Certified Practising Principal Board appointed

These respected educational leaders from around Australia will join independent Chair Neil McDonald in guiding and monitoring the implementation of CPP: Susan Copeland (SA), Dr Shane Glasson (WA), Dr Amanda Heffernan (Monash University), Michael Lee (ACT), Jenny Lewis (NSW), Micheal O’Sullivan (Qld), Mandy Reynolds-Smith CPP (Tas), Annette Rome (Vic), Robyn Thorpe CPP (NT) and Dr Fiona Walsh (NSW).

The CPP asks principals to reflect upon their professional practice and to submit evidence of their impact on teacher efficacy, student achievement and whole-school improvement. Their work is assessed according to criteria developed by the principal profession and mapped to the Australian Professional Standard for Principals. Eight principals have achieved Certified Practising Principal status so far, and 40 more have been inducted into the process.

QELi CEO and CPP Board Chair Neil McDonald says a voluntary professional certification system for school principals is a significant step that will help elevate the status of the profession in the community, and that the board will play an important role in ensuring and maintaining quality standards.

“We are delighted to have such an esteemed board oversee CPP Principal Certification,” Mr McDonald said. “On it are some of Australia’s best and brightest educational thinkers and practitioners and I look forward to working with them to formally recognise our school leaders and the important work they do.

“In doing so, we are not just acknowledging the skills and experience of the certified few but are also shining a spotlight on the complexity and challenges involved in today’s demanding school leadership roles.”

Notes to media:

• Interviewees, including CPP candidates, board members and Chair Mr McDonald, are available on request.