Victorian Institute Of Teaching Welcomes Proposal To Strengthen Role

Media Release, 22 August 2008

Institute Welcomes Proposal to Strengthen Role

Victorian Institute of Teaching Chairperson Susan Halliday today welcomed plans to extend and strengthen the Institute's role as the regulator of the teaching profession.

The proposed reforms follow a comprehensive review of the Institute's achievements and work with all Victorian teachers across government, Catholic and independent schools.

"The Institute welcomes the Education Minister's detailed and considered response to the review," Ms Halliday said.

"We look forward to working with the government to strengthen and broaden the Institute's role as a leading contemporary regulator for the teaching profession."

Ms Halliday said that since its inception in 2002, the Institute has developed a standards-based registration system that includes regular criminal record checks for all Victorian teachers, and established profession-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and the integrity of the profession.

"The Institute has worked with teachers to develop a Code of Ethics, a Code of Conduct, and Standards of Professional Practice to guide the practice of all Victorian teachers." she said.

"We have established Australia's first state-wide, coordinated mentoring and induction program for all new teachers, which is a critical step in supporting the next generation of teaching professionals."

Ms Halliday thanked all those teachers, education stakeholders and community members involved in the work of the Institute and those who took the time to take part in the review.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Chairperson
Susan Halliday
0417 663 396

CEO
Andrew Ius
0419 313 231

SOURCE: Victorian Institute of Teaching