Staff Spotlight: Stacey Bita
Our Lady Help of Christians School teacher Stacey Bita shares her experience achieving Highly Accomplished Teacher certification as well as the benefits for herself, her school and her students.
Highly Accomplished Teacher and Lead Teacher (HAT and LT) certification is keeping our high-performing teachers in classrooms across the Cairns Diocese.
The nationally-recognised and highly coveted HAT and Lead Teacher certification allows experienced teachers like Stacey to advance their career, receive recognition for the impact of their practice and have a positive impact within their school community.
Why did you pursue HAT Teacher certification?
I am fortunate to work alongside both a Highly Accomplished Teacher (HAT) and a Lead Teacher within my school. Their guidance and leadership have been instrumental in my journey and inspired me to pursue HAT certification. I was also motivated by the opportunity to engage in a deep, reflective process—examining my teaching practice and identifying ways to further extend and strengthen my professional impact.
What was the process like for HAT Teacher certification?
The certification process was rigorous and demanding, yet deeply reflective and empowering. While it required sustained commitment, it was incredibly humbling to clearly see the impact of my teaching on both my students and my colleagues. The process allowed me to critically analyse my practice and recognise the value of intentional, evidence-informed teaching.
What are the benefits of certification for yourself, your colleagues, and your students?
Developing a deeper understanding of the Professional Standards gave renewed clarity and purpose to both the what and the why of my teaching. Within my team, this shared purpose has allowed me to make stronger connections with colleagues, model effective practice, and support others in reflecting on and refining their own approaches. Ultimately, this has led to strengthened teaching practices and more meaningful learning experiences for students.
What advice would you give to other teachers who may be interested in applying for HAT certification?
If you have been considering pursuing HAT certification, I would strongly encourage you to take the step. It is a powerful reflective journey that will reinvigorate your teaching and provide renewed purpose in your work. The process validates the strengths you already bring to the classroom while offering new perspectives that allow you to view your teaching—and its impact—through a fresh lens.
Follow the links to find out more about Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher certification.