Institute will proceed

By Jennifer Leete

The NSW Government will proceed with a NSW Institute of Teachers, Education Minister Dr Andrew Refshauge announced on March 23.

Such an Institute will be a "professional body" which will determine standards for entry into the teaching profession, including standards for accreditation of university teacher courses.

This follows consideration by State Cabinet of a report by the Interim Committee of an Institute of Teachers following its consultations with teachers around issues of entry standards, registration, professional development and professional teaching standards. That report has been with the Minister for many months but has only recently been considered by the Cabinet.

Material issued by the Minister to the media states:

"A representative Quality Teaching Council will be the Institute's principal source of advice on all educational and professional issues. The Council will comprise a majority of practising teachers. Schools and school sectors will be represented on the Council on a proportional basis. There will be 21 members on the Council including 10 elected members, 10 appointed members as well as an appointed Chair. All teachers will be placed on an electoral roll and will be eligible to vote for members of the Council."

The Institute will also have a Board. This Board will be responsible for the business and managerial functions of the Institute.

The Board will comprise five members. These members include the Chair of the Quality Teaching Council, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Institute and three others appointed on the basis of their expertise."

From June 2006, current teachers could apply on a voluntary basis for accreditation against the standards for Professional Accomplishment and Professional Leadership. Any further use of the standards would need to be negotiated with Federation.

Federation's policy on an Institute of Teachers focuses on the need for its governing body to comprise a majority of practising teachers. An extensive policy adopted by our 2003 Annual Conference outlines our requirements for such a body. As the Government's announcement occurred shortly before this journal went to print, the critical details are not yet available to enable Federation to make a final decision as to whether the union supports or opposes the proposal. Federation's May Council will need to consider the matter.

Jennifer Leete is the Deputy President.