The Victorian Institute of Teaching Council (the Council) was newly formed in June of this year. The Council membership is below. The Council operates as a public sector board governing the affairs of the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) and the members are considered directors of the organisation.

The Council held its second meeting on 13 August 2025 and decided to publish a communique after each of its meetings setting out a summary of the matters considered.

The meeting opened with an Acknowledgement of Country led by Council member Gabrielle Steward.

The Council welcomed the approval by the Minister for Education of recommendations made by VIT to improve processes for the assessment of overseas education qualifications, and the granting of Permission to Teach (PTT).

In December 2024 the Minister asked VIT to conduct a review of these two areas. The VIT conducted extensive consultation with stakeholders to inform the two reports. Council members discussed how VIT intends to implement the recommendations and endorsed the proposed approach.

The Council supported the publication of the two reports in the near future.

The Council welcomed the commencement of its decision to establish a service for pre-assessment of overseas qualifications prior to a teacher making a formal application for registration. There has been strong uptake of this service in the first month. Prospective teachers have their qualifications assessed before they make the commitment to travel to Australia to take up a position. This will provide much greater certainty for those prospective teachers and their employers.

The Council approved revisions to the VIT Qualifications Policy and English Language Policy for submission to the Minister. These will be published on the VIT website once they are finalised.

The Council dealt with a number of business matters relating to its finances including the VAGO Audit Strategy for Financial year 2024-25.

The Council received brief verbal updates from the Chairs of its Professional Conduct Committee and its Accreditation Committee.

Dale Pearce
Chairperson

Council membership

• Dale Pearce – Chairperson: a former principal in the state education sector;
• Kate Fogarty – Deputy Chairperson: a regional director in the Catholic education system;
• David Baker: a school principal in the independent sector;
• Joanna Garner: a teacher in the early childhood sector;
• Lisa Holt: a current principal in the state education sector;
• Sharelle Knight: a leader in the early childhood sector;
• Larissa McLean Davies: a nominee of the Victorian Council of Deans of Education;
• Sarah McNicol: the nominee of the Secretary of the Department of Education;
• Brenden Morris: a teacher in the independent education sector;
• Mary-Anne Pontikis: a teacher in the state education sector;
• Gabrielle Steward: a teacher in the state education sector;
• Raelene Vine: a nominee of parents;
• Eve Ward: a teacher in the state education sector; and
• Graeme Young: a teacher in the independent education sector.