The role of the GTCS in encouraging early professional learning and development for teachers

1. The role of the GTCS in encouraging early professional learning and development for teachers Teacher Education Advancement Network Conference Glasgow 21 May 2010 Tom Hamilton, Rosa Murray, Mairi McAra

2. The General Teaching Council for Scotland: Background Set up by Act of Parliament in 1965 Powers extended by Act of Scottish Parliament in 2000 Powers further extended by Statutory Instrument, summer 2006 - competence Announcement of independent status for the GTCS January 2008 Government GTCS independence consultation outcomes published February 2010

3. Traditional Role Guardian/Gatekeeper: • Initial Teacher Education • Probation • Exceptional Admissions Protector: • Conduct • Discipline

4. 21st Century Role As above plus: • Standards: Standard for Initial Teacher Education Standard for Full Registration Standard for Chartered Teacher Standard for Headship • Continuing Professional Development • Teacher Induction System • Chartered Teacher Programme • Framework for Professional Recognition • Disciplinary Issues: Child Protection The internet Competence

5. GTCS: Principal Aims • To contribute to the quality of teaching and learningand the development of a world-class education system in Scotland • To maintain and enhance standards of professional competence in schools and colleges in collaboration with partners including teachers, employing authorities, teacher education institutions, parents and the Scottish Executive Education Department • To be recognised as a voice and advocate for the teaching profession

6. Teachers Matter ‘Research shows that teacher quality is significantly and positively correlated with pupil attainment and that it is the most important within school aspect explaining student performance.’ Commission of the European Communities (2007) Improving the Quality of Teacher Education ‘The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.’ McKinsey and Company (2007) How the world’s best-performing school systems come out on top

7. Standards • The Standard for Initial Teacher Education • The Standard for Full Registration • The Standard for Chartered Teacher • The Standard for Headship

8. Aspects of Professional Development Professional Values & Personal Commitment Professional Skills & Abilities Professional Knowledge & Understanding

9. The Standard for Initial Teacher Education The Standard for Initial Teacher Education (SITE) specifies what is expected of a student teacher at the end of Initial Teacher Education, seeking provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

10. The Standard for Full Registration The Standard for Full Registration (SFR) specifies what is expected of a teacher seeking full registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Three main purposes: • a clear and concise description of the professional qualities and capabilities teachers are expected to develop in the course of induction; • a professional standard against which reliable and consistent decisions can be made on the fitness of new teachers for full registration with GTC Scotland; • a baseline professional standard which will apply to all teachers throughout their careers.

11. Teacher Induction Scheme • Guaranteed post for year - 0.7 contact - 0.3 continuing professional development • CPD programme: - individual, - school, - local authority • Designated supporter in school 0.1 - Observations, advice, support and target setting - Reports to GTCS

12. The Teacher Induction Scheme – A Scottish Success Story

13. OECD Reviews of National Policies for Education: Quality and Equity of Schooling in Scotland December 2007 Scotland’s approach to teacher induction is world class…

14. Framework for Professional Recognition • Introduced January 2006 • Recognition - 595 (541 teachers) eg Leadership, Global citizenship, Learning support • Registration - 419 (388 teachers) Primary – Secondary (S1-2), (S1-6) Secondary – additional subjects

15. Chartered Teacher • Launched summer 2003 July 2004 – 14 chartered teachers March 2010 – 1010 chartered teachers • Masters level qualification – 12 modules • GTCS accreditation route – now closed • Self funded • Salary increment after every two modules • All 32 local authorities have CTs • Revised Standard launched 2009 • Programmes currently being reaccredited

16. Standard for Chartered Teacher Professional Values & Personal Commitment Professional Action Professional Skills & Abilities Professional Knowledge & Understanding

17. Criticisms of Standards Models • Standards as common sense (control mechanisms?) • Standards as quality assurance and accountability • Standards as quality improvement • Standards for certification • Mechanistic and technicist approach which restricts reflective practice and encourages conformity • Encourages ‘competence’ but stifles ‘excellence’ Yet… • Professional values and personal commitment

18. Professional Review and Development 35 hours contractual CPD each year Annual Professional Review and Development Interview Standard for Full Registration Code of Professionalism and Conduct

19. Contact Web: www.gtcs.org.uk e-mail: gtcs@gtcs.org.uk