Staff Spotlight: Julia Waldmann
St Monica’s College teacher Julia Waldmann is one of just two talented teachers in the Cairns Diocese to achieve HAT certification in 2025. We recently asked her to share her experience and advice for other teachers.
Why did you pursue HAT Teacher certification?
I pursued HAT certification to further my teaching career and to take the opportunity to reflect deeply on my professional growth. The process encouraged me to consider how far I have come in my practice and to identify future pathways, including the possibility of progressing into a Lead Teacher role.
What was the process like for HAT Teacher certification?
The HAT certification process was not necessarily difficult, but it was time‑intensive—particularly when gathering and organising evidence. The first component, the portfolio, was the most demanding. It required a comprehensive understanding of the 36 descriptors within the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers and careful alignment of evidence to each one.
The process became more manageable once I reviewed examples of successful portfolios and saw how others had presented their evidence.
The second component—filming two 35‑minute lessons—moved very quickly. After being notified that I had successfully completed Part 1, I had approximately two weeks to finalise Part 2.
Overall, the certification process was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to clearly see my professional progression and consider the next steps in my development.
What are the benefits of certification for yourself, your colleagues, and your students?
One of the greatest benefits for me personally was the opportunity to undertake deep reflection on my teaching practice. By analysing the evidence I collected for each of the 36 descriptors, I was able to clearly identify both my strengths and areas for improvement.
For colleagues, certification allows me to share my learning, offer support, and encourage others who may be considering pursuing HAT certification themselves. My experience enables me to guide others through the process and contribute to a culture of professional growth.
For students, the benefits are seen in the quality of teaching they receive. The process reaffirmed my commitment to meeting the needs of every learner and demonstrated to students that I am passionate about my profession and dedicated to continually improving my knowledge and skills.
What advice would you give to other teachers who may be interested in applying for HAT certification?
My key advice is to begin by completing the online Teacher Self‑Assessment Tool on the AITSL website. This will help you determine your eligibility and understand where your current practice aligns with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.
I also strongly recommend keeping organised records of potential evidence—such as emails, meeting minutes, and student work samples. Evidence can be drawn from the past five years, but without a clear system for storing it, the collection process can become time‑consuming. Being proactive and organised will make a significant difference when compiling your portfolio.
Follow the link to find out more about Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher certification.