Celebrating Teacher Professionalism

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News release
20th June 2007

Celebrating the Teaching Profession

Teachers and other educationalists celebrated a significant milestone for the profession with the launch, by the General Teaching Council, of a new publication called ‘Teaching: the Reflective Profession’. The document, drawn up in collaboration with a wide range of educational partners, not only explains the Teaching Council’s views on the purposes of education but sets out in a clear manner the knowledge, skills and attributes required by those seeking recognition and registration as teachers.

The publication which will be distributed to all 27,000 registered teachers in Northern Ireland was launched by the Education Minister, Caítriona Ruane in Belfast. Ms Marion Matchett, the Chief Inspector for schools, also addressed the invited guests.

Eddie McArdle, the Registrar of GTCNI commented “During a period of unprecedented change within education it is important that we remember that all change is effectively delivered by those in the classroom, namely our teachers. It is only by empowering and supporting teachers that we can deliver the world class education that our young people need and deserve. This document will not only inform the work of those engaged in teacher education but will enable teachers, collectively or individually, to reflect on their practice and identify their development needs.
He went on to state:
“We as teachers have not always been as successful as other professions in articulating the complex nature of the work we engage in hopefully this document will go some way to remedying that situation”.
In welcoming the publication of the document Mrs Sally McKee the Chairperson of GTCNI stated: “It has long been recognised that we in Northern Ireland are well served by dedicated professionals who always conscientiously strive to meet the needs of those placed in their care. We hope that this publication will support teachers in their endeavours as they prepare our young people to succeed and prosper in an increasingly challenging world.”

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Notes for Editors:

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Debra Castles, Communication Officer
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The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland is the independent professional regulatory body for teachers. It is dedicated to enhancing the status of teaching and promoting the highest standards of professional conduct and practice. Any teacher wishing to teach in a grant-aided school in Northern Ireland must be registered with the Council.

The publication of the booklet ‘Teaching: the Reflective Profession’ is the outcome of process began in 2003 when the Department of Education began a review of teacher education in Northern Ireland. The GTCNI was asked to review the existing competence model and to make recommendations for improvement. In March 2005 the Council issued its report to the Department of Education ‘GTCNI Review of Teacher Competences and Continuing Professional Development’ and ‘Teaching: the Reflective Profession’ in the culmination of further development work on the teacher competence model.