Scottish Government
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Association of Chartered Teachers Scotland

Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, will tomorrow welcome the launch of a professional body representing the interests of Scotland's Chartered Teachers.

Speaking at a formal inauguration ceremony to be attended by around 200 teachers in the Scottish Parliament, the Cabinet Secretary will tell the audience that the time has now come to assess the impact the Chartered Teachers' scheme is having on Scottish education.

She will tell the gathering:

"This is an important time for the Chartered Teacher scheme. Although we have had Chartered Teachers for several years now, it is only in the last two years that we have had sufficient numbers of Chartered Teachers to start assessing their contribution in schools and their impact on learning and teaching.

"It is only right that we look to see the strengths and weaknesses in the Chartered Teacher scheme and work together to improve what we have for the benefit of children and young people."

"That is why I asked HMIE to undertake a review into their impact and we are likely to see the initial results this summer with a fuller analysis next year."

Ms Hyslop will tell the Chartered Teachers that they have an important role or play in leading continued professional development in particular as new learning and teaching approaches under Curriculum for Excellence continue to roll out.

"Curriculum for Excellence will not come about through top-down direction. It is the creativity, ingenuity and confidence of teachers across Scotland that can make Curriculum for Excellence happen and Charted Teachers can help the professional dialogue that is fundamental to tackling the challenge and ensuring success."

There are currently 750 fully qualified Chartered Teachers in Scotland.

The Chartered Teacher programme is designed to:

  • Maximise skills and expertise within the profession
  • Reward experienced teachers who want challenging careers whilst continuing to teach
  • Give teachers greater job satisfaction, professional recognition and better pay.

The Chartered Teacher programme is open to all teachers at the top of the main grade who have maintained a Continuing Professional Development portfolio. There is no cap on the number of teachers who can embark on the programme.

Chartered teachers receive a £6,500 increase to their annual salary.

Chartered teacher status was introduced as part of the 'A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century' agreement between teacher groups, COSLA and Scottish Executive Ministers following the publication of the McCrone report in May 2000.

Related Information

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Education

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