The Victorian Institute of Teaching Council (the Council) held its third meeting on 10 September 2025 and publishes this communique setting out a summary of the matters considered.

The meeting opened with an Acknowledgement of Country led by Council member Sharelle Knight who reflected on the land of the Wadawarrung people in the region where she lived.

The Council reviewed its strategic plan which had been in operation for twelve months. VIT’s vision is for all Victorian Children and young people to have the best teachers.

The Council acknowledged the considerable progress made in achieving the objectives set out in the plan. Key areas of discussion included our strategic objectives in relation to safety and wellbeing of children and young people, quality teaching, our relationships with partners, what it means to be a high performing regulator and the opportunities to lead and influence reform.

The Council also considered its governance framework, its approach to regulation and took a future focus on the challenges ahead for the teaching profession and what this means for how the profession is regulated to assure safety and quality, innovation and to best serve the public good. 

The Council discussed the ways in which the VIT could better support teachers in their professional lives. It was noted that many teachers are not aware of the scope of the work of VIT and there are opportunities to strengthen both engagement and understanding among teachers and the community more widely. 

The VIT’s strategic plan can be seen on the VIT website here.

A discussion was held about ways in which VIT could improve transparency of its work by developing its website to include greater detail of the Council, its members and its committees.

The Council received brief verbal updates from the CEO, Chairperson and the Chair of its Professional Conduct 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.