Leading the way: record number of HALTs recognised for excellence

86 teachers who achieved Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher (HALT) accreditation over the past 12 months join 446 of the state’s exemplary teaching cohort – a growing community of teachers whose expert practice and educational leadership is lifting student outcomes across schools and early childhood settings.

Among those teachers recognised today, 65 are from metropolitan schools and 21 are from regional and remote school communities.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) CEO Paul Martin said achieving HALT accreditation in NSW is a significant accomplishment.

“It is a delight to recognise this new cohort of HALTs. The talent and commitment of these teachers make them an asset to their classrooms, learning environments and broader communities.

“These are just some of the teachers in NSW who demonstrate exemplary practice and innovation in teaching, and they deserve to be celebrated,” Mr Martin said.

The record number of new HALTs being recognised in 2025 comes after NESA overhauled the HALT application process to ease the administrative burden on teachers, while maintaining the program’s rigour.

The simplified application process reduces the amount of evidence required and offers more flexible ways to submit evidence.

“HALT accreditation doesn’t just celebrate individual achievement – it builds leadership within our schools and strengthens the teaching profession from the inside-out.

“I congratulate every teacher recognised today and encourage more of our brilliant educators to step forward and be celebrated for the impact they have every single day,” Mr Martin said.

One Highly Accomplished teacher being recognised today is proud Murruwarri woman Jessica Williams from Albion Park High School, who says teaching is in her blood.

“My mother was a lifelong educator and principal, and I grew up surrounded by the values of public education.

“Now, I am passionate about supporting and mentoring other teachers around me. It is essential that Aboriginal students see Aboriginal staff and teachers in a range of leadership roles within our schools.

“Becoming a Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher goes beyond recognition of skills and expertise – it reflects a genuine commitment to educational excellence and student outcomes.  I encourage all teachers to step up and embrace the journey,"  Ms Williams said.

Jemimah Vedamonickam, who teaches at The Hospital School at Westmead, is the first teacher in a hospital school to achieve Lead Teacher accreditation in NSW. She says she has dedicated her career to student-centred, inclusive learning.

“My goal is supporting young people with complex needs and diverse backgrounds to achieve their potential.

“My teaching philosophy is grounded in empathy, responsiveness, and the belief that every child can succeed when given the right support.

“I now mentor other HALT candidates. HALT is an opportunity to be recognised for your strong and reflective teaching practices. I see HALT as a chance to refine pedagogy, drive collaboration, and better prepare the next generation of educators,” Ms Vedamonickam said.

Teachers like these exemplify the value in HALT and the leadership that each and every HALT can demonstrate in their school communities.

Learn more about the HALT impact and find out how to start your application on the NESA website.