New education body will need to protect youngest citizens

1 November 2013

New education body will need to continue to protect and nurture our youngest citizens

Safe and high quality learning that protects and nurtures the development of children and young people needs to remain the hallmark of the new professional body for teachers.

"The formation of an independent statutory body is the next step in continuing to build on the world-class registration, rigorous disciplinary processes and professional leadership already established for teachers by the Teachers Council," says the Chair, Alison McAlpine.

"Independence from Government will enable us to build on the significant gains we have already made to enhance professional leadership and establish strong regulatory and disciplinary processes for teachers in recent years.

“It is critical that teachers own the new professional body and this will only be achieved if teachers recognise it as a truly independent statutory body.

"In the meantime, we will continue to build on our achievements, such as the implementation of robust standards and appraisal systems to assess teacher competence.

"To provide public assurance, we will continue to hold teachers to account through vigilant screening of teachers entering the profession, those registering for the first time and those renewing registration.

"Our support for the teaching profession is unwavering as we continue our work in ensuring high quality applicants are accepted into teacher education programmes, providing effective induction and mentoring, and through professional leadership for experienced teachers.

"It is critical that there is a strong representation of registered teachers supplemented by appropriate representation outside the teaching workforce to the governing body. This will ensure the perspectives of both the profession and public will be heard.

"Our priority is to continue to evolve the work we have done to support safe and high quality learning for all New Zealanders.

"We look forward to this new phase in New Zealand's education future," says Ms McAlpine.

ENDS

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