HOW TO BECOME A CHARTERED TEACHER
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A Teaching Profession for the 21st Century introduced the new qualification-based grade of Chartered Teacher. Focusing on enhanced professional practice and effectiveness in teaching and learning, Chartered Teacher status is a means of rewarding experienced, high quality teachers who wish to pursue a challenging career while continuing to teach.
The Chartered Teacher will be effective in promoting learning and will be committed to the development of educational excellence in the school and the wider professional community.
This leaflet provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Further information can be found at the various websites listed.
When will Chartered Teacher Programmes become available?
Chartered Teacher Programmes will be available from August 2003. Providers of Chartered Teacher Programmes will be accredited by the GTCS. A list of approved providers will be published in the summer and regularly updated by the GTCS.
Can I automatically become a Chartered Teacher?
No. You can only become a Chartered Teacher by following one of the routes outlined in the GTCS leaflet "Taking the First Steps to becoming a Chartered Teacher". This leaflet is available on the GTCS website www.gtcs.org.uk
How will my previous learning and experience count if I decide to embark on a Chartered Teacher Programme?
There is a clear commitment to give credit for prior learning both formal and/or experiential. Further details about accreditation of prior learning are available in the partner leaflet "Taking the First Steps to Becoming a Chartered Teacher" issued to all teachers by the GTCS.
What are the likely costs of Chartered Teacher Programmes?
We expect a range of fees to be charged for Chartered Teacher Programmes and modules. Providers recognise costs must be affordable and attractive to teachers. They currently estimate these falling between 300-800 per module.
Who will pay for the Chartered Teacher programmes?
The payment of fees for the Chartered Teacher Programme and modules will ultimately be the responsibility of the individual teacher.
When will I receive my salary increments?
Teachers will receive salary increments on the successful completion of every two modules:
Salary Point | Increase | Modules completed |
Top of Main Grade | 28,707 | | |
CT1 | 29,601 | 894 | 2 |
CT2 | 30,600 | 999 | 4 |
CT3 | 31,299 | 699 | 6 |
CT4 | 32,601 | 1,302 | 8 |
CT5 | 33,900 | 1,299 | 10 |
CT6 | 35,199 | 1,299 | 12 |
Total Increase | 6,492 | | |
I am already on salary point CT3. When will my salary increments take effect?
Assistant Principal Teachers and Senior Teachers will, for salary purposes only, be placed on point 3 of the Chartered Teacher range in August 2003. A teacher who has been placed on point 3 of the scale, for salary purposes only, would have to be given credit for, or complete, a total of eight modules before she/he would receive the first salary increment to point 4 on the range.
Does time spent on the Chartered Teacher Programme count towards the additional 35-hour contractual CPD commitment? The Chartered Teacher Programme is entirely voluntary and is attached to significant financial incentive. While on occasions there may be elements of overlap between the learning outcomes of contractual CPD and the competences outlined in the Standard for Chartered Teacher, the programme itself is essentially distinct from teachers' contractual commitment. There may be cases, however, where an element of the Chartered Teacher Programme addresses development objectives agreed through the individual's annual professional review. In these circumstances, and where agreement has been reached between teachers and managers, that part of the programme might justifiably count towards the 35 hours. Will Chartered Teachers have to continue to maintain the Standard once it has been achieved? Yes. Like all teachers, qualified Chartered Teachers will be required to undertake 35 hours of CPD each year. The professional review and development process will ensure CPD enables Chartered Teachers to maintain and improve upon the Standard for Chartered Teacher. The Scottish Executive, local authorities, teacher organisations and the General Teaching Council for Scotland are discussing specific CPD needs and means of maintaining best professional practice among Chartered Teachers. |
Useful links
Continuing Professional Developmentwww.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/cpd.pdf
Standard for Chartered Teacherwww.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/sfct.pdf
Chartered Teacher: Frequently Asked Questionswww.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/ctfaqs.pdf
Professional Review and Development 2002www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/prd.pdf
Professional Review and Development: Frequently Asked Questionswww.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/prdfaq.pdf
Other useful website links
www.gtcs.org.uk
www.ctprogrammescotland.org.uk
www.teachinginscotland.com
www.eis.org.uk
