NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS
AITSL appoints new CEO Following a comprehensive national and international search, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) has appointed Mark Grant as its new CEO.
Laureate Professor Hattie. “We are confident Mark will build on AITSL’s excellent reputation and relationships as we continue working with the Federal Government, as well as
He joined the institute in mid-April, following his most recent position of
all state and territory governments, education systems and sectors, and others,
Executive Director, Leadership and High Performance at the Department of
to empower teachers and school leaders to have the maximum impact on the
Education, NSW.
learning of students nationally.
According to AITSL, Mr Grant brings to the new role a considerable breadth
“I would like to give our sincere thanks to AITSL’s Deputy CEO Mr Edmund
and depth of operational experience, particularly at the school, regional and state
Misson, who acted in the role of CEO during the first quarter of 2019, as well as the
level, which has been successfully combined with an acknowledged track record
AITSL executive and staff who have continued delivering on our important program
of delivering results at scale utilising strong, strategic management at senior
of work.”
executive levels.
In new role, Mr Grant said he is looking forward to leading, initiating and
His career includes direct experience in schools, both as a teacher and school leader. During his time as principal at three NSW schools, he drove improvement initiatives to benefit student growth and outcomes.
building on AITSL’s achievements, driving national education reform to secure a high-quality education system on par with international standards. “I have a deep commitment to making a broad and significant contribution to
Most recently, Mr Grant has led complex, integrated strategic work for the NSW public school system. This has included school improvement measures; teacher quality, induction, professional development and leadership support for all school-based staff; and needs-based funding budgets to all schools. AITSL Board Chair, Laureate Professor John Hattie said the skills and experience Mr Grant brings to the role will greatly benefit AITSL, the teaching profession and Australian students.
education, and I am looking forward to making a difference to the lives of children and young people across the nation,” he said. Mr Grant succeeds Lisa Rodgers, who left the company in January 2019 to take up the position of Secretary at the Department of Education and Training in Western Australia. As new CEO, Mr Grant will work closely with the AITSL Board, executive and staff to realise AITSL’s strategic plan, and progress important work on national
“The recruitment process for a new AITSL CEO attracted many excellent candidates and we are delighted to have secured a CEO of Mark’s calibre,” said
education reforms, and supporting teachers and school leaders to help them meet professional standards. EM
Australian Made launches new educational kits The Australian Made Campaign has launched a new collection of educational resources that aim to inform students about our manufacturing history,
website, the new Australian Made resources are curriculum-linked and created
Australian inventions and the social and economic benefits of buying locally
to provide smooth integration into the classroom learning environment.
made and grown products.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australia’s manufacturing
Designed for the primary and middle years, the resources feature facts,
industry currently contributes around $100 billion to Australian GDP annually, and employs around 900,000 Australians.
interactive games, posters, lesson plans and activity sheets. “Buying Australian Made products helps to create Aussie jobs and
Greg Harten, Owner of HART Sport, an Australian Made licensee that
strengthens our local manufacturing, agricultural industries, communities and
manufactures sporting equipment for schools, clubs, fitness centres and
economy,” said Australian Made Chief Executive, Ben Lazzaro.
government departments, explained the importance of manufacturing in
“It is important to teach students about the Australian Made, Australian Grown logo, and the positive flow-on effects that buying locally-made products
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Designed in conjunction with the ‘For Teachers for Students’ education
Australia and the need for education resources. “Local manufacturing matters. It ensures that employment and skills stay
have. These new resources will help teachers and parents educate our future
in Australia. Domestic manufacturing also drives innovation and is the basis
leaders about the importance of Australian manufacturing, and empower them to
for research and development – all things that help maintain our standard
make educated purchasing decisions in the future.”
of living,” he said. EM
education matters primary
