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Accreditation of programmes leading to Professional Recognition

GTC Scotland recognises the need for high-quality professional learning and development programmes to ensure that teacher professionalism is maintained and enhanced and that learning experiences are professionally recognised and valued.

We welcome submissions from providers who wish to have their professional learning and development programmes accredited with the award of Professional Recognition if they meet with the required guidelines for accreditation.

Professional Recognition programmes accreditation application form (DOC 25 KB)

What are the requirements for programme accreditation?

There are specific features required to achieve Professional Recognition accreditation that must be embedded within a programme for it to be successfully accredited.

Professional Recognition Programme Accreditation Guidance for Providers

The specific features include:

A clearly articulated rationale for the programme.
Alignment with the national Professional Learning Model.
Enquiry and research and the dispositions required for this as outlined in the Standard for Career-Long Professional Learning or other appropriate Professional Standard.
Alignment to features of enquiry at SCQF level 11.
Focus on the individual’s personal and professional learning and development, linked to the particular area of expertise. This includes a personal self-evaluation process.
Enhanced academic and professional knowledge of the subject/topic/issue.
Enhanced professional actions within the specific educational context and/or the wider educational community.
Critical reflection on the learning and development within the area of expertise.
Clear understanding and analysis of the impact of this learning and development on self/ learners/colleagues’ professional practice.
Evidence of collaborative practice.
Professional discussion with line manager as an integral part of Professional Review and Development (PRD) discussions.
An opportunity for participants to evidence their professional learning as part of the programme.

Helpful links

Professional Recognition accreditation panels

Professional Recognition Accreditation Panels are convened each month. Prior to bringing a programme forward to panel, GTC Scotland will offer a support meeting with a GTC Scotland Officer who will guide you through the process.

Upcoming Professional Recognition panel dates

  • 30 November 2023
  • 14 December 2023
  • 24 January 2024
  • 22 February 2024
  • 28 March 2024
  • 25 April 2024
  • 23 May 2024
  • 26 June 2024
  • 22 August 2024
  • 26 September 2024
  • 31 October 2024
  • 21 November 2024
  • 12 December 2024

What are the next steps for accredited programmes?

Programmes are accredited with Professional Recognition for 5 years with an interim evaluation highlighting any developments and/or enhancements to the content, nature, duration, staffing or structure of the programme.

During this period the accredited programme provider sends GTC Scotland a list of candidates who have completed the programme and who wish to be awarded with Professional Recognition.

Certificates can be sent directly from GTC Scotland to the teachers or the programme providers, should they wish to organise an event to celebrate.

Programme providers can make use of the GTC Scotland Professional Recognition quality mark. They will also be invited to become part of our list of accredited providers for Professional Recognition.

The programme providers must notify GTC Scotland if there are any significant changes in staffing and/or to the structure of the programme during the 5-year period covered by accreditation.

At the end of each 5-year period, re-accreditation is required. The process is very similar and programme providers are asked as part of the application to provide an overarching statement giving an update on the programme across the period of the award, including any changes and developments made.

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