Created on: 06 Nov 2012 | Last modified: 25 Aug 2015
6th November 2012
The EIS has welcomed today’s announcement of a new National Implementation Group to address the recommendations of the Teaching Scotland’s Future Report.
Commenting following the Minister for Learning’s announcement of the new Group, EIS General Secretary Larry Flanagan said,
"The EIS welcomes the Scottish Government’s agreement to teacher representation on the new National Implementation Group as we believe that it is essential that the teachers' voice is part of the on-going dialogue around developing and supporting the profession."
"Whilst consensus exists around some elements of the forthcoming agenda, there are tensions also, not least in the area of resourcing, and these can only be resolved though discussion and debate."
On the announcement of £3 million in funding to support teachers studying to Masters level, Mr Flanagan said: "While we welcome the investment of £3 million to support Masters level study, the EIS continues to believe that the Scottish Government’s decision to close the Chartered Teacher programme was a hasty mistake which pre-empted the work of both the National Partnership Group and the new National Implementation Group.
"Allocating money to encourage teachers to pursue a Masters level qualification, while closing down an internationally-acclaimed programme that encouraged Masters level study, is an irony that will not be lost on Scottish teachers.
"If the Scottish Government is serious about pursuing an all-Masters qualified teaching profession, they will also need to talk to the EIS about appropriate Masters level pay."
Mr Flanagan went on to add, "The EIS looks forward to constructive engagement on all of the issues with the Scottish Government and other stakeholders through the National Implementation Group."