The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is pleased to confirm the appointment of Mark Grant as its new CEO, following a comprehensive national and international search.
Mark will join AITSL from mid-April, having most recently held the position of Executive Director, Leadership and High Performance at the Department of Education, NSW.
Mark brings considerable breadth and depth of operational experience, particularly at the school, regional and state level, which has been successfully combined with an acknowledged track record of delivering results at scale utilising strong, strategic management at senior executive levels.
Mark's career has included significant direct experience in schools as both a teacher and leader. During his tenure as principal at three NSW schools, he drove improvement initiatives to benefit student growth and outcomes.
Most recently, he has led complex, integrated strategic work for the NSW public school system. This has included school improvement measures; teacher quality, induction, professional development and leadership support for all school-based staff; and needs-based funding budgets to all schools.
AITSL Board Chair, Laureate Professor John Hattie said the skills and experience Mark brings to the role will greatly benefit AITSL, the teaching profession and, ultimately, the students of Australia.
"The recruitment process for a new AITSL CEO attracted many excellent candidates and we are delighted to have secured a CEO of Mark's calibre," said Laureate Professor Hattie.
"We are confident Mark will build on AITSL's excellent reputation and relationships as we continue working with the federal government, as well as all state and territory governments, education systems and sectors, and others, to empower teachers and school leaders to have the maximum impact on the learning of students nationally.
"I would like to give our sincere thanks to AITSL's Deputy CEO Mr Edmund Misson, who acted in the role of CEO during the first quarter of 2019, as well as the AITSL executive and staff who have continued delivering on our important program of work."
Incoming AITSL CEO, Mark Grant said he is looking forward to working closely with the AITSL Board and executive, and the AITSL team, to lead, initiate and build on AITSL's achievements, driving national education reform to secure a high-quality education system on par with international standards.
"I have a deep commitment to making a broad and significant contribution to education, and I am looking forward to making a difference to the lives of children and young people across the nation."
Mark succeeds Ms Lisa Rodgers, who left the company in January 2019 to take up the position of Secretary at the Department of Education and Training in Western Australia.
The new CEO will work closely with the AITSL Board, executive and staff to realise AITSL's strategic plan, and progress important work on national education reforms, and supporting teachers and school leaders to help them meet professional standards and ensure students thrive.
