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Issue 31

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Teaching Scotland journalist

Recognition for our efforts is something we can all benefit from.

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A simple recognition of a job well done is often enough to lift the spirits of a pupil in the classroom. At least it normally raises a smile, at best it can improve self belief and lead to a whole change in attitude.

And, according to Rosa Murray, a professional officer at GTC Scotland, teachers are no different.

Acknowledging hard work

In what can often be perceived a target-driven profession, this may seem like an ephemeral return, but Rosa believes it is still a cornerstone of the Professional Recognition programme.

"Professional Recognition is the best way to acknowledge the fantastic work carried out by teachers. The boost it can give to a teacher, who has perhaps spent years acquiring and applying their expertise to great effect, can be a great catalyst," said Rosa.

"It is the perfect way to help them to improve themselves, their practice, their colleagues and the experience of pupils. But not only that, it may be the inspiration needed to pursue Chartered Teacher status and it will almost certainly stand them in good stead in their careers."

Providing focus and motivation

As Dhamyanthi Sangarabalan, who teaches in Blackhall in Edinburgh, acknowledged, Professional Recognition can provide focus and motivation. Dhamyanthi said: "Gaining Professional Recognition allowed me to focus my CPD on my particular passion and to use my enhanced skills and knowledge to lead global education in my school in Scotland."

And while the programme may not provide some of the financial benefits associated with other professional development, it can certainly be a stepping stone. Jill Allen, who was recently recognised, said: "The recognition doesn't bring monetary benefits, but I think it may help toward Chartered Teacher or teachers wishing to enhance their CV."

Positive impacts

As well as the personal benefits, the programme also has a positive impact on colleagues, pupils and the school. It can create, develop and provide momentum behind a culture of betterment and continuous improvement.

"Enhancing the quality of mentoring in school has fostered a culture of professional dialogue"

Depute head of Northfield Academy, Michael Will, said: "Eighteen teachers professionally recognised as mentors demonstrates the very professional, skilled and dedicated staff we have here. Enhancing the quality of mentoring in school has fostered a culture of professional dialogue among all staff and raised standards across the curriculum, which is core to successful school improvement and ensuring better outcomes for all learners as we face the challenges ahead."

As Rosa said: "Within a school, Professional Recognition not only enhances the practice of one teacher. It encourages collaboration and fosters a culture of distributed leadership, creating a genuine natural flow of knowledge and professional practice."

Applying for Professional Recognition

The process of applying for Professional Recognition is very straightforward:

Our best-kept secret

GTC Scotland's Professional Recognition Programme is perhaps the organisation's best-kept secret. In 2008, 229 teachers were awarded recognition, a tiny fraction of the total registered. Rosa is convinced that many, many more teachers would be eligible for recognition if they were aware of the programme.

Professional Recognition can be awarded across a huge range of topics

Rosa said: "A commitment to lifelong learning and personal development and enquiry is at the heart of being a learning profession. What Professional Recognition provides is an acknowledgement of that learning and its impact on the teacher, pupils and colleagues within a particular area of expertise."

Professional Recognition can be awarded across a huge range of topics, from mentoring to sustainable development, from applying technology to additional support needs. Rosa and the team at GTC Scotland are flexible and are constantly looking to expand and develop categories within the programme to encourage people to seek recognition, while maintaining and raising professional standards.

"Every day of every term, thousands of teachers are developing areas of expertise and they should be recognised. The GTC Scotland Professional Recognition Programme is the perfect way to do this."

Your views

Teachers who have been awarded recognition said:

"I was pleased to be awarded Professional Recognition in Sustainable Development as I strongly feel in today's world this should be at the heart of a child's education if we are to create responsible citizens, who can work as a team, to challenge climate change; without a planet for our future generations to enjoy, the rest doesn't matter." Kirsty Rosie

"Personally, I would recommend Professional Recognition to all teachers"

"Achieving Professional Recognition in Sustainable Development Education provided professional acknowledgement of the work undertaken within my role as eco co-ordinator (since 2005), improved my expertise in Sustainable Development, and is enabling me to consolidate the linking together of school, local and national priorities within our Environmental Education and Eco-Schools programmes." Cathryn Featherstone

"Personally, I would recommend Professional Recognition to all teachers. The application process in itself is very rewarding and helped me discover that the possibilities for CPD are endless - it doesn't just have to mean going on a course!" Sarah Brough.

Readers' poll

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In this issue of the magazine, we asked readers if they would consider Professional Recognition to be a benefit to their career.

66% of voters said Professional Recognition has been a benefit to their career.

Related websites

www.gtcs.org.uk/professionalrecognition

37% OF VOTERS SAY

they do feel that fostering a sense of global citizenship in the classroom can have a long-term, positive effect on the wider world?

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Latest comment...

would like to knowthe GTCS view on this scenario. I agree with Steve its a last option!