The University of Aberdeen will tomorrow (Saturday, November 3) host a conference for teachers who are interested in the Chartered Teacher Programme, about to start the programme or who are recent graduates.
Maureen Watt, Minister for Schools and Skills will be addressing the conference on the Government's education priorities.
The conference will provide a unique opportunity in the North of Scotland for experienced teachers to get together to discuss and debate issues relating to improving and enhancing the quality of teaching in our schools.
The Chartered Teacher programme at the University provides an opportunity for experienced teachers to reflect on their practice, to refresh their thinking on approaches to working with pupils and to explore new ideas with colleagues. Some of our Chartered Teacher graduates will be sharing the work they are currently engaged in, such as action research projects based in the classroom through which they are investigating ideas to further improve the learning experience for children.
Ahead of tomorrow's conference, Myra Pearson, Head of School of Education said: "Chartered Teachers have an extremely important leadership role to play in helping to shape the learning and teaching agenda for the future.
"We are looking forward to providing an opportunity for our Chartered Teachers to discuss various teaching-related issues with the Minister."
Other keynote speakers at the conference include Doug Marr, HMIE, who will be talking to the conference about the Leadership Agenda in Scotland and the contribution Chartered Teachers can make. Tom Hamilton, Director of Education Policy at the General Teaching Council for Scotland will also be addressing the conference on the Council's view of the Standard for Chartered Teachers and the issues that might be emerging from the recent review of the Chartered Teacher initiative.
Ms Pearson continued: "With a history of teacher education which can be traced back to 1873, the School of Education at the University of Aberdeen has an impressive pedigree in the initial professional training of teachers and long standing, wide ranging partnerships with local authorities and schools to provide continuing professional development for teachers.
"This professional capability is supported with a commitment to research led teaching in the context of 21st century needs. As such the School has a portfolio of externally funded major research projects of national and international significance including the Scottish Teachers for a New Era initiative and the Inclusive Practice Project."
Tomorrow's conference has been organised in collaboration with local authority partners.