The revised standards, a key element of the “new professionalism” for teachers, will replace existing classroom teacher standards from September 2007. This is the first clear, progressive framework of standards to help teachers plan their careers and identify their future development with their line managers.

The standards set out the professional attributes, knowledge and understanding, and skills expected at each stage of a teacher’s career.

The standards have been drawn up for the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and, together with revised performance management arrangements and the new national strategy for supporting teachers’ Continuing Professional Development, are part of the Government’s package of support for new teacher professionalism. 
TDA Chief Executive Graham Holley said:

“The revised standards are a significant step forward in helping teachers make the most of their abilities and helping schools make the most of their staff. The standards will act as backdrop to the revised performance management arrangements, helping teachers identify how they need to develop professionally to progress in their careers; and enable fair and consistent decisions to be made as they do so”.

The professional standards for teachers can be found at: http://www.tda.gov.uk/standards . Hard copies are available to download or order.

Notes for editors

1. The standards do not replace the professional duties contained in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document, which set out the roles and responsibilities of teachers.
   
   
2. As now, to access each career stage a teacher will need to demonstrate that he/she has met the relevant standards. The process for this varies depending on the standard concerned. For example, teachers seeking Excellent Teacher or Advanced Skills Teacher (AST) status need to apply and be assessed through an external assessment process: teachers seeking to cross the threshold are assessed by their headteacher. The standards for Post Threshold Teachers, Excellent Teachers and ASTs are pay standards and teachers who are assessed as meeting them also access the relevant pay scale.
   
   
3. All the standards are underpinned by the five key outcomes for children and young people identified in Every Child Matters and the six areas of the Common core of skills and knowledge for the children’s workforce.  Further information can be found at:  http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/
   
   
4. The Secretary of State for Education and Skills asked the TDA to bring coherence to the occupation and professional standards throughout the school workforce; provide clear, high quality guidance to schools on Professional Standards and give leadership to local authorities; monitor the quality and coverage of Professional Standards and help shape national CPD strategy and priorities; and coordinate specific CPD programmes where appropriate.
   
   
5. Prior to 16 July 2007 the pay standards are subject to Parliamentary approval.

The Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) was established under the Education Act 2005. Its responsibilities relate to England only.
 
The TDA’s principal aim is to secure an effective school workforce that raises educational standards, provides every child with the opportunity to develop their potential and thereby improve children’s life chances.  It will continue its work with schools and local authorities to support implementation in 2007/08.

Media enquiries

TDA media relations team tel: 020 7023 8080
Out of hours: 07771 934629
E-mail: mediarelations@tda.gov.uk

Teaching enquiries

People interested in becoming a teacher should visit www.teach.gov.uk or contact the Teaching Information Line (tel: 0845 6000 991 – 992 for Welsh speakers; minicom: 01245 454343).

General TDA enquiries

Tel: 0870 4960 123