General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)

This month at GTCS (February 2010)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:19:00 EST

Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during February 2010.

Around the Country

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) Synthesis Seminar
1 & February, Thessaloniki, Greece

Rosa Murray, Professional Office (Chartered Teacher), has been invited to give a presentation on the Standard for Chartered Teacher at the European Centre for Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) synthesis seminar on 1 and 2 February in Thessaloniki.

The seminar will be attended by organisers and participants of study visits during 2008 /9, promoters of initiatives identified as good practice during the visits, experts on the themes and representatives of the national agencies.

We hosted several of these study visits in the GTCS with members of staff and others from the wider educational community leading seminars about Scottish Education and Professional Standards throughout 2008 and 2009.

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops
23, 24 & 25 February

John Anderson, Head of Professional Practice, and Mark Paxton, Investigating Officer, will be delivering Professionalism and Conduct Workshops to various local authorities throughout February.

The workshops are based on the Code of Professionalism and Conduct and the purpose is, through discussion and interaction to give probationer teachers a greater awareness of situations both inside and outside of the classroom setting which could lead to potential difficulty in the area of professional conduct. In addition to this it is an opportunity to provide information on our regulatory role and processes.

The workshops will be taking place in the following local authorities:

23 February - Dumfries & Galloway Council
24 February - Argyll & Bute Council
25 February - Moray Council

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout February:

2 February - Professional Standards Committee and Professional Standards Panels
3 February - Professional Standards Panels
4 February - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
8 February - Appeals Board
9 February - Professional Conduct Committee and Investigating Sub Committee
23 February - Policy and Strategy Committee
24 February - Audit Sub-Group
25 February - Disciplinary Sub Committee

[added 29 January 2010]

'Background Music in the Classroom' scoops prestigious George D Gray Award

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:51:00 EST

A teacher from Edinburgh has won the prestigious George D Gray CBE MA award for the best undergraduate thesis in teacher education in Scotland.

Kirsten Braden, 21, was announced as the winner at a meeting of the General Teaching Council for Scotland in Edinburgh on 20th January 2010.

Miss Braden graduated with a BEd (Hons) First Class from the University of Strathclyde in June 2009. Her thesis entitled 'Background Music in the Classroom' was an investigation into whether or not background music was beneficial to children as they learned. The study found that the impact of background music was different in certain areas of the curriculum and that the advantages were greater in some areas than in others.

Now in its ninth year, the George D Gray CBE MA award is in the care of the GTC Scotland and judged by a panel comprising Anthony Finn, Chief Executive of the GTCS; Professor Ron Elder, Convener of the Award Panel; Dr. Ivor Sutherland, former Registrar of the GTCS; Gillian Mackay, Head Teacher Commercial Primary School, Dunfermline; and Professor Judith George, formerly of the Open University. It seeks to find the most distinguished BEd assignment in Scotland.

Presenting the award to Miss Braden,�our Chief Executive, Anthony Finn said:

"The judges found this thesis to be both interesting and well-presented. It is an insightful dissertation which considers the impact of using music to influence effective learning and the ethos of the classroom. Miss Braden reviewed the research which has been published on this subject in recent years and then carried out her own classroom-based research to consider which types of music had an impact on pupils, and which areas of the curriculum might benefit most from the use of background music.

"The panel was impressed that Miss Braden presented her case with great enthusiasm and commitment, displaying a sound understanding of the background to her study and a clear and perceptive analysis of her findings. She was very honest and realistic about the limitations of her research, recognising that this was one contribution to a complex area of study.

"Kirsten Braden is another deserving winner of the George D Gray award; an award that has highlighted, year after year, the high quality of student teachers and teaching throughout Scotland."

Kirsten Braden is currently undertaking her Probation Induction Year and said:

"I am honoured and delighted to be receiving this award. A 4th year project is a big undertaking and so I was pleased to be able to share my research with a wider audience. In accepting this award I would like to thank all those who helped me with my project. In particular I would like to thank Mr Charles Byrne and Professor George Gettinby for their assistance. I am enjoying my probationary year and continue to think about how to create a positive classroom environment."

The George D Gray CBE MA Award is presented by the GTC for Scotland under the terms of a trust fund which was set up by Dr Ethel Gray, the widow of George D Gray, as a memorial to her husband. Widely regarded as being responsible for securing Government support for setting up the General Teaching Council for Scotland, George Gray was also its first Registrar.

In attendance at the event were Kirsten and her mother, Janet Braden.

Further information

Previous winners include:

2001 - Emma Holding and Alistair Macdonald - both from the University of Strathclyde
2002 - Lorraine Smith, University of Edinburgh
2003 - Andrew Foster - University of Dundee
2004 - Rhona McWalter - University of Dundee
2005 - Jane Harrison - University of Dundee
2006 - Jane Chiverton - University of Dundee
2007 - Karen Crichton - University of Dundee
2008 - Elizabeth Fuller - University of Dundee

Images are available upon request.
For more information or to request images, please contact Martin Osler at Osler Media on 07739 185 522 or martin@oslermedia.com

[added 20 January 2009]

This month at GTCS (January 2010)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:51:00 EST

Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during January 2010.

Around the Country

RITeS Seminar
13 January, Strathclyde University

John Adams, Teacher Registration Manager, will be delivering a presentation�on the use of the National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) at the Refugees into Teaching in Scotland (RITeS) Seminar.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout January:

13 January - Investigating Sub Committee
14 January - Disciplinary Sub Committee
20 January - Council meeting
26 January - Disciplinary Sub Committee
28 January - Disciplinary Sub Committee

[added 19 January 2010]

Teaching regulator chief visits Orkney

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:50:00 EST

Our Chief Executive, Anthony Finn, makes a two day visit to schools and education bodies in Orkney.

Anthony Finn will be welcomed by Depute Head Teacher of Kirkwall Grammar School and Convenor of the GTC Scotland, David Drever. He will also hold meetings at the Orkney Isles education department, Kirkwall Grammar School and Papdale Primary School.

Anthony will meet a wide range of pupils and staff at the schools, including Chartered Teachers and Probationer teachers who are working in the Orkney Isles.

He said:

"This will be my first visit to Orkney and I am looking forward to meeting teachers, pupils and members of the Orcadian community.

"It is important that the GTC Scotland reaches all parts of the country and does not only focus on the central belt. There is much excellent learning and teaching going on in Orkney and I am keen to find out more about the work of the education department here and, in particular, to learn about the work of teachers and pupils in local schools.

"The Convener of the GTC Scotland, David Drever, is an Orkney man and I want to be able to use his expertise to find out about education here. If time allows, I hope also to be able to visit some tourist sites and to savour the local Orkney produce, which I hear is very good."

Mr Drever, who was appointed Convener of the GTC for Scotland in late 2009, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Tony Finn to Orkney. Our teachers are rightly proud of the high quality of education in Orkney schools and they will be pleased to meet with the leader of the General Teaching Council, which is the guardian of our teaching standards in Scotland."

A full itinerary of the trip is available from martin@oslermedia.com

Further information

The Chief Executive of the GTC Scotland will visit Kirkwall Grammar School to meet with pupils and David Drever from 10am to 10.30am on Tuesday January 12. Photographers and reporters are welcome to come along. For further information about this visit or to arrange to take a photograph please call Martin Osler, GTC Scotland press office, on 07739 185 522.

The General Teaching Council for Scotland is the independent professional body which maintains and enhances teaching standards and promotes and regulates the teaching profession in Scotland

[added 8 January 2010]

Employment statistics for newly qualified teachers

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:50:00 EST

The General Teaching Council for Scotland carries out a survey every autumn of teachers who have participated in The Teacher Induction Scheme�(TIS), a probation programme described as 'world-leading' in a recent international survey by the OECD.

The purpose of the survey is to gain information on teachers' experiences of obtaining employment once they have gained The Standard for Full Registration�with the GTC Scotland and become eligible to apply for a permanent teaching post in Scotland.

The full Employment Survey of 2008 - 2009 Probationer Teachers is now available on the Teacher Induction Scheme research�page.

The survey report summarises the responses to the survey questionnaire of 1456 teachers out of a possible 3011.

Key findings

The survey response rate was 48.4%. This compares with October 2008: 44.0%; October 2007: 46.5%; October 2006: 51.8%.�
The number of probationers with full-time permanent employment contracts is 20.2%. This is down from 30.6% in October 2007-2008.
The number of probationers with part-time permanent employment contracts is 3.2%. This is up from 2.8% in October 2007-2008.
The number of probationers with full-time temporary employment contracts is 15.3%. This is down from 16.1% in October 2007-2008.
The number of probationers with part-time temporary employment contracts is 7.6%. This is up from 5.5% in October 2007-2008.
The number of probationers with full-time supply employment contracts is 4.4%. This cannot be compared with last year as the reporting method used has changed to be more precise.
The number of probationers with part-time supply employment contracts is 5.8%. This cannot be compared with last year (see above).
The number of probationers on the local authority supply employment lists is 16%. This cannot be compared with last year (see above).
The number of probationers not in employment is 27.5%. This is up from 21.0% in October 2007-2008.

Anthony Finn, Chief Executive of the General Teaching Council for Scotland said:

"The GTC Scotland carries out this fact finding survey of probationers every year and reports its findings to the Scottish Government.

"As the professional regulatory body for teachers we are concerned that the numbers of new teachers in employment has dropped steadily in recent years. The Teacher Induction Scheme is world renowned and the highly skilled and enthusiastic teachers who graduate from it have much to contribute to the development of our new curriculum.

"We have a new Cabinet Secretary for Education who will no doubt wish to take steps to ensure that new teachers are not lost to the profession. The GTC Scotland is committed to offering him and the local authorities our full support in finding an effective and timely resolution to this problem."

Further information

The General Teaching Council for Scotland carries out the Employment Survey of Probationer Teachers. It is not responsible for interpreting the information gathered or developing policy or otherwise as a result of it.
For further information contact Martin Osler, GTC Scotland media enquiries, on 07739 185 522 or martin@oslermedia.com

[added 11 December 2009]

This Month at GTCS

Webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:49:00 EST

Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during�December 2009.

Around the Country

CPD Seminar
3 December, Langlee Centre, Scottish Borders

A Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Seminar is being run by�the Scottish Borders Council. Rosa Murray, Professional Officer (Chartered Teachers), will be delivering a presentation on the Chartered Teacher programme and the Chartered Teacher review.

University Student Talks
4 December and 7 December

Mairi McAra, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering�talks to�university students.�This talk will include information on The Standard for Full Registration, online profiles and what to expect on their Induction Year.

The talks will take place at the following universities:

4 December - University of Dundee
7 December - University of Aberdeen

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout�December:

2 December - Investigating Sub Committee�and Professional Conduct Committee
3 December - National Assessment Panel
8 December - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
9 December - Appeals Board
10 December - Professional Standards Committee�and panels
11 December - Policy and Strategy Committee
15 December - Disciplinary Sub Committee
16 December - Finance and General Purposes Committee�and Education Committee

[added�26 November�2009]

Revisions to the Teachers' Registration (Scotland) Rules 2007

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:48:00 EST

Amendments have been made to the Teachers' Registration (Scotland) Rules 2007�to reflect the decision made by the Council at its June 2009 meeting to change the terminology in terms of "The Alternative Route" relating to probationer teachers by renaming it "The Flexible Route".

These amendments will come into force on 21 December 2009.

View the revised Teachers' Registration (Scotland) Rules 2007 (pdf)

[added 24 November 2009]

Twelfth Council - Election of Conveners

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:47:00 EST

The first meeting of the Twelfth Council of the General Teaching Council for Scotland was held on Thursday 19 November 2009. At that meeting the following conveners were elected (quote from GTC Scotland Chief Executive, Anthony Finn at bottom of page):

Convenership�	Elected�	Category�
� Convener of Council -and consequently Convener of the Policy and Strategy Committee�	David Drever�	Elected member - Secondary Teachers� (Deputy Headteacher)
Vice Convener of Council�	Frieda E Fraser�	Elected member - Primary/Nursery Headteachers� (Primary Headteacher)
Education Committee�	Myra A Pearson�	Appointed member - Relevant Institutions� (Head of Education, Aberdeen University)
Exceptional Admissions to the Register Committee�	Andrew R McNeil�	Elected member - Primary/Nursery Teachers� (Primary Teacher)
Finance and General Purposes Committee�	Donald Mackay�	Appointed member - Association of Directors of Education in Scotland (Director of Education, Midlothian)
Professional Conduct Committee�	Linda Fisher-Dougan�	Elected member - Primary/Nursery Teachers� (Primary Teacher)
Investigating Sub-Committee�	Ephraim Borowski�	Scottish Ministerial nominee
Disciplinary Sub-Committee�	Carole L Ford�	Elected member - Secondary Headteachers� (Secondary Headteacher)
Professional Standards Committee�	Aileen C Barrie�	Elected member - Secondary Teachers� (Principal Teacher (Geography))
Appeals Board�	Graeme Hyslop�	Appointed member -�Further Education Colleges� (FE College Principal)

GTC Scotland Chief Executive Anthony Finn said:

"I am pleased to see the General Teaching Council for Scotland electing Conveners who represent such a wide spectrum of experience and responsibility in Scottish education.

"These different backgrounds and perspectives will ensure that the Council benefits from strong advice, and can draw upon the right skills, as we move towards independent status.

"This is a new and exciting chapter in the development of the GTC Scotland. The fact that this organisation reflects all areas of Scottish education will help to ensure that we continue to carry out our role as a professional regulatory body as efficiently and effectively as possible."

[added 19 November 2009]

This Month at GTCS (November 2009)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:47:00 EST

Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during�November 2009.

Around the Country

University Student Talks
2 November and 17 November

Mairi McAra, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering�talks to� students at the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow. This talk will include information on The Standard for Full Registration, online profiles and what to expect on their Induction Year.

Supporters Training
12 November and 16 November

Mairi McAra, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering training to teachers who will be supporting probationary teachers this year in the following local authorities:

12 November - Dumfries and Galloway
16 November - East Lothian

UCET Annual Conference - New and Continuing Perspectives in Teacher Education
9-10 November, Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley, Leicestershire

Tom will be running a session on the Chartered Teacher Programme in Scotland on the Tuesday morning.

Probationer Seminar
11 November, Western Isles Council

Mairi McAra will also be visiting Western Isles Council to deliver a talk about the Teacher Induction Scheme, the GTC Scotland website and Professional Recognition.

ATL Scotland Annual Lecture
11 November, Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh

Professor Walter Humes, University of the West of Scotland, will give this year's lecture entitled 'Beyond Education for Conformity'.

Practitioner Research Seminar
17 November, St George's School, Edinburgh

Rosa Murray, Professional Officer (Chartered Teachers), will be attending the Practitioner Research Seminar. This seminar is entitled "Learning Rounds: Creating Capacity to Lead Learning" and is being presented by Margaret Alcorn from the National CPD Team.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout�November:

1 November - Education Committee
10 November - Appeals Board�and Disciplinary Sub Committee
13 November - Equality and Diversity Group
17 November - Disciplinary Sub Committee
19 November - Council
21 November - Disciplinary Sub Committee
30 November - Professional Standards Committee�and Appeals Board�Induction/Training

[added�2 November�2009]

GTC Scotland scoops prestigious PRide award

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:47:00 EST

The General Teaching Council for Scotland won a prestigious Chartered Institute of Public Relations PRide award for Best Website or Microsite on Friday night.

The Council beat off competition from a host of PR agencies and other public bodies including RR Donnelly and NHS Lothian, to scoop the accolade. The GTC Scotland won the category for its work on www.probationerteacherscotland.org.uk

Speaking at the glitzy annual awards held at the Radisson SAS Hotel in Glasgow, GTC Scotland Head of Web Services Angela Hamilton said:

"We are delighted to win our first PR award. To have beaten so many talented organisations to win Best Website is a great achievement.

"As the professional regulatory body for teachers in Scotland, we work hard to maintain and enhance the professional standards of Scotland's teachers and to support new teachers.Consequently, we need to find effective ways of communicating with them through our websites.

"Probationerteacherscotland.org.uk supports and guides probationer teachers through their induction year, providing useful information, hints and tips, video blogs and much more. Probationer teachers are the lifeblood of the profession, they bring new ideas, skills and energy and we work hard to support them in their transition to becoming fully-registered teachers.

"This is all part of our strategy of using new media to communicate more effectively with teachers to make sure they are fully informed and to encourage their participation in wider CPD opportunities."

For more information please contact:

Martin Osler, GTC Scotland press office on 07739 185 522 or martin@oslermedia.com

GTC Scotland code receives international praise

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:45:00 EST

The GTC Scotland Code of Professionalism and Conduct is given central billing in a new set of international guidelines for teachers.

The International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) has published the guidelines for the design and effective use of teacher codes of conduct within the framework of World Teachers' Day. Co-funded by UNESCO, the guidelines also provide resources and tools to assist other countries, either through regulatory bodies or government, to increase teacher professionalism.

The guide can be viewed here:

http://teachercodes.iiep.unesco.org/teachercodes/guidelines/Guidelines.pdf

The guidelines strongly commend the GTC Scotland Code, advising other bodies that the Code's "structure and its content can be a source of inspiration or reflection when developing your own country's code."Also included are codes from, India, South Africa, Florida (USA), New Zealand, Victoria (Australia) and New Brunswick (Canada).

Commenting on the inclusion of the code in this important document, GTC Scotland Head of Professional Practice, John Anderson said:

"For the GTC Scotland Code of Professionalism and Conduct to be recognised and featured in this way is significant. It demonstrates the international standing of the GTC Scotland and the respect other regulators around the world have for its work.

"Moreover it is hugely important that, through the Code, the GTC Scotland has the potential to influence the lives of teachers and young people beyond Scotland in a positive and constructive way."

The GTC Scotland Code, introduced in August 2008, sets out the standards of conduct and competence expected of registered teachers and is available at www.gtcs.org.uk/copac

For further information contact Martin Osler, GTC Scotland Press Office, on 07739 185 522.

[added 22 October 2009]

This Month at GTCS (September)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:45:00 EST

This Month at GTCS

Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during�September 2009.

Around the Country

GTCS Attendance at Fresher Week Events

The GTCS are attending events at all of the universities over the coming weeks. Our attendance at these events allows students to ask questions of the Registration Team and allows us to get the message out to students regarding the importance of registration.

The Registration Team will be visiting universities on the following dates:

15 September - University of Edinburgh
16 September - University of Glasgow
21 September - University of Glasgow
24 September - University of Aberdeen

Meeting of the 5 Nations Chief Executives
10 & 11 September, The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland Offices

Tony Finn, Chief Executive, will be attending a meeting�of the Chief Executives of�England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland to discuss a range of issues on the current agenda.

Professional Recognition Awards Ceremony
15 September, Scottish Parliament

GTC Scotland will be hosting an awards ceremony for teachers achieving Professional Recognition for sustainable development.

Scottish Learning Festival
23 & 24 September, SECC and Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow

This year's conference theme is Curriculum for Excellence: Making the Change. The SLF is the ideal place to find out more about Curriculum for Excellence, the experiences and outcomes and how the change towards Curriculum for Excellence is being made across Scotland.

Tony Finn, Chief Executive, and Tom Hamilton, Director of Educational Policy, will be delivering keynote addresses at this event.

The European Conference on Educational Research
28-30 September, Vienna, Austria

Rosa Murray, Professional Officer (Chartered Teachers), will be attending the European Conference on Educational Research in Vienna.

The theme of the conference is 'Theory and Evidence in European Educational Research'.��This will provide an orientation for the keynote addresses and for invited symposia and panels.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout�September:

Scottish Teacher Education Committee (STEC)
18 September

A meeting will take place between the Deans of the Universities and Schools of Education and GTC Scotland colleagues.

1 September - Education Committee�and Finance and General Purposes Committee
7 September - Disciplinary Sub Committee
9 September - Professional Standards Committee�panel hearings
10 September - National Assessment Panel
15 September - Professional Standards Committee�panel hearings
17 September - Disciplinary Sub Committee
28 September - Disciplinary Sub Committee
30 September - Council�meeting

[added�27�August�2009]

Teaching Scotland Online relaunched

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:44:00 EST

Teaching Scotland online has relaunched with more content, more functionality and more reasons to visit than ever before. The new site gives you the opportunity to comment on features, take part in online polls and view exclusive content that is only available online.

Lee Polson, of GTC Scotland's web services team, was instrumental in the design and build of the site. She said: "Teaching Scotland online complements the magazine by taking advantage of some of the interactivity the internet allows. It's been an exciting project to work on and I hope readers enjoy the new site."

Editor Daniel Lambie said: "We were keen to develop the site to be more than just a replica of the magazine. We are hoping both will now feed off each other, and the feedback and comments we receive from our readers online will help us to decide appropriate future content."

Get involved

Look out for your chance to ask questions, make comments or vote in our special online polls.

We've teamed up with Leckie & Leckie, Scotland's leading educational publisher, to offer everyone who leaves a question or comment on our new site the chance to win �100 worth of books.

Visit�www.teachingscotland.org.uk now to take part.

This Month at GTCS - July and August 2009

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:44:00 EST

This Month at GTCS

Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during�July and August 2009.

Around the Country

Global Citizenship Annual Conference
9 July 2009, London South Bank University

Tom Hamilton, Director of Educational Policy and Rosa Murray, Professional Officer (Chartered Teachers) will be representing GTC Scotland at the Global Citizenship Annual Conference on the 9 July 2009. The theme of this conference is developing a critical perspective on education for sustainable development/global citizenship within initial teacher education.

Tom Hamilton will be taking part in the plenary session�and will discuss what GTC Scotland would be looking for as evidence of critical thinking in relation to education for sustainable development/global citizenship in beginner teachers.

Probationer Teacher Award Ceremony
12 August, Physicians Hall, Edinburgh

GTC Scotland are holding an awards ceremony for those�probationers�on the�2008/2009 Teacher Induction Scheme who have successfully achieved full registration.� This event will be attended by probationers from all across Scotland, and Keith Brown, Minister for Schools and Skills, will be delivering�a keynote speech.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout July and August:

18 August - Disciplinary Sub Committee
20 August - Audit Sub-Group
25 August - Professional Conduct Committee�and Investigating Sub Committee
26 August - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
27 August - Professional Standards Committee�and Professional Standards (probation) panels
28 August - Professional Standards (probation) panels

[added 30 June 2009]

Swine flu - further information

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:44:00 EST

Swine flu - further information

If you are seeking further information about how Swine Flu could potentially impact on your role as a teacher (or student teacher), please contact your local authority (or university)�in the first instance.

We will issue further advice and guidance should it become necessary.

[added�29 June�2009]

Congratulations - award for first teachers registered to teach Mandarin

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:44:00 EST

Congratulations - award for first teachers registered to teach Mandarin

The first probationer teachers expected to achieve full registration in Chinese Mandarin were celebrated at an event hosted by the General Teaching Council for Scotland today.

China has the third largest economy in the world and Scotland's pupils are being encouraged to learn Chinese Mandarin so they can compete in the rapidly changing business world. The language is one of the top three spoken around the globe and the teaching of it in schools is becoming increasingly popular.

The six probationer teachers who are expected to achieve full registration in July, accepted achievement certificates from Chinese Consul General, Madam Tan and Chief Executive of the General Teaching Council for Scotland, Tony Finn. They are now qualified to teach Chinese Mandarin.

Tony Finn said:

"Chinese Mandarin is not a language of the future, it is a language of today. Economists predict that China and India will soon outstrip the traditionally largest economies in the world; the USA, Germany, Japan etc.

"If Scottish businesses are to compete in an increasingly competitive world economy they will need a skilled workforce to do so. Learning Chinese Mandarin will give our young people a distinct advantage when working with people and businesses from and in China.

"These six teachers are breaking new and exciting ground and will be the vehicle for our young people to access some of the exciting business opportunities that exist right here, right now. We are delighted that these are the first probationer teachers expected to achieve full registration and celebrate their success here today."

Madam Tan, the Chinese Consul General added:

"We truly believe this is an important milestone of the Chinese language teaching in Scotland, as it is equipping future generations in Scotland with an international outlook and the knowledge needed to compete in the 21^st century."

Confucius classrooms were first introduced in Scotland in 2007 to allow different cultures and languages, but particularly that of China, to be welcomed and embraced by children. There are currently eight Confucius classroom hubs in Scotland and it is hoped that this number will grow. The hubs are used by the schools in which they are based, as well as by neighbouring schools and the wider community, to introduce the Chinese culture, teaching not only Mandarin, but also calligraphy, dance, music and tea ceremony.

All newly qualified teachers in Scotland are required to complete a period of probation in order to show they meet the Standard for Full Registration. The Standard is designed to ensure that all new teachers are able to take on the demands and responsibilities of becoming a teacher.

Further information

The General Teaching Council for Scotland was established in 1965 under the Teaching Council Scotland Act

The General Teaching Council for Scotland is the independent regulatory body for the teaching profession in Scotland. It aims to sustain and improve teaching standards in Scotland and to promote the teaching profession.

For further media information please contact Kelly Paterson on 0131 718 4085 / 0788 215 2914 or at kelly.paterson@kindredagency.com

[added 19 June 2009]

National School Magazine awards

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:44:00 EST

National School Magazine awards

Head of Communications for GTC Scotland, Glenise Borthwick, presented Coatbridge High School with their award for 'best editorial content' at the National School Magazine awards on Friday 11 June.

Teaching Scotland sponsor the 'best editorial content' section of the competition, which is run by the Periodical Publishers Association.

As part of our sponsorship, editor of Teaching Scotland Daniel Lambie will be supporting the category winner.

View the photos from the National School Magazine awards

[added 17 June 2009]

This Month at GTCS (June 2009)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:43:00 EST

Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during�June 2009.

Around the Country

Student finishing talks and probation induction talks

Mairi McAra, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering finishing talks to students and induction day talks to probationers throughout June. This will involve informing new teachers of what to expect on the Teacher induction Scheme and�what they have to do to meet The Standard for Full Registration.

The following finishing talks will take place during June 2009:

1 June: University of West of Scotland PGDE(P) (11.00am-12.00pm)
4 June: Edinburgh University PGDE(S)/BEd/Physical Ed/CDT� (10.00am-12.00pm)
8 June: Strathclyde University (11.45am-12.45pm)
9 June: Edinburgh University PGDE(P) (10.00-11.00am)

The following induction talks will take place during June 2009:

15 June: Induction Day - South Ayrshire Council
17 June: Glasgow City Council Induction Day

Research presentation to PGDE students
4 June, University West of Scotland

Ian Matheson, Educational Planning and Research Officer, will be giving a presentation on the part played by research in the life of a teacher. It is intended to encourage newly qualified teachers to use research both to develop their skills as teachers and to take part in� practitioner research work such as our own teacher researcher programme.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout June:

3 June: Council Meeting
10 June: Investigating Sub Committee
11 June: Chartered Teacher National Assessment Panel
16 June: Disciplinary Sub Committee
17 June: Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
22-26 June: Professional Standards Committee�(probation panel)

This Month at GTCS (May 2009)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:43:00 EST

This Month at GTCS

�Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during�May 2009.

Around the Country

Professionalism and Conduct Workshop
6 May, East Dunbartonshire Council

John Anderson, Head of Professional Practice Department, and Mark Paxton, Investigating Officer,will be delivering a 'Professionalism and Conduct Workshop' to probationer teachers in Inverclyde Council on 24 April.

The workshop is an amended version of the 'Professionalism in Practice' presentations which were delivered to probationers in previous years. The workshops will be based on the Code of Professionalism and Conduct�and will explain to new teachers the standard of conduct and professionalism expected of registered teachers as well as getting teachers to think about ways of avoiding situations both inside and outside the classroom which could potentially lead to difficulty in terms of professionalism.

For more information, please email mark.paxton@gtcs.org.uk.

Student Finishing Talks

Mairi McAra, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering finishing talks to students throughout May. This will involve informing students of what to expect on the Teacher induction Scheme and�what they have to do to meet The Standard for Full Registration.

The following finishing talks will take place during May 2009:

15 May - University of Dundee
19 May - University of the West of Scotland

National Education Conference
28 May, Stirling Management Centre

The General Teaching Council for Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government, is holding a national education conference to discuss with delegates the issue of professional culture in the teaching profession.

This conference brings together every university in Scotland along with national education partners and all General Teaching Council from across the UK.

Sixteen different workshops will explore research from across Scotland which will enhance current thinking of where the teaching profession is in 2009 and where it is likely to go.

For more information visit the National Education Conference�area of our website.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout May:

6 May - Professional Standards Committee�and Professional Standards Committee�panels
7 May - Professional Standards Committee�panels
9 May - Disciplinary Sub Committee
12 May - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
13 May - Education Committee�and Finance and General Purposes Committee
14 May - Disciplinary Sub Committee
26 May - Appeals Board

[added 30�April�2009]

Improvements to the Online Profile system

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:43:00 EST

In response to the feedback we received from users of the Online Profile system, we have made some improvements to the system.

Observed Teaching Sessions

We've added a "Back" link to the top of the Observed Teaching Sessions page so you can now to go directly back to the Online Profile page.

Key strengths and areas for development

Each field on the Key strengths page is now mandatory and has to be completed before the headteacher can sign the profile off.

We've made the Key strengths fields bigger so that more text can be seen on screen without having to scroll down the page.

We've added a "save and continue option" to the Key strengths page so you can save your work periodically before the system times out.

CPD Record

We've changed the CPD Record so that you only need to add a brief evaluation and impact of your CPD experience, rather than extensive detail. You only need to give a snapshot of the CPD you have completed; detailed information on CPD experiences should be saved in a CPD portfolio instead.

Spellchecker

We've added an "ignore all" option to the spellchecker, so you can choose to ignore all instances of words that are not in the dictionary.

Headteacher notes

Headteachers can now add notes to all Online Profiles, regardless of the type of recommendation made.

Printing

We have improved the page layout so that the profile can now be printed out if required.

Time-out limit

We have increased the time-out limit to 80 minutes, which should be enough time to complete sections before the system logs you out. We still recommend that you save your profile regularly to avoid losing any unsaved information.

Future changes

One of the most significant changes for the Online Profiles next year will be that the recommendation process (affectionately known as the ping pong game) at the end of each profile will be simplified.

We will update you of any other changes as they occur. If you have any questions about these changes or any aspect of completing the Online Profile or of the probation process then please contact the Professional Learning and Development Department.

�

Scottish Government issues consultation on the future status of GTCS

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:43:00 EST

Scottish Government Consultation

This Scottish Government�consultation invites comments on the future status of the General Teaching Council for Scotland. Currently, the GTCS is classed as an advisory Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB). This means that while it is not a Government Department, it is still part of the structure of Government in Scotland and is sponsored by Schools Directorate.

In January 2008, the First Minister announced that the GTCS would be established as a "self-regulating, profession-led body, along the lines of the General Medical Council". The move away from being an advisory NDPB to a fully independent body provides an opportunity to consider the responsibilities of the GTCS and the way in which these responsibilities are delivered. This consultation invites comments on the future role of the GTCS and how the organisation should be governed.

Responding to this consultation paper

The Scottish Government is inviting written responses to this consultation by 26 June 2009.

The Scottish Government are�keen to hear your views on the consultation and have included space throughout these pages for you provide comment.�You can also complete the�online response form on Chapter 4: Responding to the consultation.

Alternatively respondents may print the consultation, remove chapter 4 from the paper itself and send it to:

David Roy
Teachers Division
Scottish Government
2C South
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

If you have any queries contact David Roy on 0131 2444925.

The Scottish Government�would be grateful if you would use the consultation response form provided as this will aid our analysis of the responses received. However the use of the response form is optional and responses on any relevant issue in any format are welcome.

Handling your response

The Scottish Government�need to know how you wish your response to be handled and, in particular, whether you are happy for your response to be made public. Please complete and return the �as this will ensure that we treat your response appropriately. If you ask for your response not to be published we will regard it as confidential, and we will treat it accordingly.

All respondents should be aware that the Scottish Government are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 and would therefore have to consider any request made to it under the Act for information relating to responses made to this consultation exercise.

Next steps in the process

Where respondents have given permission for their response to be made public (see the attached Respondent Information Form), these will be made available to the public in the Scottish Government Library and on the Scottish Government consultation web pages by August 2009. We will check all responses where agreement to publish has been given for any potentially defamatory material before logging them in the library or placing them on the website. You can make arrangements to view responses by contacting the SG Library on 0131 244 4552. Responses can be copied and sent to you, but a charge may be made for this service.

What happens next?

Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed and considered along with any other available evidence to help the Scottish Ministers take decisions regarding the future status of the GTCS. We are aiming to issue a report on this consultation later in the year. Stakeholders may wish to note that the Public Service Reform Bill, which is needed to allow the Scottish Government to take forward changes to the Council, is due to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament in spring 2009.

Comments and complaints

If you have any comments about how this consultation exercise has been conducted, please send them to:

David Roy
Teachers Division
Scottish Government
2C South
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh
EH6 6QQ

Thank you for taking time to participate in this consultation.

Michel Kellet
Deputy Director
Teachers Division

This Month at GTCS (April 2009)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:42:00 EST

This Month at GTCS

�Welcome to our overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during�April 2008.

Around the Country

GTC 5 Nation Meeting
2 & 3 April, Teaching Council Ireland, Maynooth

Tony Finn, Chief Executive/Registrar, will be attending the meeting of the CEO and Chairs of the GTC 5 Nations.

Professionalism and Conduct Workshop
24 April, Inverclyde Council

The workshop is an amended version of the 'Professionalism in Practice' presentations which were delivered to probationers in previous years. The workshops will be based on the�Code of Professionalism and Conduct and will explain to new teachers the standard of conduct and professionalism expected of registered teachers as well as getting teachers to think about ways of avoiding situations both inside and outside the classroom which could potentially lead to difficulty in terms of professionalism.

For more information, please email mark.paxton@gtcs.org.uk

STEC Conference
27 April, West Park Conference Centre, Dundee

Tom Hamilton, Director of Educational Policy, will be delivering a seminar at the STEC Conference this year entitled "What can Teacher Education do to encourage inclusion".

At the GTCS

22 April - Disciplinary Sub Committee
23 April - Professional Standards Committee�panels
28 April - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
29 April - Disciplinary Sub Committee
30 April - Investigating Sub Committee�and Professional Conduct Committee

[added 31 March 2009]

GTC Scotland gives notice of Council Election

webervices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:41:00 EST

Election 2009

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with the Scheme for the Election of Registered Teachers (pdf)�to the Council an election of twenty-six (26) members of the General Teaching Council for Scotland to represent the teachers who are on the register of the Council is about to be held.

Elected teachers will be entitled to serve from 1 November 2009 for a period of four years or less as may be determined by the Scottish Government's plans to grant GTC Scotland independent status.

Each teacher to be elected will be:

a fully registered or provisionally registered teacher on 31 May 2009
in post on a whole-time basis, or if on a part-time basis have been employed for not less than one fifth of full-time in the period of twelve months prior to the qualifying date of 31 May 2009, in a Scottish school/educational establishment, in one or other of the categories set out in the table below which corresponds with the election category appearing against the candidate's name on the register on 31 May 2009.

Table of election categories

The table below shows for each election category the numbers and categories of employment of the teachers to be elected, and the qualifications of persons entitled to nominate and to vote in the election.

No. of Election category�	No. of Council�members to be elected�	Categories of employment�	Qualifications of persons entitled to�nominate candidates and to vote�
I	4	Headteachers in Primary or Nursery Schools�	Registered Teachers employed as Headteachers in Primary Schools or Nursery Schools�
II	7	Teachers in Primary or Nursery Schools other than Headteachers�	Registered Teachers employed in Primary Schools or Nursery Schools other than Headteachers
III	3	Headteachers in Secondary Schools�	Registered Teachers employed as Headteachers in Secondary Schools
�IV	8	Teachers in Secondary Schools other than Headteachers�	Registered Teachers employed in Secondary Schools other than Headteachers
V	1	Teachers of pre-school children elsewhere than in a Primary School or Nursery School	Registered Teachers employed as Teachers of pre-school children other than in a Primary School or Nursery School (ie private and voluntary sector)�
VI	2	Teachers in Further Education�Centres	Registered Teacher employed in Further Education Centres
VII	1	Teachers in a Relevant Institution	Registered Teachers employed�in a relevant institution (ie Higher Education Institution�providing courses for the education and training of teachers)�

Qualifications of Electors

An elector must be a teacher whose name is on the register on 20 August in an election year.
Only electors who are themselves headteachers are entitled to vote in respect of headteacher categories.
An elector is eligible to vote only in the election category entered against the elector's name in the register at the qualifying date of 20 August.
A teacher who, on the qualifying date of 20 August is not employed in any category of employment may, notwithstanding, vote in one of those categories if the teacher has been employed at any time in that category or if the teacher holds a qualification which would enable the teacher to be employed in that category.
There is no election category for special education; teachers are allocated to the election category to which their teaching qualification relates or to the category of school (primary or secondary) in which employed.

Nomination Papers

Nomination papers and copies of the Scheme governing the election may be obtained on application to:

Irene Hunter
Returning Officer
General Teaching Council for Scotland
Clerwood House
96 Clermiston Road
Edinburgh
EH12 6UT

or can be downloaded from the Council's website at www.gtcs.org.uk/election�from 20 April 2009.

Completed hard copy nomination papers and election statements must be sent to the Returning Officer at the above address to arrive not later than noon on 31 May 2009.

Independent Scrutineer

The Independent Scrutineer appointed by the Council is:

Electoral Reform Services
The Election Centre
33 Clarendon Road
London
N8 0NW

Electors can vote either by post or online. The Independent Scrutineer is responsible for arranging the printing and distribution of the ballot material, setting up and managing a secure Internet voting service, and counting the ballot papers returned by post and votes submitted online in accordance with the Scheme.

Ballot material will be distributed by 1 September 2009; completed ballot papers and online votes must be received by the Independent Scrutineer by 12 noon on 25 September 2009. The result of the election shall be announced on 1 October 2009.

Teaching Scotland Online: Issue 29, April 2009, is now available!

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:41:00 EST

Welcome to the latest issue of GTC Scotland's Teaching Scotland Online newsletter.

This issue of the magazine contains new articles on a variety of topics affecting Scottish teachers today, including:

Features

Make your mark in the 2009 Election: is this the year for you to help shape your profession? Council members discuss their experience, observations and understanding of the Council to help you decide if you should stand for election.
A global perspective: the Scottish Government is looking at how other countries approach education, to learn from their successes and to make sure Scotland's education system allows students to participate and succeed in an increasingly global economy.
Revitalise your career with Chartered Teacher studies: studying for Chartered Teacher status could be the catalyst for renewed vigour and a reminder of why you became a teacher in the first place: your love of learning.

Comment

The big issue: Duncan Toms, PT History at Bearsden Academy, and Stuart Mchardy, Storyteller, discuss the role of history in the modern curriculum.
Margaret Alcorn National, CPD Coordinator, discusses how CPD can make an impact.
Constable Andy Ward shares his perspective on how the police's school visits fit in with the curriculum and help create engaging lessons.

News

Latest news from GTC Scotland

To view the full issue visit www.teachingscotland.org.uk where you can also download the magazine in PDF format.

Arrangements for GTCS Election 2009

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:41:00 EST

In the months running up to the election we will keep you posted on key dates and activities through these pages and also through our magazine Teaching Scotland.

An election of twenty-six registered�teachers�to be members of the Council will take place later this year.

The formal "Notice of Election" will be published in the next issue of Teaching Scotland�and also during the week commencing 20 April 2009 in newspapers circulating in Scotland.

The Notice will give full details of the qualifications required of candidates and electors and�we extend an�invitation to you to consider standing for election.

Standing for election

Successful candidates will be entitled to serve until the end of the term of office of the Twelfth Council. This may be for a period of four years or less as may be determined by the Scottish Government's proposal to grant GTC Scotland independent status.

Verifying your election/voting�category

We invite you to check that your "category of employment" (ie election/voting category) which appears on the current register is correct. Your election/voting�category is included on the address sheet�sent with�the January issue of Teaching Scotland.

Table of election categories

PHT�	category I�	Headteachers in Primary or Nursery Schools�
P�	category II�	Teachers in Primary or Nursery Schools other than Headteachers�
SHT�	category III�	Headteachers in Secondary Schools�
S�	category IV�	Teachers in Secondary Schools other than Headteachers�
TNS�	category V�	Teachers of pre-school children elsewhere than in a Primary School or Nursery School (ie private and voluntary sector)�
F�	category VI�	Teachers employed in Further Education�Centres
T�	category VII�	Teachers employed in a Relevant Institution (ie Higher Education Institution providing courses for the education and training of teachers)

Please note:

to be in Category I or Category III you must be currently employed as a Headteacher in a Primary or Nursery School or in a Secondary School
otherwise teachers are allocated to the election/voting category to which their teaching qualification relates or to the category of school (primary or secondary) in which employed
teachers not currently in employment may be allocated to the election/voting category to which their teaching qualification relates or to the category of school (primary or secondary) in which they have previously been employed
there is no election/voting category for special education

It is essential to ensure that:

you are in the correct election/voting�category in order to vote or stand for election in the appropriate category
your register entry contact details are kept up-to-date for the election so that the Council can contact you and send you mailings to enable you to vote or stand for election

If your election/voting category or contact details are different to those printed on the�address sheet sent with Teaching Scotland you can update them by sending an email headed "Election/Voting Category" to registration@gtcs.org.uk.

GTC Scotland announces new Council elections

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:41:00 EST

The General Teaching Council for Scotland has announced the start of the formal process which will lead to the election of new members for the Twelfth Council.

The election will take place in September and will be open to all registered teachers in Scotland. The Council, which is formed every four years, requires 26 registered teachers to become members of the 50-strong assembly. Charged with a responsibility to represent the profession, the wider educational community and the public and to consider important educational issues affecting teachers and teaching, members of the Council fall into one of three categories:

elected registered teachers (26 members)
appointed members representing Local Authorities, directors of education, directors of social work, further and higher education institutions, the churches and the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (18 members)
members nominated by Scottish Ministers representing parents, commerce and industry, those teaching children with special educational needs and the public interest (10 members).

"The General Teaching Council plays a highly significant role in the promotion of teacher professionalism" believes Anthony Finn, Chief Executive of the GTC Scotland. "It draws members not just from the teaching profession but also from employers, faculties of education and a range of other important bodies with a keen interest in ensuring that Scotland continues to promote high standards in its schools.

"The current Council has had a massive impact on the profession over its four year term. As well as contributing significantly to the development of educational policy, and to continuing its important role as a regulator and promoter of teaching standards, it has seen significant progress in Professional Recognition, in Flexible Routes to Headship and in the consolidation of the Teacher Induction Scheme; and it is currently working on programmes for leadership in our schools. The next Council will build on this foundation and will also be charged with working out how GTCS can assume independence in future. As a past Council member myself, I actively encourage teachers to consider standing for nomination in order to maintain this vital role."

Each elected member is committed to serving on up to two committees, such as the Education Committee or the Professional Conduct Committee. It is in these committees that members can help shape how we train, give guidance to and regulate teachers in Scotland.

Council Convener May Ferries adds:

"The current Council has been made up of members from a wide variety of backgrounds. Working together we have made good progress in supporting and maintaining standards for the teaching profession in Scotland. Becoming a member on the Council does require the sacrifice of personal and professional time but the payback is immeasurable both to the individual and their CPD. I hope that Scotland's teachers consider nominating themselves for this worthwhile cause and that the next group of elected teachers uses its passion for education to continue to drive forward the good work of the Council in ensuring that the GTC Scotland is a modern, strong and fair professional body."

Before the closing date for nomination papers of 31 May, teachers are being asked to check that their voting category (category of employment) is registered correctly. Teachers are allocated to the election/voting category to which their teaching qualification relates or to the category of school (primary or secondary) in which they are employed. Those teachers registered, but not currently in employment, may be allocated to the category to which their teaching qualification relates or to the category of school in which they have previously been employed.

This process is essential, as a teacher can only stand for election or vote in the election in the appropriate category. For example, a teacher registered under the 'Headteachers in Primary or Nursery Schools' category, can only stand or vote for a teacher in that same category.

Further information

GTC Scotland has a dedicated election 2009 area for the campaign with more information
GTC Scotland's member magazine, Teaching Scotland, will be covering the election until the new Council takes office in November
Interactive content such as vox-pops of current Council members and extensive coverage of the 2009 Election will be added to the magazine's electronic home - www.teachingscotland.org.uk
Media collateral will be developed during the campaign and is likely to include:
- Features on the Council and its work
- Opinion pieces from various sources, including GTC Scotland Chief Executive Tony Finn
- Case studies of current Members in which they describe their experience
- Podcasts of interviews with current members
- Interactive polls
- Twitter updates from the GTC Scotland account - www.twitter.com/gtcs

This Month at GTCS (March)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:40:00 EST

An overview of some of the GTC Scotland activities and initiatives taking place during March 2008.

Induction Managers' Seminar
26 March, Clerwood House

Mairi Mcara, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering an Induction Managers Seminar at Clerwood House on 26 March. This seminar will give local authority induction managers from throughout Scotland the chance to interact with their colleagues and to�discuss a range of issues.

This�seminar will focus on:

Online Profiles - discussion following the completion of interim profiles
Discussion around the evaluations on the online profiles
Sharing good practice amongst local authority induction managers, both for induction day arrangements and for the local authority CPD programme for probationers

General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)

This month at GTCS (February 2010)

Around the Country

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) Synthesis Seminar1 & February, Thessaloniki, Greece

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops23, 24 & 25 February

At the GTCS

'Background Music in the Classroom' scoops prestigious George D Gray Award

Further information

This month at GTCS (January 2010)

Around the Country

RITeS Seminar 13 January, Strathclyde University

At the GTCS

Teaching regulator chief visits Orkney

Further information

Employment statistics for newly qualified teachers

Key findings

Further information

This Month at GTCS

Around the Country

CPD Seminar3 December, Langlee Centre, Scottish Borders

University Student Talks4 December and 7 December

At the GTCS

Revisions to the Teachers' Registration (Scotland) Rules 2007

Twelfth Council - Election of Conveners

This Month at GTCS (November 2009)

Around the Country

University Student Talks2 November and 17 November

Supporters Training12 November and 16 November

UCET Annual Conference - New and Continuing Perspectives in Teacher Education9-10 November, Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley, Leicestershire

Probationer Seminar11 November, Western Isles Council

ATL Scotland Annual Lecture11 November, Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh

Practitioner Research Seminar 17 November, St George's School, Edinburgh

At the GTCS

GTC Scotland scoops prestigious PRide award

GTC Scotland code receives international praise

This Month at GTCS (September)

This Month at GTCS

Around the Country

GTCS Attendance at Fresher Week Events

Meeting of the 5 Nations Chief Executives10 & 11 September, The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland Offices

Professional Recognition Awards Ceremony15 September, Scottish Parliament

Scottish Learning Festival23 & 24 September, SECC and Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow

The European Conference on Educational Research28-30 September, Vienna, Austria

At the GTCS

Scottish Teacher Education Committee (STEC)18 September

Teaching Scotland Online relaunched

Get involved

This Month at GTCS - July and August 2009

This Month at GTCS

Around the Country

Global Citizenship Annual Conference9 July 2009, London South Bank University

Probationer Teacher Award Ceremony12 August, Physicians Hall, Edinburgh

At the GTCS

Swine flu - further information

Swine flu - further information

Congratulations - award for first teachers registered to teach Mandarin

Congratulations - award for first teachers registered to teach Mandarin

Further information

National School Magazine awards

National School Magazine awards

This Month at GTCS (June 2009)

Around the Country

Student finishing talks and probation induction talks

Research presentation to PGDE students 4 June, University West of Scotland

At the GTCS

This Month at GTCS (May 2009)

This Month at GTCS

Around the Country

Professionalism and Conduct Workshop6 May, East Dunbartonshire Council

Student Finishing Talks

National Education Conference28 May, Stirling Management Centre

At the GTCS

Improvements to the Online Profile system

Observed Teaching Sessions

Key strengths and areas for development

CPD Record

Spellchecker

Headteacher notes

Printing

Time-out limit

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) Synthesis Seminar
1 & February, Thessaloniki, Greece

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops
23, 24 & 25 February

RITeS Seminar
13 January, Strathclyde University

CPD Seminar
3 December, Langlee Centre, Scottish Borders

University Student Talks
4 December and 7 December

University Student Talks
2 November and 17 November

Supporters Training
12 November and 16 November

UCET Annual Conference - New and Continuing Perspectives in Teacher Education
9-10 November, Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinckley, Leicestershire

Probationer Seminar
11 November, Western Isles Council

ATL Scotland Annual Lecture
11 November, Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh

Practitioner Research Seminar
17 November, St George's School, Edinburgh

Meeting of the 5 Nations Chief Executives
10 & 11 September, The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland Offices

Professional Recognition Awards Ceremony
15 September, Scottish Parliament

Scottish Learning Festival
23 & 24 September, SECC and Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow

The European Conference on Educational Research
28-30 September, Vienna, Austria

Scottish Teacher Education Committee (STEC)
18 September

Global Citizenship Annual Conference
9 July 2009, London South Bank University

Probationer Teacher Award Ceremony
12 August, Physicians Hall, Edinburgh

Research presentation to PGDE students
4 June, University West of Scotland

Professionalism and Conduct Workshop
6 May, East Dunbartonshire Council

National Education Conference
28 May, Stirling Management Centre

GTC 5 Nation Meeting
2 & 3 April, Teaching Council Ireland, Maynooth

Professionalism and Conduct Workshop
24 April, Inverclyde Council

STEC Conference
27 April, West Park Conference Centre, Dundee

Induction Managers' Seminar
26 March, Clerwood House