GTC Scotland has published digital versions, and rebranded PDF versions, of the Professional Standards for Scotland’s Teachers.
The Professional Standards describe teacher professionalism in Scotland, create a shared language for teachers and set a benchmark for professional competency.
Commenting on the publication, Dr Pauline Stephen, GTC Scotland Chief Executive and Registrar said:
“The teaching profession continues to navigate change, but a constant feature is the Professional Standards. The Standards transcend national policy, supporting teachers to ask critical questions, self-evaluate and use their professional judgement effectively.
“A thorough understanding of the Professional Standards also supports headteachers and other school leaders in their critical role of upholding teaching standards. They use their knowledge of the Standards at all stages of a teacher’s professional journey, first to assess when the Standard for Provisional Registration has been met, then the Standard for Full Registration, and also to identify situations where those standards are no longer being met.
“In all these ways, the Professional Standards ensure and enhance public trust and confidence in the teaching profession.”
In addition to the mandatory Standard for Provisional Registration and Standard for Full Registration, GTC Scotland has aspirational standards which support the professional growth of teachers in Scotland:
- Standard for Career-Long Professional Learning
- Standard for Middle Leadership
- Standard for Headship
The Standard for Provisional Registration has an additional function as the Standard for programmes of initial teacher education.
In 2024, the independent regulator for Scotland's teachers updated their Code of Professionalism and Conduct (COPAC). COPAC sets out key principles and values for registered teachers in Scotland. COPAC sits within the wider framework of the Professional Standards and provides advice and guidelines for teachers.
The rebranded Professional Standards are intended to be easier to access, navigate and search for online. The content of the Professional Standards remains the same, with minor stylistic updates to bring them in line with GTC Scotland’s updated brand.
