Minister welcomes new Teaching code of practice

Education Minister Barry Gardiner has welcomed the launch of the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland’s (GTCNI) Code of Values and Professional Practice, saying that it would further enhance the status of teaching as a profession.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, which was attended by representatives from across the education sector, Mr Gardiner said the educational environment was continually changing to meet the challenges it faced.

“These changes place additional responsibilities on all the education partners, not just teachers, and society has to recognise that the teaching profession alone cannot address all the issues,” the Minister said.

“Today marks an important landmark for the GTCNI and the teaching profession. I believe that the Code now produced by GTCNI is a powerful affirmation by the profession of its commitment to the young people of Northern Ireland. Teachers are the keepers of tomorrow, and in shaping our young people, they help to shape tomorrow’s world. Society must acknowledge that and support them in their work.

Mr Gardiner said the Council had an important role to play in taking forward changes to the education system and, with the introduction of the Code, it would serve to “enhance the status of teaching as a profession, provide a collective view to which all teachers can subscribe, and promote their ownership of the Council”.

The Minister also referred to the work currently being carried out by two working groups established by the Council and arising from the Teacher Education Conference in April 2003.

“These issues directly impact on the professional development of teachers and it is therefore appropriate for the Council to take them forward. I am appreciative of the work of the groups so far and look forward to receiving their advice and views in 2005,” he concluded.

(MB)