Teachers asked for say on institute
By Jennifer Leete
The Interim Committee for a NSW Institute of Teachers is conducting consultation with teachers in both government and non-government sectors on the future role of a professional body to be called the NSW Institute of Teachers.
The creation of such a body was one of the recommendations of Gregor Ramsey in his report Quality Matters and was also announced as ALP policy during the state election campaign.
The interim committee was established following the State Budget in 2002 and had its first meeting in August 2002.
Members of the interim committee include Federation Deputy President Jennifer Leete, teachers in both government and non-government schools, the Independent Education Union Deputy General Secretary, government and non-government school principals, a teacher-educator and members from the wider community. Professor Alan Hayes, who is a teacher-educator in the early childhood area at Macquarie University, chairs the interim committee.
The creation of an institute of teachers is consistent with Federation's policy (since 1991) in support of teacher registration.
Such a body could give teachers the capacity to determine entry level standards and credentials. These things are currently completely controlled by employers. Experience across the world shows that in a time of teacher shortage employers often downgrade standards and employ inadequately trained teachers.
There are some very important provisos on the Federation's support of any institute. Federation's final position on the current proposal cannot be determined until the role, form and function of the NSW Institute becomes clear. These things are not clear at the moment and are the subject of consultation with the teaching profession.
Federation wants its members to get involved in the consultation being conducted by the interim committee. The union also wants members to be clear of Federation's position.
The governing body of an institute
A prerequisite of Federation endorsement is that a clear majority of members be from public schools and colleges (in proportion to their relative numbers in the education community), duly elected through the Federation.
Role of an institute
Such an institute should be a professional body which has no industrial functions. Its role would be to support and promote the professional growth and development of teachers, building on the foundation of mandatory registration based on the completion of an approved credential. Mandatory application of such registration upon private school teachers equally with those in public schools is another pre-requisite of Federation endorsement. The institute should also have a role in ensuring that educational employers provide an environment that allows teachers to meet any standards proposed.
Functions
- overseeing the accreditation of courses that lead to teaching qualifications
- assessing of overseas qualifications of teachers who wish to teach in NSW
- developing standards and requirements for effective professional development and on-going education for teachers
- any individuals who are appointed/seconded to assess teacher performance for registration must be practising classroom teachers and their appointment/secondment must be for a maximum of three years.
In determining its final position, Federation will also consider the development of accompanying measures that will be put in place by government to resource professional support in public schools and to recognise and reward an enhanced status for teachers.
Professional teaching standards
The requirement to meet a specified entry-level standard should be mandatory. This should involve the completion of an approved teacher education qualification (including appropriate professional experience) plus a minimum period of service and successful completion of an approved induction program.
Teachers must meet this requirement before they can have their names placed on the register of teachers.
Any teaching standards should be developed by the institute in consultation with practising teachers. While registration should be mandatory, accreditation against further standards should be voluntary. Further standards could provide a framework for professional development. Any use of further standards would need to be negotiated between teacher unions and employers.
Interim committee's draft professional teaching standards
The interim committee has already begun the work of developing professional teaching standards. They have used workshops of practising teachers as part of the process.
Currently the University of New England is overseeing a project to seek feedback and validation from practising teachers on these draft standards.
Federation's position is that these standards should not be finalised until and unless an institute of teachers with a properly representative governing body (as outlined above) is created and sufficient consultation has occurred with teachers.
All members can access the draft standards prepared by the interim committee by way of a link on the Federation's website. Members are encouraged to provide feedback to the interim committee.
Endorsement of teacher education courses
Requirements for teacher education courses should be determined with sufficient input from practising teachers. These should include specific requirements in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education; behaviour and classroom management; and professional experience. There should be an assessment process with each course being accredited for a number of years before re-accreditation is required.
Professional development
It must be acknowledged that employers and systems share responsibility for teacher professional development with teachers. This includes the obligation of teacher employers to provide time and release and relief during working hours for teacher professional development.
Induction
It should be mandatory for every beginning teacher to participate in and successfully complete an induction program. Teacher employers should be required to provide an induction program. The program should include a reduced teaching load for the beginning teacher plus a reduced load for an appropriate teacher mentor.
The interim committee is required by the Government to consult widely and provide advice on the following:
- professional standards
- accreditation
- meeting the standards
- endorsement of teacher education courses
- professional development
- induction.
How can you get involved in the consultation?
Federation wants you to get involved. We need to ensure that the voices of as many teachers as possible are heard. You can:
- attend one of the interim committee's forums which are being held in key locations across the state
- respond to the interim committee's consultation papers
- take a look at the interim committee's draft teaching standards on the Federation website (www.nswtf.org.au). Provide your feedback either direct to the interim committee or to Federation.
To contact the interim committee:
Web: http://www.icit.nsw.edu.au
E-mail: responses@icit.nsw.edu.au
Telephone: (02) 9246 6315
Fax: (02) 9246 6313
Mail: Interim Committee for a NSW Institute of Teachers, Level 6, 15-19 Bent Street, Sydney 2000
Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.
For further information
June 2003 contents
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