From education to employment

Nearly 10,000 attain QTLS status, says IfL

Nearly 10,000 teachers and trainers in the FE and skills sector have attained Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) status, according to the Institute for Learning (IfL).

More than 2,000 people were awarded the status in the last professional cycle that ended last month, after a change in the law on 1 April 2012 recognised QTLS staff as qualified to teach in schools as well as in FE.

IfL chief executive Toni Fazaeli said 90 per cent of applicants were successful in achieving the grade this time.

“The majority of those who have been through professional formation so far have chosen to do so as a commitment to their professionalism, rather than being required to do so, as they had already been teaching in the sector before the regulations were introduced in 2007,” said Fazaeli.

“Members tell us that they feel very motivated by having the chance to gain professional status and recognition. Of the 2,579 teachers who responded to a survey, 78 per cent said that the process of professional formation definitely improved their confidence in teaching and 74 per cent said that it had improved the effectiveness of their practice, for example, as evidenced through higher observation grades.

“Young and adult learners alike deserve high-quality, professional teaching, and having professional status through IfL provides learners with assurance. Thousands of 14 to 19-year-olds are learning vocational subjects in schools, often in partnership with further education, and the case has been made and won that they should be able to benefit from being taught by highly qualified teachers from the FE sector, dual professionals whose commitment to continuing professional development ensures that they stay up to date.”

Natalie Thornhill

(Pictured: IfL CEO Toni Fazaeli)


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