The South Australian Teacher Certification Committee (SATCC), the cross-sector certifying authority in South Australia, celebrated the hard work and dedication of highly accomplished and lead teachers at their annual cross-sector ceremony on 18th July 2025 at Prospect Pavilion. The SATCC oversees the National Certification of Highly Accomplished and Lead Teachers in South Australia, recognising those educators who excel in their practice across government, independent, and Catholic education sectors. The event was proudly sponsored by the Credit Union SA.

The cross-sector nature of this celebration underscores the collaborative spirit that defines South Australian education. Teachers from all three sectors came together to acknowledge their shared commitment to excellence, demonstrating that outstanding teaching transcends organisational boundaries. This unity reflects the strength of South Australia's education landscape, where professionals from diverse settings work towards the common goal of improving student outcomes.

The commitment to achieve this prestigious national recognition as a highly accomplished or lead teacher requires an individual to deeply examine their own practice, foster the growth of knowledge and skills amongst colleagues, and successfully pass a stringent assessment process. The certification process involves comprehensive evidence collection, peer review, and demonstration of impact on student learning and colleague development.

This year's ceremony was hosted by Danny Pinchas, General Manager of Teacher Quality at the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). A long-standing advocate for quality education, Danny led the celebration in honouring the dedicated professionals who have significantly contributed to the education sector in the past year. His leadership of the event highlighted AITSL's commitment to recognising teaching excellence at both state and national levels.

Certificates of recognition for newly certified were presented by the Honourable Blair Boyer, Minister for Education. The Minister's presence at this cross-sector event demonstrated the South Australian Government's recognition of the importance of teaching quality across all educational settings. He expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering commitment of these certified teachers to the support and development of their students, their colleagues, and their own professional growth.

The statistics shared at the ceremony paint a remarkable picture of South Australia's leadership in teacher certification nationally. "It's impressive to see just how much teacher certification has been embraced in South Australia. With 122 of the 274 HALTs nationally in 2024 - almost half of all certifications - and 414 of the total 1,684 HALTs since 2012, South Australia continues to excel at a national level. Congratulations to all the SA Highly Accomplished and Lead teacher awardees!" Pinchas commented.

These figures demonstrate that South Australian teachers are embracing professional certification at rates significantly higher than their interstate counterparts, reflecting the state's culture of continuous improvement and professional excellence. The cross-sector collaboration evident in these numbers shows that teachers from government, independent, and Catholic schools are equally committed to demonstrating their expertise through the national certification process.

The event showcased the diversity of South Australian education, with representatives from metropolitan and regional schools, primary and secondary settings, and specialists across various learning areas. This diversity enriches the professional learning community of certified teachers, creating networks that span sector boundaries and geographical locations.

The SATCC's role as a cross-sector certifying authority is unique in the Australian education landscape. By bringing together expertise from all three sectors, the committee ensures that certification processes are informed by the full breadth of South Australian teaching practice. This collaborative approach strengthens the credibility and relevance of the certification process while building professional connections across traditional sector divides.

For many attendees, the ceremony represented the culmination of significant professional development, reflection, and evidence gathering. The certification process challenges teachers to articulate their impact, demonstrate their leadership, and showcase their expertise in ways that contribute to the broader teaching profession. The cross-sector recognition validates that excellence in teaching is valued equally regardless of the school sector in which it occurs.

The SATCC continues to uphold its commitment to recognising and celebrating the successes of highly accomplished and lead teachers across South Australia, nurturing a culture of excellence and professional growth in education. The event was a memorable occasion, honouring the achievements of 159 educators across all sectors, reinforcing South Australia's position as a national leader in teacher certification and professional recognition.

Looking forward, the strong participation across all sectors positions South Australia well for continued leadership in teacher quality initiatives. The collaborative relationships fostered through the cross-sector certification process contribute to a more connected and professionally engaged teaching workforce, ultimately benefiting students across all South Australian schools.

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