieve Experienced teacher accreditation >

345 Independent school teachers across NSW recently achieved their Experienced Teacher accreditation status.

2024 Experienced Teacher accreditation applications now open >

We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for 2024 Experienced Teacher accreditation.

AISNSW Proficient Teacher Accreditation Service >

Following changes to NESA’s teacher accreditation policies, AISNSW has a new Proficient Teacher Accreditation Service available to all member schools from 2023.

Teacher Accreditation Pathways


Proficient Teacher

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2024 Experienced Teacher Accreditation

For teachers applying in 2023.
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2023 Experienced Teacher Accreditation

For teachers applying in 2022.
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Professional Excellence

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