Media Release: APPA Welcomes Improvements to Reward Payment Scheme

The Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) strongly welcomed the Federal Government’s improvements to the high performing teacher reward payment scheme.

Click here to read the APPA media release.

Click here to read the Minister's statement.

APPA President, Norm Hart, said of the Government’s announced changes that aligning payments to the elements of the National Professional Standards for Teachers is a better way to recognise and identify great teachers. Focusing upon the elements of what brings high quality, effective teaching to the classroom can only improve teacher quality and support individual teachers in their professional development.

“Today’s announcement recognises that the quality of the teacher in the classroom is the single greatest school-based factor in a student’s education. The Government’s improvements to the reward payment scheme will mean that more teachers will have the incentive to develop professionally over time. We are particularly pleased that two major concerns of APPA – a reliance on national test results to determine high performing teachers and a set quota limit on the number of high performing teachers – have been addressed in the changes announced today.”

The Government’s announced changes to the Reward Payments for Great Teachers program will mean that teachers who are identified at the highest levels of the professional standards will receive a payment of $7500 for Highly Accomplished teachers and $10000 for teachers who achieve the Lead Teacher level.

Mr Hart said that while APPA supports the development of the National Teacher Standards, it is important that the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) continues to consult with school principals and teachers on the development of an appraisal framework to ensure that processes and procedures accurately capture the Standards.

“APPA looks forward to working with AITSL on the development of the Australian Teacher Performance and Development Framework to ensure that teachers in our schools deliver the best education possible to our nation’s children.”

The Australian Primary Principals Association represents 7,200 Government, Catholic and Independent principals across Australia.

25 November 2011

Media contact: Norm Hart – APPA President: 0458 010 949