New Zealand Teachers Council

01 February 2002

New Zealand Teachers Council

Yesterday they were Teacher Registration Board staff, today they are employed by the Teachers Council. This morning the staff held a ceremony to celebrate the change. It is more than a change of name. The prime task of the Board was to register teachers. The Council is charged with professional leadership.

“Its launch is good news for the profession”, says Kathie Irwin, chair of the Council. “We already have a valuable teaching force. Our task is to enhance that. It is an exciting task. The creation of a sound knowledge society relies upon vibrant, confident teachers who can provide the necessary learning for the country’s young people.”

The Council will be launched by Trevor Mallard, Minister of Education on 19th February. Kathie Irwin says “we will spend the next day visioning and getting to know one another. I have my vision and I know the other ten members of the Council will have theirs. It will be great to give them a coherence that will enable the Council to fulfil its leadership role.”

“This morning Council staff shared their dreams and hopes for the Council with one another and with me. It was an exhilarating moment. I look forward to the first Council meeting and the times ahead.”

An early task for the Council is to organise elections for four position on the Council. At present these positions are filled by people nominated by the Minister. It is not till the elections have been held that the full powers of the Council will come into being.

“The transition time will give us an opportunity to communicate and interact with the profession,” she concluded.

ENDS

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