MUT again calls for teaching council

The Malta Union of Teachers has made another strident call for the setting up of a Teaching Council, which would have various responsibilities related to the standards and development of the profession.

The October edition of the union's publication, The Teacher, says the proposal dates back many years.

"The authorities might have their own proposals to submit, but it is high time that these are forthcoming. Considering that there will be a period of concentrated consultations, it is of the utmost importance that the exercise is put in motion without further delay."

The union believes a teaching council would be of great benefit to the profession, and would be a "major step in the reaffirmation and recognition of teachers' professional status".

The MUT seemed to be on the verge of getting its wish fulfilled when, in 1997, the then minister of education forwarded a draft document on a teaching council to the MUT, which then proposed various amendments.

However, the following minister of education, while expressing himself in favour of a council, stated that it would need amendments to the Education Act.

In 2000, the union says in the editorial, the minister stated that a difficulty existed as to what type of council should be set up, but committed himself to give the matter priority.

"The MUT council regretfully notes that the issue has once again been shelved. Other matters that were not on the agenda have been given precedence.

"The teaching profession needs to be regulated by a Teaching Council that would be responsible for standards of entry to teaching. The council would advise the Minister of Education on all matters relating to the teaching profession for legislative and any other purposes required by the minister. In turn, the minister would refer to the Teaching Coucil on all matters regarding professional development of teachers.

"A teaching council would also be involved in monitoring the professional standards of teaching and initial and in-service teacher education."

The union suggests that the granting, suspension and withdrawal of a teacher's warrant and the administration of the teachers' code of ethics should also be the responsibility of the council.

It says the council should be independent, must be representative of teachers, and the council members accountable to the profession.