New Chair of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership

Dr Michele Bruniges AM has been appointed as the new Chair of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). AITSL provides national leadership in promoting excellence in the profession of teaching and school leadership.

Dr Bruniges has dedicated more than 40 years to education as a teacher and policymaker, most recently leading the Commonwealth Department of Education. 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.

Minister for Education, Jason Clare said thanked outgoing Chair, Professor John Hattie for his service. “The Government is committed to strengthening the teacher workforce and building a better and fairer education system,” Mr Clare said.

Independent Schools Australia Chief Executive Officer Mr Graham Catt congratulated Dr Bruniges on her appointment as Chair of AITSL “Dr Bruniges’ knowledge of the education sector, combined with system management experience at both state and national levels, will be invaluable in effectively leading AITSL, whose commitment to quality teaching and school leadership defines the national profession, setting high standards.

“The Independent school sector looks forward to a continued relationship with AITSL at a time of great transformation in Australian schools.”

Dr Bruniges has 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.

Dr Bruniges will commence her three-year term on 1 July 2023.