Hekia Parata

13 July, 2012

Review of Teachers� Council to begin

Education Minister Hekia Parata has today announced the chair and members of the committee that will review the role and functions of the New Zealand Teachers� Council as part of the Government�s programme of work to lift student achievement.

�The goal is to ensure that the Teachers� Council is a strong, professional body that will set and enforce high standards, promote effective teaching practice, develop the professional community of teachers, and lead public discussion on education issues,� Ms Parata says.

�The Teachers� Council Review Committee will investigate the council�s current capability to focus on these roles, and on what structural and legislative arrangements might be needed to ensure effectiveness.�

Pauline Winter has been appointed chair of the committee and Dr Judith Aitken, John Morris, Robyn Baker and Jonathan Krebs members.

�The committee has skills and expertise right across education, business, the State Sector, and professional bodies. They�ll seek input from a wide range of stakeholders, and report to me at the end of October.

�This Government is determined to lift student achievement, and we know that quality teaching has the biggest in-school impact on achievement,� Ms Parata says.

�Strong professional leadership, distinct from government or industrial organisations, will achieve a great deal in lifting the status and profile of teaching as a career for the 21st century.�