In a report published today, MPs are calling for improvements in the training of teachers in schools and further education following an inquiry into the Training of Teachers by the Children Schools and Families Select Committee.
Professor Muriel Robinson, Principal of Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln and Vice-Chair of GuildHE, commented,
“There are a large proportion of teachers educated through universities and university colleges within the GuildHE community so the matters explored by the Select Committee are important to us – there is much here for Education Departments across higher education to consider and the need to look again at a “new blood” scheme will receive a warm response.
“We are keen to ensure that new teachers are increasingly better prepared and can deliver the best education in our schools. The many teacher training providers within GuildHE have the OFSTED ratings and the research activity to show that they are delivering high quality members of the teaching workforce. They take applicants who have both high level academic skills but equally the right motivation to make a successful career. The proposals to raise the profile and educational support for teachers will be supported by those taking responsibility for their development.
The issue of CPD is rightfully highlighted in the report and GuildHE members will welcome the idea of the Chartered Teacher and for masters level qualifications to become standard as part of the career development. The proposals to ensure skills of supply teachers are better supported are also interesting.
We know that to be effective, good teachers need many important qualities alongside academic excellence, including people skills, professional knowledge and competences and organisational capacity, imagination and determination. Well developed mentoring support in the work place can aid new teachers extend these more demanding skills.
We appreciate the recognition given to the continuing valuable role for higher education in initial training and teacher education – in particular the ideas that Graduate Teacher Programme places should be linked to the offer of a PGCE award, that there is an increased role for subject knowledge in primary education and that a wide range of masters opportunities is needed alongside the Masters in Teaching and Learning.”
For more information, please contact:
Alice Hynes
GuildHE Chief Executive
Tel: 020 7387 7711
Email: alice.hynes@guildhe.ac.uk
Prof Muriel Robinson C/o Ben Rook
Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln
Tel: 01522 583636
Email: ben.rook@bishopg.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
1. The Fourth Report of the Children, Schools and Families Committee ‘Training Students and Universities’ published on Tuesday 9 February 2010 https://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmchilsch.htm
2. GuildHE members are among the most dynamic and fastest-growing institutions in higher education. GuildHE is an inclusive body, with members across universities, university colleges and specialist institutions. The members include many institutions with a specialist mission or subject focus and major providers in teacher education, art and design, music and the performing arts, agriculture, and health.
3. For a list of GuildHE institutions, please click here