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| Teachers Council replaces TRB- letter to teachers |
June 18, 2002 |
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23 May 2002
Dear Teachers
The Education Standards Act 2001 established the New Zealand Teachers Council, marking the culmination of over 50 years of progress towards creating a professional organisation, controlled by teachers, to represent all teachers. This Council is committed to raising the status of the teaching profession and valuing teachers and their unique contribution to society.
The Council replaces the Teacher Registration Board (TRB) and will work to provide professional leadership, promote wise teaching practice, register teachers, provide quality assurance for teacher education programmes, develop a code of ethics for teachers, exercise disciplinary functions in relation to misconduct, and work to enhance the status of teachers. This work will help contribute to a safe and high quality teaching and learning environment for children and other learners.
This letter and the accompanying news release are being sent to update teachers on the transition from the TRB to the Teachers Council. We are also contacting the wider education community to ensure that members have the opportunity to learn about the role and function of the new Council and eventually have an opportunity to take part in the work of the Council.
The Teachers Council, which will take up its full responsibilities after teachers elect their representatives to the Council later this year, will comprise 11 members. Four will be elected by teachers; the NZEI, PPTA and School Trustees Association each nominate a member; and the remaining four members, including the chair are appointed by the Minister of Education.
To ensure that as many teachers as possible will vote, the Council will contact registered teachers individually to update the database so that they can receive nomination information, and subsequently, voting documents. Teachers will receive an information pack in the mail within the next few weeks outlining the process for the election of Teachers Council representatives and further information about the role and function of the Council.
Today, the Government has provided $400,000 for the current financial year, with further funding reducing over the next four years, to help establish the New Zealand Teachers Council. However, as an independent professional body the Council is expected to be self-funding. From July, the professional fee will be $120 for a three-year Practising Certificate and will enable the Council to take up its wider responsibilities. Even the functions of the old TRB could not be covered by the $60 registration fee. Indeed, it was insufficient to cover its costs and for the last three years it has had to run deficit budgets, which it funded from diminishing reserves.
The professional fee is essential to enable the Council to fulfil its legislative obligations and take steps to implement the vision of an independent Council for teachers, of teachers and by teachers. The Council is exploring the possibility of the fee being paid annually instead of triennially. This exploration might take some time.
The Teachers Council is committed to listening to teachers so that it can properly represent them. Teachers can give feedback to the Council or obtain further information from Teachers Council or by phoning the Teachers Council on 04 472 6031.
Yours sincerely
Harvey McQueen
Interim Director
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