Record year for HALT Certification Program
19 January 2026
More than 50 Queensland Catholic school educators joined the ranks of Highly Accomplished or Lead Teachers (HALT) in 2025, marking a record year for the sector’s involvement in the HALT Certification Program.
Photo: Townsville Catholic Education teacher Toni Pilcher celebrating her Highly Accomplished Teacher certification with her Year 1 class. Source: St Benedict’s Catholic School, Shaw.
Final notification from the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) confirmed 53 teachers achieved Certification, with all Diocesan Catholic School Authorities and a number of Religious Institute schools represented in the cohort.
“This is an amazing result,” CEQL Education Officer Bernadette Moodie said.
“I would never have had imagined 53 would be possible in the one year.”
Photo: Catholic Education – Diocese of Cairns teacher Stacey Bita, who was certified as a Highly Accomplished Teacher in 2025. Source: Our Lady Help of Christians School.
Bernadette has led the HALT Certification Program across Queensland Catholic schools, in partnership with QCT, since 2020.
“In the first five years of the program, 13 or 14 submissions were received and less than half of these applicants would be successful,” Bernadette said.
“In 2024, 27 teachers achieved certification, with this [2025] year’s result showing a 96.3% growth in successful candidates.”
Bernadette attributed this “tremendous growth and momentum” to recent program changes, the introduction of Certification 2.0, increased connection and communication with applicants, enthusiastic support from Diocesan Facilitators and the dedication and expertise of our Assessor Team.
Photo: Brisbane Catholic Education teacher Courtney Nissen achieved certification as a Highly Accomplished Teacher in 2025. Source: Mary MacKillop College, Nundah.
The 2026 Certification Program commenced in late 2025, with CEQL receiving more than 170 Notifications of Intention to Apply in preparation for a 23 February to 16 March submission window.
“We look forward to continuing and celebrating these stories of educational excellence throughout Queensland Catholic schools.”, Bernadette said.
To learn more about the HALT Certification Program, visit hatandlt.ceql.catholic.edu.au.