Professionalism in Challenging Times Sue Colquhoun Head of Professional Status Institute for Learning

Challenges? 25% cuts in FE ITT funding at risk Teaching qualifications review Skills strategy policy Professional body fees QTLS recognition in schools

A definition of professionalism “It is because professionals face complex and unpredictable situations that they need a specialised body of knowledge; if they are to apply that knowledge, … they need autonomy to make their own judgements. Given that autonomy, it is essential that they act with responsibility; collectively they need to develop appropriate professional values” Furlong et al (2000 : 5) cited by Jocelyn Robson in ‘Teacher Professionalism in Further and Higher Education’, (2006 : 11)

Why professional development? The hallmark of the professional is public recognition that they are ‘remaining in good professional standing’: teachers and trainers are professionals The dual professional in FE and skills needs to keep up to date and be excellent in their vocational pedagogy for the benefit of learners and the economy

Professional Knowledge Emerging Technology Professional Body Membership Awarding Bodies SSCs Subject Specialism Context Appraisal or Review Peer LEARNER External Inspection Self Assessment Policy Initiatives External Networks The dual professional model Professional Knowledge Curriculum Networks Emerging Technology Professional Body Membership Support Agencies Organisational Priorities Teaching & Learning Dual Prof P1 P2 CPD

What we have seen (CPD Review 2010) A continued increase in the commitment to CPD A significant increase in the number sharing CPD with colleagues Those in teacher training and teacher educators leading the way

What was said about CPD IfL gave us a revelation - we are dual professionals, this gives us great pride and ambition for getting our teacher qualifications and CPD -WBL provider in Midlands IfL is amazing, it has transformed our focus on CPD and we do so much more now and our learners benefit -Curriculum managers from College in Eastern Region I think IfL as the professional body is absolutely right. I wanted to join too! - Principal of College in East Midlands I wasn’t sure in 2007, and our commitment was that IfL as the professional body was right in principle. We are convinced now, and IfL offers huge value and achieves things for teaching and training that we never could as an individual college - College leadership, South West

Professional status is important ‘my passion for lifelong learning has taken me in all directions: engineering, management and teaching. The award of QTLS recognises these achievements and I feel honoured that IfL has recognised my professionalism, motivation and desire to always give my best to my students’ Michael Woods, RN air purification instructor

Professional Status QTS & QTLS equivalence publication of Wolf Report, March 2011 & acceptance of equivalence current consultation & review of schools teachers’ regulations implications for FE trained teachers with QTLS legislation April 2012?

Useful in a time of change –Benefits : professional development helps an individual remain flexible, responsive and adaptable – career enhancement –Status: professional development keeps up standards of practice through difficult times –Voice: recognised professionals provide an authoritative voice to influence policy decision making

Keep in touch in challenging times Sue Colquhoun Head of Professional Status Institute for Learning