1. MEXICAN DELEGATION VISIT TO
4 April 2019
MEXICAN DELEGATION VISIT TO
THE OECD
Presentation by:
John Bangs, Assistant Secretary
(Education, Equality and Professional Development)
National Union of Teachers
(England and Wales)

2. “The NUT has an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience from which to draw. For over a 130 years, the National Union of Teachers has had a unique record in promoting positive progress in education. Our policies have enhanced the lives of children, young people and their teachers.”
Education is a fundamental right. All children and young people have a right to high quality education. Education is central to the personal development and health of young people. It encourages them to think and acquire knowledge. Education enables young people to make sense and contribute to society. At the heart of education are teachers. Teachers inspire young people and unlock their potential. Teachers enrich their countries and societies.
As a human right, education is special. It promotes other rights and responsibilities. Globally, and at home, education can play a central role in the elimination of poverty. It has the power to help liberate not only individuals, but also whole groups of people. These ideas have underpinned the policies and practices of the National Union of Teachers for over years.

3. WHY SHOULD TEACHER UNIONS BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN EDUCATION REFORM?
Reforms cannot be effectively delivered by top down mandate.
Teachers have to be able to own reforms if those reforms are to be embedded.
If reforms are to be embedded, then members of the NUT have to feel that it is acting for them professionally and educationally.
Ownership is not just about reform, but about the NUT.

4. THE NUT’S EXPERIENCE
It is worth engaging with government policy developments.
Sometimes, you have to ‘box’ and sometimes you have to ‘dance’.
Partnerships have to recognise pluralism.
No – or no, but? or yes, but?

5. WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER?
“The quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.” (McKinsey and Company, 2007)
Basic motivation – making a positive difference to young people’s lives.
Empathy with/consistency of approach to young people.
A training and development strategy owned by teachers.
A quality Initial Teaching Training/Masters Degree continuum.
A selection procedure on entry to teaching based on high quality.
Deep knowledge of subject discipline.
Deep knowledge of pedagogy/ability to adapt pedagogy to pupil needs.
Understanding and knowledge of pupil behaviour and classroom organisation and the need for a consistent relationship with pupils.
The ability to work with colleagues within the context of clear aims and objectives for the school.

6. THE NUT’S CONTRIBUTION TO TEACHER QUALITY
The NUT provides a high quality professional development programme for its members.
It participates fully in the UK Government’s Union Learning Fund.
It argues for a Professional Council for Teachers
A collective bank of teaching practice owned by teachers from which teachers can draw.
The development of a Professional Charter for Teachers.
An entitlement to high quality professional development, from entry to retirement, for all teachers.
Pedagogic leaders for all schools.
A guaranteed entitlement for all teachers to funded professional development.