General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS)

GTC Scotland to welcome International Study visitors

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:05:00 EDT

We are hosting a prestigious international study visit organised by CEDEFOP, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Thinking.

Professional Update Consultation

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:45:00 EDT

We have launched a consultation on a scheme of Professional Update for teachers.

Renewal of Registration 2012-2013

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:20:00 EDT

We would like to remind all registered teachers that the current registration period comes to an end on 31st March 2012. The Annual Registration Fee will be payable for retention on the Register from 1st April 2012. Annual registration fees must be paid by 29th June 2012.

Consultation on the Framework on Teacher Competence

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 09:22:00 EDT

We are currently consulting on proposed changes to the Code of Practice on Teacher Competence. Find out how you can have your say.

GTC Scotland responds to a Scottish Government consultation

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:02:00 EDT

GTC Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government's consultation on Putting Learners at the Centre: Delivering our Ambitions for Post-16 Education.

Council Appointments - Appointed Adjudicating Panel Members

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:32:00 EDT

We are currently looking to appoint 7 registered teachers and 15 Lay members (non-teachers) to fill appointed positions on our Adjudicating Panels.

Learning Support for Disabled Social Work and Teaching Students: A Guide

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:31:00 EDT

GTC Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council have created a new guide to help disabled teaching and social work students.

A Professional Guidance on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media document has been published

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:55:00 EDT

The purpose of this guide is to provide a context for responsible use of electronic communications and social media. The guide helps to highlight potential risks to teachers and offers guidance about how to avoid them.

Council Election results have been released

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:54:00 EDT

View the Council Election results to find out who has been elected to serve on the first fully independent Council from 2 April 2012.

Employment Survey Report Probationer Teacher 2010-11

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:57:00 EDT

We have conducted a survey of teachers who completed their induction year in June and who obtained full registration. The survey offers a snapshot of the post-induction employment outcomes for these newly qualified teachers at that point in the year.

New Look Probationer Website

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:57:00 EDT

We have revamped the Probationer Teacher Scotland website with a new design, new features and more interactive content.

Professional Update - Meetings

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 06:45:00 EDT

We have held a series of meetings throughout Scotland with teachers on Professional Update. Watch a recorded meeting to find out more.

Council Elections 2011 - Candidate statements

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:08:00 EDT

We have just published the candidate statements for the Council Elections 2011. Ballot papers will be sent to all teachers that are currently registered with us by post on 21 November 2011.

Server maintenance - Thursday 10 November

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:05:00 EDT

Our web server will be offline for essential maintenance on Thursday 10 November 2011 between 07:00 and 08:00. During this period our websites will be affected and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.

Students can now apply for provisional registration online.

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:04:00 EDT

Students who are currently undertaking a programme of Initial Teacher Education at a Scottish university can now apply for provisional registration with us.

Professional Update - Meeting with teachers

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:53:00 EDT

We held our first meeting with teachers to discuss Professional Update. Those who attended had the chance to ask questions and take part in a group workshop to discuss their thoughts on Professional Update.

HMRC offer tax support

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:52:00 EDT

HM Revenue & Customs is offering people who provide tuition, instruction or coaching a unique time-limited opportunity to bring their tax affairs up-to-date.

Natural Change Project - Report Published

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:52:00 EDT

The WWF report on sustainable education, Natural Change: Catalysing leadership for sustainability, was launched in Edinburgh at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Professional Update

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:37:00 EDT

We have created a dedicated area on our website for Professional Update. The area hosts our initial statement, advice notes, meeting dates, FAQ's and provides the opportunity to submit questions about Professional Update.

GTC Scotland receives a commendation at the Scottish Event Awards

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:57:00 EDT

In partnership with the Scottish Parliament and James Gillespie's High School, we were nominated for Best Education Event in Scotland 2011. We were up against stiff competition in the Celtic Connections Festival and Young Enterprise Grampaign.

GTC Scotland to hold Professional Update seminar at SLF

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:56:00 EDT

Our Chief Executive, Anthony Finn will host a seminar titled 'Professional Update: a positive step forward for the teaching profession in Scotland' at the Scottish Learning Festival on Thursday 22 September.

GTC Scotland Responds to the McCormac Review

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:31:00 EDT

View our response to the McCormac Review of Teacher Employment in Scotland which was launched on 13 September 2011.

Accomplished Teaching

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:58:00 EDT

In this podcast Tom Hamilton, Director of Education at GTC Scotland, talks to Chris Day, Professor of Education at the University of Nottingham about his keynote address on understanding teacher's lives and work and the Charter Teacher programme.

Teaching Scotland Online: Issue 38, January 2011, is now available.

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 04:40:00 EDT

Close Window

HTML version

Welcome |

Welcome to the latest newsletter from Teaching Scotland Online, bringing you a taster of what you'll find in the latest edition of your online magazine.

Battle of Hastings |

Ex-rugby internationalist Scott Hastings on his passion for sport in schools and how it affects us all.... Read the full story: Battle of Hastings.

Bear this in mind |

A discussion on the need to keep mental health issues as an integral part of the modern curriculum..... Read the full story: Bear this in mind.

An age for reason |

Helping children, and their carers, recognise and respond to the challenges of puberty.... Read the full story: An age for reason.

Quest for the magic potion |

Liz Callaghan from Learning Unlimited talks about creating the ability to do more with less.... Read the full story: Quest for the magic potion.

Don't burn out |

Our own health and wellbeing is something which we can neglect.... Read the full story: Don't burn out.

Download the PDF |

Download a PDF version of the magazine.

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Albania visit

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:34:00 EDT

In this month's podcast John Anderson, Head of our Professional Practice Department talks about his recent visit to Albania.

Professional Recognition in Scots Language

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 05:40:00 EDT

Professional Recognition in Scots Language

Date: 22 February 2011
Venue: The Garden Lobby, The Scottish Parliament building

Teaching Scots language to children and young people can help them to better understand the rich culture and heritage that Scotland enjoys. The inclusion of Scots Language in the Curriculum for Excellence gives children an opportunity to learn more about a language often heard at home but rarely in the classroom.

Professional Recognition in Scots language is recognising the hard work of teachers who have chosen to focus their CPD on the Mither Tongue and are passing on their skills and knowledge in their schools.

A celebration in the Scottish Parliament will formally recognise the first group of teachers to be recognised in this category.

The event is co-sponsored with Mathew Fitt, Education Director of Itchy Coo, and the Parliamentary Cross Party Group on Scot's Language. Itchy Coo works directly with pupils and their teachers to help them develop reading and writing skills in Scots whilst also promoting the Scots Language to the wider public.

Natural Change Project Podcast - Nov 2010

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 06:33:00 EDT

In this podcast Rosa Murray talks about her time spent in Knoydart as part of the Natural Change Project.

This month at GTC Scotland (September 2010)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:51:00 EDT

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

Around the Country

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops

These workshops are delivered to the new probationer teachers and focus on the Code of Professionalism and Conduct and the expectations on teachers in terms of their conduct. The workshops are interactive and give probationers the opportunity to discuss scenarios and ask questions as well as providing them with information on the regulatory role of the GTC Scotland.

The following Professionalism and Conduct Workshops will be taking place throughout September:

24 September - Shetland Council
30 September - Aberdeen City Council

National Seminar on Accomplished Teaching
6 and 7 September, GTC Scotland, Clerwood House

In partnership with the Scottish Government and Glasgow University the GTCS is hosting a National Seminar which will focus on the concept and practice of Accomplished Teaching. This seminar follows on from an invited International Symposium on Accomplished Teaching which took place at Glasgow University in June 2010. The Symposium examined the roles and practices of accomplished teachers across different international systems and the impact on teachers and learners.

The main focus of the Seminar will be to discuss the outcome from the International Symposium and in particular the future development of the Chartered Teacher programme.

Scottish Learning Festival
22 and 23 September, SECC Glasgow and Clyde Auditorium

The theme of the 11^th Scottish Learning Festival conference is Curriculum for Excellence: Raising Standards. We will be in attendance at our GTC Scotland stand on both days. We are hosting a seminar on Building Teacher Capacity through Continuing Professional Development on 23 September. In addition, we are holding hotspots where members of the following organisations will be available to chat to attendees about any aspect of education and learning:

22 September 10am-12pm Association of Chartered Teachers in Scotland (ACTS)
2pm-4pm Periodical and Publications Scotland (PPA)
23 September 10am-12pm Scottish Book Trust
2pm-4pm Teacher Support Scotland

TIS Information and TIS Administrators Seminar
30 September, GTC Scotland, Clerwood House

GTC Scotland, in collaboration with the Scottish Government, will be bringing together representatives from all local authorities and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Scotland who deal with the administrative processes of the Teacher Induction Scheme.

This is the fourth year that this event has been run at Clerwood House.

The format of the day is to discuss the processes carried out by each stakeholder group, to visit areas of concern or issues that may be causing challenges and to establish a streamlined approach that accommodates everyone.

Over the years each group has had the opportunity to brainstorm issues and find compromises for processes that perhaps cannot be changed and use the day to share good practice.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout September:

1 September - Finance and General Purposes Committee
Education Committee and Standard for Headship Panel
2 September - Appeals Board
3 September - Standard for Headship Panel
9 September - CT National Assessment Panel
14 September - Disciplinary Sub Committee
15 September - Standard for Headship Panel
16 September - Standard for Headship Panel
20 September - Standard for Headship Panel
21 September - Investigating Sub Committee and Standard for Headship Panel
23 September - Professional Standards (Probation) Panel Hearing
24 September - Professional Standards Committee
28 September - Professional Standards Panel (Probation)
29 September - Council Meeting

[added 1 September 2010]

National Lecture 2010: Annie Lennox

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:50:00 EDT

Annie Lennox delivered our National Lecture on Thursday 19 August 2010 at the Scottish Parliament. For the first time, the lecture was held as part of the Festival of Politics.

You can view a video of the 2010 national lecture by visiting the Scottish Parliament's website.

One of the finest and most outstanding musical voices of our time, Annie Lennox is celebrated as an innovator and a symbol of enduring excellence.

Over the years she has received numerous prestigious awards, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, numerous Grammys, Brits, ASCAP and Ivor Novello Awards, among many others.

The singer and long term campaigner focused on her work with Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), a South African charity that campaigns for treatment for people with HIV and for a reduction in new HIV infections. Annie spent two weeks in South Africa with TAC in 2009, recording the real situation which millions face every day, so that people unaware of the pandemic might gain some understanding. In Africa there are few resources to help medicate sufferers or to educate people about the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The trip was documented across the media by Annie herself.

A veteran campaigner on a raft of issues, Annie hopes to use her public profile to become an ambassador for TAC in the UK.

She has set up a new campaign site called SING www.annielennoxsing.co.uk and you can view her work there.

The GTC Scotland lecture has established itself as one of the most popular events in the education calendar and is often oversubscribed.

Previous lecturers have included The Lord Advocate, the Rt Hon Elish Angiolini QC, Lord David Putnam, Baroness Warnock and Christopher Brookmyre.

The lecture took place this year in the Parliament's main debating chamber on 19 August followed by a reception in the Garden Lobby at Holyrood.

School Visit to James Gillespies

We will be joining Annie Lennox to meet with teachers and pupils from across Edinburgh's secondary schools to share the message about Global Citizenship, HIV and Aids on the 20 August 2010.

Taking time out of the Festival of Politics to meet and talk with teachers, Annie recognises the value and importance of education in making people aware of the needs of others and the issues that need the support and understanding of those in a position to help.

"I'm looking forward to coming back to Edinburgh during the week of the Festival of Politics where I'll take part in some stimulating and interesting events. I'm particularly excited about presenting a lecture for the General Teaching Council for Scotland, as I believe that educators and young people hold a pivotal role with regard to the positive development and transformation of society in the future." - Annie Lennox, July 2010

James Gillespie's High School will host the event, a school with an impressive and passionate commitment to Global Citizenship.

Latest media reports on teacher job prospects

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:48:00 EDT

In response to an article and editorial in today's The Herald newspaper about the employment prospects for probationer teachers, our Chief Executive, Anthony Finn said,

"While these figures may be due to a range of factors, not least the current economic situation, their trend is disappointing, if not surprising.

"We continue to produce a very high quality of teacher on a probation induction scheme which is widely regarded as world class. However, I am sure that everyone will agree that it is important that these new teachers get the opportunity to put their skills into practice and to contribute new ideas to the development of the profession.

"The GTC Scotland carries out its own survey of the employment of probationers and we will make this public later this year."

You can view the article in The Herald at:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/revealed-90-of-new-scottish-teachers-without-permanent-job-1.1047684

[added 12 August 2010]

Review of Teacher Education in Scotland - GTC Scotland response

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:15:00 EDT

The GTC Scotland has submitted its response to the Review of Teacher Education in Scotland led by former HM Senior Chief Inspector of Education, Graham Donaldson.

View the Review of Teacher Education in Scotland - GTC Scotland response (pdf)

You can find out more about the Review at: http://www.reviewofteachereducationinscotland.org.uk/

[added 2 July 2010]

This month at GTC Scotland (July &August)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:12:00 EDT

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

Around the Country

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops

The following Professionalism and Conduct Workshops will be taking place throughout August:

4 August - North Ayrshire Council
9 August - East Lothian Council

National Debate
18 August, Holyrood Edinburgh

For the first time we are staging a debate at Holyrood on the topic of compassion in education; debating how philanthropy and compassion can work in harmony and how education is central to creating good citizens aware of the need of others.

Our Chief Executive Anthony Finn will be joined by;

Ewan McVicar one of Scotland's foremost traditional singer, songwriters and storytellers.
Isabelle Boyd, Head Teacher of Cardinal Newman High School.
Jack McConnell, former First Minister.
Mike Stevenson of Thinktastic, and our Chair for the evening.
Baroness Warwick (tbc) Chair of the VSO Scotland.

Tickets are limited so please register your interest by emailing alison.mcwilliams@gtcs.org.uk

GTC Scotland National Lecture
19 August, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

For the first time this lecture will be held as part of The Festival of Politics and it will be delivered by Annie Lennox. Annie will cover issues relating to her work raising awareness of HIV and AIDS in Africa.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout August:

18 August - Audit Sub-Group and Policy and Strategy Committee
24 August - Investigating Sub Committee and Professional Conduct Committee
25 August - Disciplinary Sub Committee
26 August - Professional Standards (Probation) Panel Hearing and Professional Standards Committee
27 August - Professional Standards (Probation) Panel Hearing
31 August - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register

[added 1 July 2010]

Refurbishment works at Clerwood House

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:11:00 EDT

Clerwood House will be undergoing some essential building works commencing on Friday 2 July. This work should be completed by Friday 13 August.

During this time, internal staff will be moving to other areas of the building which may cause a slight delay in answering phone calls and emails. If we are unable to take your call at any time, please leave a message and we will call you back within 24 hours.

We appreciate your patience during this time, and we hope to keep any disruption to our services to a minimum.

[added 1 July 2010]

Probationer CPD celebrated

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:10:00 EDT

Probationer teachers undertaking a range of Continuous Professional Development projects have been recognised by the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

The group of 30 probationers from across Scotland received a certificate from the Minister for Schools and Skills, Keith Brown and GTC Scotland Chief Executive, Anthony Finn.

The CPD projects undertaken include: Inclusion; Multi-cultural environments; Biodiversity; Behaviour management; Restorative practice; and Music.

Speaking at the event which was hosted by the GTC Scotland at its headquarters in Edinburgh, Keith Brown said:

"Our Teacher Induction Scheme is a real asset to Scotland and a plays key role in developing the next generation of inspiring teachers.

"Continuing Professional Development is an important part of the scheme, helping to build skills and professional knowledge. The work I've heard about today is impressive and I'm pleased to be able to congratulate the new teachers involved personally."

The probationer teachers received their Standard for Full Registration certificate (which is awarded when an individual completes his or her probationary year and becomes a fully fledged teacher) and a certificate recognising their CPD work.

GTC Scotland Chief Executive Anthony Finn said:

"The Teacher Induction Scheme in Scotland is world renowned and is producing some of the most capable and innovative teachers ever. The CPD projects being discussed and showcased at this event illustrate the quality and range of skills these probationers are developing. This can only be of benefit to the young people they are teaching.

"These are tough times for probationer teachers trying to find employment in Scotland's schools but there is no doubt that the CPD work they have been doing with schoolchildren will help give them a competitive advantage in the hunt for jobs.

"I have been impressed and heartened by the quality of work on show here today and I would like to wish all of the probationers present, and indeed all of the other probationers across Scotland, every success in their teaching careers."

A list of the 30 probationers who took part in the event is below.

Further information

Photos of the event and the individual probationers receiving their certificates are available at www.flickr.com/gtcs
For more information please contact Martin Osler on 07739 185 522 or martin@oslermedia.com

Aberdeenshire

Stephanie Jane Cook, Kinnellar PS
Sarah Warrander, St Fergus PS
Zoe Middleton, Dales Park PS
Amy Jane Macarthur, Portlethen PS
Amanda Carter, Rothienorman PS
Jane Harrison, Peterhead Central PS

Clackmannanshire

Lesley Murrie, Abercromby PS

Dundee

Sarah Hendry, St Luke's and St Mathew's RC PS

Edinburgh

Natalie Redmond, Gracemount HS

East Ayrshire

Alison Henning, Nether Robertland PS

East Lothian

Alice Scrimgeour, East Linton PS
Linda Spinks, East Linton PS
Johanne Watson, St Martin's RC PS

Fife

Susan Lister, Dunfermline HS
Lesley Lamont, St Columba's HS
Emma MacCallum, Guardbridge PS

Glasgow

Sarah-Jane Callow, All Saints Secondary
Iwona Chmiel-Tigbe, St Roch's PS
Lois Lurinsky, Dalmarnock PS

Highland

Emma Chisholm, Holm PS
Jilly MurrayHolm PS

Inverclyde

Chloe Havlin, Inverclyde Academy

Midlothian

Elizabeth Stewart, Danderhall PS

Orkney

Robert Flett, Stromness PS

Perth & Kinross

Rebecca Marr, Dunbarney PS

Scottish Borders

Michelle Sterricks, Galashiels Academy
Michelle Hoppe, St Peter's PS

Stirling

Alison McAllister, Drymen PS

West Dunbartonshire

Alan Rodgers, Dumbarton Academy

West Lothian

Karlie Robinson, Bridgend PS

[added 28 June 2010]

Net generation or not?

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:09:00 EDT

Have you felt diminished, even excluded, by assertions that more experienced - all right, older - teachers are out of touch with the way young people use modern technology? Are you aware of being categorised as a 'digital immigrant', unable to understand fully how the 'digital natives' who are your pupils communicate or how they learn? Have you had a sense of being threatened by expectations that learning and teaching must be delivered increasingly by technological means: through the use of computers, through the Internet, through Glow? This has been a message behind successive government plans to expand Internet access and computer use and by critics claiming that teaching and teachers have not moved rapidly enough in this direction.

In an article in the June 2010 edition of the British Educational Research Journal, two researchers from Oxford University test the notion that there is a generation gap between those born since the explosion of computer use in the 1980s and previous generations. Using data from the 2007 Oxford Internet Survey, Ellen Johanna Helsper and Rebecca Eynon compared the significance of various factors in determining the extent to which people may be categorised as 'digital natives', which they define as:

someone who multi-tasks, has access to a range of new technologies, is confident in their use of technologies, uses the Internet as a first port of call for information and � uses the Internet for learning as well as other activities.

The variables they examined included the age of the individual, the length of time they have been using the Internet (i.e. level of experience) and the range of uses to which they put the Internet.

Their findings do not support the casual assumption that age is the key determinant of being a 'digital native'. Indeed they argue that such the distinction between 'digital natives' and 'digital immigrants' could even be harmful as teachers, and by implication others, anticipate, in some cases inaccurately, that pupils will be confident and comfortable in their use of high technology. Although obviously many young people are highly skilled, pupil involvement with digital technologies is far from homogeneous. In fact, the other two factors also turned out to be significant influences, as did gender, with women being less likely to turn first to the Internet for information than were men. The most important variable was the breadth of activities that an individual carries out on line.

The researchers conclude that there are two key messages from their study. The first is that teachers are capable of speaking the same technological language as their pupils, the second that young people's usage of technology is not always constructive, so its uses in education are still a matter of debate.

Details: E.J. Helsper and R. Eynon, Digital natives: where is the evidence?, British Educational Research Journal, vol. 36, no.3, June 2010, pp.503-520.

Ian Matheson
Educational Planning and Research Officer

New member appointed to GTC Scotland

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 05:46:00 EDT

Keith Brown, Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning, has today announced the appointment of a new member of the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).

The new member is Simon Thompson, who is the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland and has wide experience of working in the field of professional education and regulation.

Mr Thomson was previously responsible for managing the International Accounting Education Standards Board (IAESB), developing International Education Standards for Professional Accountants. He is also an Executive Committee Member of the European Bank Training Network.

Mr Thomson has a particular interest in upholding and developing professional standards within the banking sector and has played an important role in the development of new professional standards and qualifications as well as aiding in the establishment of the Scottish Financial Services Skills Gateway.

This appointment will be for 18 months and will run from 1 June 2010 to 30 November 2011. This is a part-time post requiring a commitment of around 22 days per annum. The post is not remunerated however travel and associated expenses are paid. Simon Thompson has no other Ministerial appointments.

The General Teaching Council for Scotland is an Advisory Non-Departmental Public Body which was established by the Teaching Council (Scotland) Act 1965. It is the regulatory body for the teaching profession in Scotland. The GTCS was the first such body for teachers in the United Kingdom and one of the first teaching councils in the world.

This Ministerial public appointment was made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments in Scotland's Code of Practice.

All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity within the last 5 years (if there is any to be declared) to be made public. In this instance, there was no political activity declared.

View the Scottish Government press release.

Contact

Tom Whittles :0131 244 2530 / 07917 588 519

[added 15 June 2010]

This month at GTC Scotland (June 2010)

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 06:34:00 EDT

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

Around the Country

University Finishing Talks

Mairi McAra, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering talks to university students completing their final year of teacher training.

The talk will include information on The Standard for Full Registration, the online profile system and what to expect from their probationary year on the Teacher Induction Scheme.

The talks will take place on the following dates:

Practice Based Learning Event
14 June, Glasgow Caledonian University

QAA Scotland, together with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council, is hosting a national workshop to explore key features of professional practice based learning. The workshop will address
Learning support, including practice based teaching qualifications and mentorship, supporting newly qualified practitioners, practice placement coordination and
Harmonising documentation.

The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) Council Meeting
16 June, Belfast

Tom Hamilton, Director of Educational Policy, will be attending the GTCNI Council meeting to discuss the evaluation of their development of accreditation for Initial Teacher Education (ITE).

Colloquium on Quality Assurance in Teacher Education
21 June, University College Dublin

Tom Hamilton will also be attending the Colloquium on Quality Assurance in Teacher Education. This event is organised by the Teacher Education Research Network and is supported by the European Educational Research Association.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout June:

2 June - Council meeting
4 June - Professional Standards panel hearing
7 June - Professional Standards panel hearing
9 June - Investigating Sub Committee
11 June - National Assessment Panel
14 June - Disciplinary Sub Committee
15 June - Disciplinary Sub Committee
16 June - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
17 June - Policy and Strategy Committee
18 - 25 June - Professional Standards panel hearings

[added 7 June 2010]

Abolition of the General Teaching Council for England

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 06:33:00 EDT

The Westminster Government has announced plans to introduce legislation this autumn to abolish the General Teaching Council for England.

It is important to note however that this announcement has no impact on the future of the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Indeed, the Cabinet Secretary has made clear the support of the Scottish Government for the GTC Scotland. In his statement, he notes that we are:

"a key, well respected body in the Scottish education landscape (which) has made a considerable contribution to the development of the teaching profession since it was formed in 1966. It was the first such body and the Scottish Government has no intention of abolishing it. Indeed we are committed to enhancing its status by moving it to full independence."

GTC Scotland is a very different body, with different and more extensive powers than the GTC England, and it has the full support of Government and of key educational partners in Scotland. We will continue to work closely for many years to come with our stakeholders, including teachers, pupils, parents, unions and government to promote and maintain high standards of teaching and learning in Scotland's schools.

However, we regret the announcement made by the Westminster government about an important sister organisation with which we have close and productive working relationships and our thoughts go out to the GTC England staff at this time. We are concerned that this move will leave very significant question marks over the regulation and promotion of standards of teaching in England.

[added 4 June 2010]

Enterprising Educators Recognised

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 06:19:00 EDT

Teachers who have used their skills to promote Enterprise in Education were recognised at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 26 May.

GTC Scotland teamed up with Determined to Succeed, the Scottish Government's strategy for enterprise in education, to host the event which saw twenty three teachers awarded Professional Recognition status.

Our Chief Executive Anthony Finn believes that Professional Recognition allows teachers to focus their Continuous Professional Development in particular areas of interest and to gain recognition for enhancing and sharing their knowledge and experience.

"To be successful in gaining professional recognition, teachers need to develop their own skills and knowledge and also to apply them very successfully in their school with a clear impact on the learning of their pupils. Encouraging enterprise in education is clearly crucial to the future development of the Scottish economy; it can help develop the business talent of tomorrow.

"We are pleased to be awarding Professional Recognition status to another 20 teachers. This brings the total number of teachers in Scotland with this award to over 500, covering areas as diverse as literacy, sustainable development, global education, health promotion and support for probationer teachers. This commendable development of teachers' skills can only be of benefit to pupils."

Determined to Succeed is helping to build an enterprise ethos in Scotland's schools. It is hoped that this will give young people a better chance of realising their full potential and, in turn, provide the Scottish economy with the skills, attitudes and entrepreneurs needed for growth. Minister for Skills and Lifelong Learning, Keith Brown will award the teachers with their certificates. He said:

"Our new approach through Curriculum for Excellence is all about giving our young people the skills they need for life in the 21st century. And teachers have a critical role in helping pupils develop the practical skills they need for the working world.

"That's why I'm delighted that the GTC Scotland, in partnership with Determined to Succeed, is giving recognition to this group of teachers who are so dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of young people through enterprise education."

These teachers will have the opportunity to discuss their work in Enterprise in Education with other colleagues from the education and business sectors and MSPs. Some of this work includes:

Liaising with a wide range of local and national employers to promote the four capacities of Curriculum for Excellence and how these relate to employability skills and abilities.
Working with local authors, theatre and dance companies to bring the curriculum to life
Establishing Young Enterprise companies in schools
Various charity events including 'pink days' to support breast cancer awareness, comic relief and fundraising for Mary's Meals.
Encouraging global learning by E-twinning with schools in Shanghai, New Mexico, New York and Italy.
Working with local island emergency services and businesses to design door numbers for the homes of the islanders and then designing a phone directory for the island.

Teachers receiving Professional Recognition awards at this event are from all over Scotland including:

Aberdeenshire, Argyll & Bute, Clackmannanshire, East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, Edinburgh, Highland, Stirling and West Lothian

NOTES FOR EDITORS

To find out more about Professional Recognition please visit:

http://www.gtcs.org.uk/Publications/GuidanceforTeachers/Professional_Recognition_Registration.aspx

To find out more about Determined to Succeed, please visit www.determinedtosucceed.co.uk

For more information media should call Martin Osler on 07739 185 522 or martin@oslermedia.com

Registration, Subject Teaching and Curriculum for Excellence

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 13 May 2010 06:04:00 EDT

We have recently received a number of enquiries about the teaching of subjects or aspects of subject content in secondary schools. This is an area that we plan to look at in greater detail as plans for Curriculum for Excellence develop. In the interim, however, we have set out below the background to our current thinking.

It is important to state at the outset that we remain committed to the notion of secondary teachers being qualified in specific subjects and primarily teaching those subjects. While it is the responsibility of the Local Authority to decide on the deployment of its staff, we would like to give some guidance on this issue.

The Legislative Framework

The thinking on the qualifications necessary for teaching in Scottish schools was changed in 2005 when the Government repealed the Schools (Scotland) Code (1956). Although this change caused GTC Scotland some initial concern, the Code's replacement, the Requirements for Teachers (Scotland) Regulations 2005, maintain the requirement for education authorities to employ Registered Teachers and emphasises the view of the Government and of the Council that such teachers should have 'the appropriate professional skills and knowledge required' to teach appropriately.

The 2005 Regulations, therefore, broadly support the provisions of the 1956 Code but nonetheless allow some flexibility to local authorities as employers, provided that they are assured that a teacher has the appropriate professional skills and knowledge required for the post to which they are appointed. In practice, this normally means following existing GTC Scotland guidelines.

Broadly speaking, we interpret Circular No 4/2005 (10 October 2005) as stating the continuing need for subject qualifications in subject teaching. We therefore take the view that teachers should primarily teach subjects in which they are qualified and registered.

Download Education Circular 04-2005 (pdf)

However, paragraphs 3.2 - 3.5 are of particular interest as these are the sections of the circular which confirm that there is a certain amount of flexibility as long as a teacher has the 'appropriate professional skills and knowledge required'. Where a teacher does not have the 'appropriate professional skills and knowledge required' our view is that it would be unreasonable, ill advised and potentially educationally damaging to deploy them where their expertise may not be well-suited to the task they are being asked to undertake.

Of course, opportunities might be provided so that such a teacher could acquire or develop the 'appropriate professional skills and knowledge required' and that would require continuing professional development and space and time to work together with colleagues in order that they can develop that expertise and confidence.

The Circular also refers to the Framework for Professional Recognition / Registration and recognises that this significant opportunity for professional development (or, indeed, for gaining registration in an additional subject or for another educational sector) may be one means of addressing a gap in subject knowledge or expertise.

In summary, therefore, our position remains that teachers should be qualified and registered for the sectors and subjects they are teaching. However,we recognise that local authorities have the right to deploy suitably qualified staff who will normally have a teaching qualification and/or have attained professional recognition or additional registration which will give assurance that they have the 'appropriate professional skills and knowledge required' in the subject being taught.

Our views and curriculum change

Turning to developments which are currently arising in Scottish schools, it is important to take a balanced view of any proposals for change. While our position is set out above, some of the suggestions which have been reported to us are very radical (and perhaps even unacceptable), while others will be capable of implementation with careful planning and appropriate support for teachers.

As background to this, it is important to note that Curriculum for Excellence does not suggest doing away with subject teaching. Indeed, Building the Curriculum 3 emphasises the importance of subject teaching:

"Subjects are an essential feature of the curriculum, particularly in secondary school. They provide an important and familiar structure for knowledge, offering a context for specialists to inspire, stretch and motivate. Throughout a young person's learning there will be increasing specialisation and greater depth, which will lead to subjects increasingly being the principal means of structuring learning and delivering outcomes."

It is however also important to note that CfE does suggest that there can be benefits in interdisciplinary learning. We would wish to support such developments which can, with careful planning, respect the principles described above. However, we would like to remind all colleagues that neither the repeal of the 1956 Code nor the advent of Curriculum for Excellence has authorised the teaching of any subject or subjects by teachers who do not have sufficient skills to undertake this responsibility.

Our experience suggests that where cross-curricular or integrated developments have been successful, there has been a realisation that for teachers to work in conjunction with colleagues on common course elements or interdisciplinary areas there has to be time for joint CPD, joint development of teaching materials, joint discussion of pedagogy, joint teaching, joint assessment and joint evaluation. Equally, in those cases where reluctant teachers have been coerced into teaching outside their subject area without appropriate support, these developments have been less successful and course delivery has lacked appropriate quality with negative effects on learning.

For example, in respect of Social Subjects, we are aware of schools in which some teachers, with careful planning and appropriate support, have agreed to become involved in the teaching of integrated units in, for example, S1 and occasionally in S2 but never above that stage. The extent to which this approach might be acceptable would depend on the qualifications of teachers in that school, the training offered for new course components and the level at which they are asked to teach.

Consequently, we would anticipate that collegiate discussion would be appropriate to decide whether or not any particular school could successfully introduce an integrated course.

While a commitment to a broad general education until the end of fourth level is accepted, there is nothing paradoxical in also having a commitment to progression, increasing challenge and depth in subjects as pupils approach the senior phase; such subject teaching will only come from appropriately qualified and registered subject teachers.

As Curriculum for Excellence progresses and schools develop their approaches to it, we will continue to offer further advice as and when appropriate.

We are happy to respond to enquiries. Questions or requests for further information should be emailed to gtcs@gtcs.org.uk

[added 5 May 2010]

This Month at GTCS (May)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Mon, 03 May 2010 06:56:00 EDT

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

Around the Country

Catholic Headteachers Association Scotland Conference
6 May, Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff

Tony Finn, Chief Executive, will be delivering a keynote address at this year's conference. This conference is entitled 'Inspiring Catholic Leaders' and Tony's keynote address will cover leadership, GTC Scotland Independence and related issues.

University Finishing Talks

Mairi McAra, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering talks to university students completing their final year of teacher training.

The talk will include information on The Standard for Full Registration, the online profile system and what to expect from their probationary year on the Teacher Induction Scheme.

The talks will take place on the following dates:

14 May - University of Dundee
19 May - University of the West of Scotland
21 May - University of Strathclyde

Flexible Route to Headship - Leadership Conference
19 & 20 May, Stirling Management Centre

Rosa Murray, Professional Officer (Professional Learning Development), will be attending this conference. The conference will run over two days and will be split into sessions with speakers talking about various aspects of leadership.

Professional Recognition Event
26 May, Holyrood

Following on from the 2009 Professional Recognition event celebrating Sustainable Development; GTC Scotland, in partnership with Determined to Succeed, will be holding a joint event to recognise the efforts of Scottish teachers in promoting Enterprise in Education.

To find out more about this event, visit the Professional Recognition Event 2010 page.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout May:

5 May - Professional Standards Committee & panel hearings
6 May - Professional Standards panel hearing
7 May - Professional Standards panel hearing
11 May - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
12 May - Finance and General Purposes Committee & Education Committee
13 May - Disciplinary Sub Committee
18 May - Professional Standards panel hearing
25 May - Disciplinary Sub Committee
26 May - Appeals Board
27 May - Professional Standards panel hearing & Disciplinary Sub Committee
28 May - Disciplinary Sub Committee

[added 3 May 2010]

Review of Teacher Education in Scotland

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 10:27:00 EDT

The Review of Teacher Education in Scotland is underway, led by Graham Donaldson, the former head of HMIE. The Review will examine current arrangements for teacher education in Scotland, and examine how well they meet current and, very importantly, future needs. It will look at all aspects of teacher education - initial teacher education, probation/induction and continuing professional development - and the coherence between these. It will also look at common principles underpinning teacher education.

The review team will use technology to engage with the teaching profession and other interested parties. An extensive consultation programme is planned as part of this and online events, on forums such as "heads together" and Glow, will take place over the course of the Review. Information on how to get involved in each event will be set out on the Review website.

The first event, a formal call for evidence, launched on 19 April. It is accompanied by an online survey to capture information about teacher's experiences of teacher education. Responses to both are sought by 31 May.

There will be a "challenge of the week" on the Review website over the coming months. This will be an issue which people will be invited to post comments on. The first challenge was launched on 19 April with the following statement " there is a perception that the quality of newly qualified teachers in Scotland has never been higher". To respond to a challenge, or to learn more about the Review and opportunities to contribute, go to http://www.reviewofteachereducationinscotland.org.uk/

[added 22 April 2010]

This month at GTCS (April 2010)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:20:00 EDT

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

Around the Country

Growing Confidence - Promoting Positive Mental Health & Emotional Well-being event
14 April, Edinburgh City Council

Rosa Murray, Professional Officer (Chartered Teacher), will be attending this event on the 14 April. Growing Confidence is the umbrella project incorporating a variety of different initiatives and programmes which aim to promote positive mental health and emotional well-being in staff, children, young people and their families.

STEC Conference
26 April, University of Strathclyde

The theme of this year's STEC Conference is Developing and Delivering a Curriculum for Excellence through Partnership. The conference will explore a range of issues regarding CPD, implementation of Curriculum for Excellence and relationships to teacher education and professional learning and development.

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops
30 April, Inverclyde City Council

John Anderson, Head of Professional Practice, and Mark Paxton, Investigating Officer, will be delivering a Professionalism and Conduct Workshop within Inverclyde City Council.

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.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout April:

20 April�- Disciplinary Sub Committee and Policy and Strategy Committee
21 April�- Disciplinary Sub Committee
22 April�- Professional Standards Committee�Panel Hearings
27 April - Disciplinary Sub Committee
28 April - Committee on Exceptional Admissions to the Register
29 April - Professional Conduct Committee�and Investigating Sub Committee

[added�1 April�2010]

1000th Chartered Teacher celebrated

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:29:00 EDT

A group of 31 teachers were awarded Chartered Teacher status following an assessment panel meeting in Edinburgh on Thursday, 11 March, taking the total number of Chartered Teachers in Scotland to 1,010.

The Chartered Teacher programme was established in 2002 to provide opportunities for experienced teachers to extend and revitalise their knowledge, understanding and skills without having to leave the classroom. The Chartered Teacher award is a means of valuing and recognising teachers who wish to pursue a challenging career whilst continuing as a classroom teacher.

Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said:

"It is good news for Scottish education that we now have over 1,000 teachers who have achieved the Standard for Chartered Teacher. I would like to congratulate these individuals on their achievement and recognise the professionalism and hard work that they and others who have achieved this distinction have shown.

"It is an important time for Scottish education as we continue to implement Curriculum for Excellence. These teachers will undoubtedly improve learning and teaching in their own classrooms and also have a crucial role in supporting their colleagues to improve their practice, with an impact across the whole of their schools.

"I look forward to seeing the influence and impact of Chartered Teachers continuing to grow and flourish."

Chief Executive of the GTC Scotland, Anthony Finn said:

"This is a significant milestone in the development of a Chartered Teacher programme that is now making a real difference to the quality of teaching and learning in Scotland's schools.

"Chartered Teachers' focus is on the craft of the teacher and on the sharing of good practice with colleagues. Consequently, they can play a key role in the leadership of learning and the promotion of high standards in our classrooms.

"We now look forward to supporting the next 1,000 Chartered Teachers."

Chartered Teachers undertake a diverse range of study and practical work and then apply it to the classroom. In this group of Chartered Teachers, who are teaching in secondary, primary, and special schools, projects include:

Leading on initiatives within the school related to enhancing pupil learning in PE and developing a programme of formative assessment in line with the Curriculum for Excellence principles
Organising and leading a group of pupils on an expedition to Kenya developing the pupils knowledge and skills related to global citizenship
Using knowledge and understanding to contribute to the professional development of other colleagues across several fields of expertise
Acting as mentor for probationers in the school.
Sharing expertise in pedagogy across the school

To find out more about these specific areas and interview some of the Chartered Teachers involved please contact Martin Osler on the number below.

Further information

To find out more about the Chartered Teacher programme visit the Chartered Teachers area of our website.
To find out more about the GTC Scotland contact Martin Osler on 07739 185 522 or martin@oslermedia.com

This month at GTCS (March 2010)

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:03:00 EDT

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

Around the Country

Information Session for Probationers following the Flexible Route
3 March, Dundee City Council

Mairi McAra, Professional Officer (Early Professional Learning), will be delivering an information session to probationer teachers in Dundee City Council who are following the Flexible Route to Full Registration.

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops
4 March, Aberdeenshire City Council

John Anderson, Head of Professional Practice, and Mark Paxton, Investigating Officer, will be delivering a Professionalism and Conduct Workshop within Aberdeenshire City Council. �

Teaching Council Ireland - Council Meeting
22 March, Dublin

Rosa Murray, Professional Officer (Chartered Teachers), will be attending the Council meeting of the Teaching Council Ireland.

At the GTCS

The following internal meetings will be taking place throughout March:

9 March - Disciplinary Sub Committee
10 March - Disciplinary Sub Committee
11 March - Chartered Teacher National Assessment Panel
15 March - Standard for Headship Panel
16 March - Investigating Sub Committee
17 March�- Council meeting
23 March - Disciplinary Sub Committee
25 March - Professional Standards Committee�Panel Hearings

[added�4 March�2010]

Office closure - 5 March 2010

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:44:00 EDT

GTC Scotland will be closed for staff training on Friday 5 March 2010.

The office will re-open on Monday 8 March at 8:45am.

[added 2 March 2010]

GTC Scotland welcomes Independence Consultation Outcome

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:49:00 EDT

The General Teaching Council for Scotland has today welcomed a statement by the Scottish Government which confirms the Council's future independent status. The statement was in response to a recent government consultation on independence for the GTC Scotland, which is the professional regulator for teachers in Scotland.

GTC Scotland Convener, David Drever said:

"We welcome the Scottish Government's response to the recent consultation on independent status for the GTC Scotland. This response recognises the Council as the guardian of both teacher professionalism and of teaching standards in Scotland; and it offers a strong endorsement of the current work of GTC Scotland and, indeed, of its reputation for professional integrity and for protection of the public interest over the last forty-five years. We see independent status as a big opportunity to improve still further the work we do and the service we provide to teachers, learners and the wider educational community."

The move to independence will not change fundamentally the relationship which teachers have with GTC Scotland. While independence will offer new challenges and opportunities to the Council, most aspects of its current profile will remain as at present. In addition, in both its traditional areas of operation and in new areas, GTC Scotland will continue to work very closely with stakeholders throughout the educational community to ensure that wider perspectives are reflected in the decisions made by the Council.

GTC Scotland Chief Executive, Anthony Finn believes that independence will confirm existing good practice, while offering new opportunities to explore in the future:

"Teachers can be assured that there will be no immediate change to the way they engage with the GTC Scotland," Mr. Finn said. "We anticipate that the link which teachers have with the services we provide and the support we offer will continue as before. In addition, the proposals announced today by the Scottish Government will mean that we can enhance our service to teachers.

"However, while we welcome the Scottish Government's response we do feel that there are areas which, given the balance of responses made to the Government consultation, could have been developed further. For example, it is disappointing that our role as guardian of standards in the college sector has not been fully confirmed. We will now work with college principals and staff and with other key stakeholders to take this matter forward, with a view to promoting enhanced professionalism in both colleges and schools.

"The Scottish Government might also have considered expanding the role of GTC Scotland in respect of Continuing Professional Development for teachers. We feel that an opportunity could have been taken to develop a more coherent and accessible model of CPD for all teachers, with the GTC Scotland playing a key role, in association with other stakeholders, to ensure professional standards are maintained. Having said this, we think that this area can also still be explored, with a view to the GTC Scotland assuming an enhanced role in the future."

One significant outcome of the consultation is that the GTC Scotland has been invited to look at the issue of the reaccreditation of teachers. Both Mr. Drever and Mr. Finn were keen to ensure that this issue would be developed very sensitively, after full consultation with teachers themselves.

Mr. Finn said: "It is important to say that teachers in Scotland are highly trained and, consequently, the overwhelming majority of teachers already work to high standards. Any work that might be done in the future to introduce reaccreditation should serve to confirm the already high standard of teaching in schools in Scotland and to support teachers in updating their professional skills in an environment in which change is now constant. It is, therefore, anticipated that any future developments in Scotland would not follow the style and requirements of relicensing recently announced in England."

In welcoming today's Government statement, Council Convener, David Drever, concluded:

"We feel that the proposed changes can only enhance the work that we already do and open new areas for the GTC Scotland to explore. Ultimately, this is about working on behalf of the teaching profession in Scotland and ensuring that standards remain high and that young people get an excellent education. We feel that the proposals announced today can only help to maintain and improve this."

For further information about the consultation findings visit the Independence - questions and answers�area of the website.

Further information

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 25 February 2010]

Technology and the ever-blurring boundaries

webservices@gtcs.org.uk — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:41:00 EDT

From email to text and from blogging to tweets, technology is becoming an ever-present in our lives and an increasingly essential tool in the classroom.

The ability to communicate in real time with others and access networks across the world brings with it great opportunities for teachers. It also offers great challenges as the boundary between teacher and pupil can quickly become blurred.

These days all professions are subject to wide scrutiny and it can be hard to tell the difference between perception and reality. The views of teachers on their own profession are important and are at the centre of a self-regulating profession. However, the perspective of parents and the understandable fears of the wider public about inappropriate use of the internet also have to be considered; and these views can sometimes be shaped by sources which are unpredictable - including the media. Teachers therefore need to be alert to the risk that actions which might, on the face of it, seem quite innocent can be misunderstood and misconstrued by others.

There is no barrier, either legal or professional, to a registered teacher having and operating a social networking account on sites like Facebook, Twitter or Bebo. However, GTC Scotland's Code of Professionalism and Conduct (CoPAC) makes it clear that pupil/teacher communication of any kind must be professional, appropriate and justified. Given the potential for private, one-to-one communication within the social networking setting, dangers abound.

Risk

Communicating with pupils using secure school/college systems in compliance with employer's policies is, of course, both appropriate and helpful. However, teachers who use private, one-to-one channels of communication with pupils such as personal email or Facebook accounts for example, are in danger of placing themselves in a somewhat risky situation.

Teachers should be extremely cautious in using any form of technology which might leave them open to any criticism or suggestion that they are unable to maintain an appropriate professional relationship with their pupils and students. It is worth noting, for example, that GTC Scotland's Disciplinary Sub-Committee has in the past imposed the ultimate sanction of removal from the register on teachers who seriously breached the pupil/teacher boundary using MSN messaging. For the avoidance of doubt, there should be absolutely no ambiguity or perceived ambiguity between a teacher's private life and his or her professional life in electronic communications.

Privacy

The internet is not only a very powerful and, indeed, extraordinary tool, it is also by its very nature worldwide. A teacher is, of course, perfectly entitled to have personal photos on Facebook or other information publicly available on the web that is accessible to family and friends. This material is however not necessarily appropriate for pupils to access and may have the potential to cause professional and personal embarrassment to a teacher. It makes a lot of sense therefore for teachers to ensure that there are appropriate privacy settings on their accounts and to review them on a regular basis.

Professionalism online extends beyond the interface with pupils. Teachers are entitled to a private life and to hold personal views and opinions just like anyone else. However, by the same token, common sense and due care should also be exercised to ensure that professional boundaries are not crossed.

Professionalism

Equality and diversity are key values of GTC Scotland and CoPAC. GTC Scotland will take a serious view of any teacher who blogs or uses other means to make, or incite others to make, for example, racist, sectarian or other professionally unacceptable remarks.

Similarly, public, online criticism or inappropriate comments about colleagues is to be avoided, as is the making of inappropriate or unprofessional comments about one's employer.

Sections 2 and 4 of the CoPAC are also clear about pupil/student confidentiality and the importance of partnership with parents. Therefore, for example, publicly discussing or commenting on classes, individual pupils or parents in an online setting is not appropriate.

Appropriate use of new technology

Embracing new technology is essential to the development of our society and it enables teachers to connect with pupils, employing the very means young people use themselves day in and day out.

GTC Scotland is strongly in favour of teachers exploring technology and using it appropriately in the teaching and learning setting. That said, public trust and the very nature of the work teachers do with children and young people are inseparable.

Therefore the requirement that teachers establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in their relationships with children and young people is just as important online as it is offline.

[added 4 February 2010]

This month at GTCS (February 2010)

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

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 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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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 EDT

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)

GTC Scotland to welcome International Study visitors

Professional Update Consultation

Renewal of Registration 2012-2013

Consultation on the Framework on Teacher Competence

GTC Scotland responds to a Scottish Government consultation

Council Appointments - Appointed Adjudicating Panel Members

Learning Support for Disabled Social Work and Teaching Students: A Guide

A Professional Guidance on the Use of Electronic Communication and Social Media document has been published

Council Election results have been released

Employment Survey Report Probationer Teacher 2010-11

New Look Probationer Website

Professional Update - Meetings

Council Elections 2011 - Candidate statements

Server maintenance - Thursday 10 November

Students can now apply for provisional registration online.

Professional Update - Meeting with teachers

HMRC offer tax support

Natural Change Project - Report Published

Professional Update

GTC Scotland receives a commendation at the Scottish Event Awards

GTC Scotland to hold Professional Update seminar at SLF

GTC Scotland Responds to the McCormac Review

Accomplished Teaching

Teaching Scotland Online: Issue 38, January 2011, is now available.

Welcome |

Battle of Hastings |

Bear this in mind |

An age for reason |

Quest for the magic potion |

Don't burn out |

Download the PDF |

Albania visit

Professional Recognition in Scots Language

Professional Recognition in Scots Language

Natural Change Project Podcast - Nov 2010

This month at GTC Scotland (September 2010)

Around the Country

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops

National Seminar on Accomplished Teaching6 and 7 September, GTC Scotland, Clerwood House

Scottish Learning Festival22 and 23 September, SECC Glasgow and Clyde Auditorium

TIS Information and TIS Administrators Seminar30 September, GTC Scotland, Clerwood House

At the GTCS

National Lecture 2010: Annie Lennox

School Visit to James Gillespies

Latest media reports on teacher job prospects

Review of Teacher Education in Scotland - GTC Scotland response

This month at GTC Scotland (July &August)

Around the Country

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops

National Debate18 August, Holyrood Edinburgh

GTC Scotland National Lecture19 August, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

At the GTCS

Refurbishment works at Clerwood House

Probationer CPD celebrated

Further information

Net generation or not?

New member appointed to GTC Scotland

This month at GTC Scotland (June 2010)

Around the Country

University Finishing Talks

Practice Based Learning Event14 June, Glasgow Caledonian University

The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) Council Meeting16 June, Belfast

Colloquium on Quality Assurance in Teacher Education 21 June, University College Dublin

At the GTCS

Abolition of the General Teaching Council for England

Enterprising Educators Recognised

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Registration, Subject Teaching and Curriculum for Excellence

The Legislative Framework

Our views and curriculum change

This Month at GTCS (May)

Around the Country

Catholic Headteachers Association Scotland Conference6 May, Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff

University Finishing Talks

Flexible Route to Headship - Leadership Conference19 & 20 May, Stirling Management Centre

Professional Recognition Event26 May, Holyrood

At the GTCS

Review of Teacher Education in Scotland

This month at GTCS (April 2010)

National Seminar on Accomplished Teaching
6 and 7 September, GTC Scotland, Clerwood House

Scottish Learning Festival
22 and 23 September, SECC Glasgow and Clyde Auditorium

TIS Information and TIS Administrators Seminar
30 September, GTC Scotland, Clerwood House

National Debate
18 August, Holyrood Edinburgh

GTC Scotland National Lecture
19 August, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh

Practice Based Learning Event
14 June, Glasgow Caledonian University

The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) Council Meeting
16 June, Belfast

Colloquium on Quality Assurance in Teacher Education
21 June, University College Dublin

Catholic Headteachers Association Scotland Conference
6 May, Crieff Hydro Hotel, Crieff

Flexible Route to Headship - Leadership Conference
19 & 20 May, Stirling Management Centre

Professional Recognition Event
26 May, Holyrood

Growing Confidence - Promoting Positive Mental Health & Emotional Well-being event
14 April, Edinburgh City Council

STEC Conference
26 April, University of Strathclyde

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops
30 April, Inverclyde City Council

Information Session for Probationers following the Flexible Route
3 March, Dundee City Council

Professionalism and Conduct Workshops
4 March, Aberdeenshire City Council

Teaching Council Ireland - Council Meeting
22 March, Dublin

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