Professional Development Training needed to deepen trust in the education profession
In a proposal being considered by the General Teaching Council for England teachers could be compelled to continually update their skills to stay on the register of those allowed to work in schools.
The GTC is considering the implementation of a register to record training undertaken by staff and only those that actively pursue professional development training would be able to continue teaching.
In an article for the Times Educational Supplement, Head of the General Teaching Council for England Keith Bartley said this basic registration ensured parents and the wider public knew children were being taught by “qualified teachers of good standing”.
He asked: “Could a more active expression of professional registration not only deepen the public trust in the profession but also demonstrate to decision makers that teachers are very well placed to shape teaching and learning in schools?”
Most qualified teachers in state schools would already meet this most basic criterion for “active registration”, he said. But supply teachers and those returning to work after a break needed to be given more opportunities to develop professionally.
The proposal comes after the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, Ed Balls, urged schools and teachers to raise their game. Ministers also want to see more personalised learning and targeted teaching to individual pupils’ needs.
The GTC says it wants to hear teachers’ views on the proposals and has invited them to email Mr Bartley on the issue at chiefexec@gtce.org.uk.
Article taken from www.news.bbc.co.uk.