Minister for Education the Hon Jason Clare MP has announced that Dr Michele Bruniges AM has been appointed as the new Chair of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).
In a statement released on 6 June, Mr Clare stated that the Government is committed to strengthening the teacher workforce and building a better and fairer education system and extended a warm welcome to Dr Bruniges.
“Dr Bruniges has dedicated more than 40 years to education as a teacher and policymaker, most recently leading the Commonwealth Department of Education,” said the Hon Jason Clare MP.
Dr Bruniges is a former school teacher at Leppington Public School, St Johns Park High School and Ingleburn High School. She was also a TAFE teacher and a teacher in the Adult Migrant Education Service before leading the ACT, NSW and Commonwealth Education Departments.
Dr Bruniges further holds a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Measurement, a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of New South Wales, a Graduate Diploma in Educational Studies and a Diploma in Teaching from the Goulburn College of Advanced Education.
In a separate announcement, AITSL bid a fond farewell to the outgoing Board Chair, Melbourne Laureate Professor Emeritus John Hattie, after a nine year tenure.
“During his time leading AITSL, John has firmly positioned AITSL as a national leader in education policy reform, supporting jurisdictions and education employers to focus on quality teaching and leadership. Having seen him in action, there is no doubt about the respect he has and authority he brings when talking about education. He is, quite literally, an educational rockstar,” said AITSL CEO, Mr Mark Grant.
“John has been a tireless advocate for the profession, the expertise of those in it, and the work of AITSL. His positioning of AITSL as the honest broker in Australia’s education architecture is a prime example of the significant impact that John has had in leading AITSL’s work.”
As a passionate expert focused on driving real change that is impactful, evidence based and measurable, Mr Hattie led the charge on important work across the career lifecycle of teachers and leaders.
His influence and advice have driven significant advancements in preparation, induction, and development of teachers – always with a focus on expertise as the central tenet of teaching.
“Although Professor Hattie is leaving AITSL, he will continue his focus on changing the lives of Australia’s students through his many other avenues across the education landscape,” read the statement.
“He has been instrumental in driving improvements in the focus on the leadership capacity and capability of our school leaders, a key to improving education outcomes for Australia’s 4 million students. The profession and Australia’s students will all benefit from the legacy that he leaves us at AITSL.”
As the new Chair of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, Dr Bruniges will commence her three-year term on 1 July 2023.
Read the AITSL media release here.
Read the Hon Jason Clare MP’s announcement here.
Further reading:
- AITSL spotlights the role of school leadership in challenging times
- AITSL: Making the most of professional learning
- AITSL report: Diversity the key to improved performance
