Skip to Main Content

Why is Teacher Quality Important?

NEWS 21 Sept 2022

So, what makes a great teacher?

Is it natural talent? Empathy? Innovation? Technological expertise? Engaging education programs?

The best teachers have all these attributes and more, as Haileybury can attest.


The School’s leading professional support programs have been recognised with an invitation to contribute to a review of Australia’s education programs for new teachers.

The Federal Minister for Education and Youth, the Hon Alan Tudge, has included Haileybury CEO|Principal Mr Derek Scott on a review panel of four chaired by former Secretary of the Department of Education and Training Lisa Paul AO PSM.

Teacher quality is essential to get the best out of students and enable them to graduate as academically successful and well-rounded young adults.

Good teachers must:

  • start their career with the knowledge, skills, and disposition needed to succeed
  • engage students in their learning
  • understand varying personalities and needs
  • use the best educational programs
  • motivate students to do their best.

Educators must also be supported to do this, with access to professional development as their careers progress and technology continues to advance.
Teacher quality has long been a focus at Haileybury through our recruitment methods, exceptional education programs, professional support, and ongoing training.
Despite a decline in Australian school Literacy and Numeracy results for most of this century, the School’s student achievement has improved as a result of teacher quality.

Haileybury has ensured this by working hard to attract high-performing, motivated staff and provide them with world-class initial teacher education training.

Mr Scott says this is vital in student performance, and Haileybury’s outstanding results are due to the School’s brilliant educators.

“The quality of teaching is the single most important in-school factor influencing student achievement,” he says.

“Haileybury continues to support teachers in their development and our ongoing teacher coaching program is an important part of this.”
Derek Scott, CEO | Principal

The review of initial teacher education will take six months and is an important component of improvements needed in Australian schooling.

Those interested can access the terms of reference here.