College lecturer and course director, Joyce Chen, joined 97 other teachers to become the first in the country to achieve Chartered Teacher Status at a graduation ceremony held at the City of London School for Girls at the Barbican.
Joyce became part of the first cohort to achieve the national standard, which recognised outstanding teaching awarded by the Chartered College of Teaching. She undertook a 14-month rigorous programme of learning and assessments to showcase their knowledge and expertise.
The status, which bestows the post-nominals ‘CTeach’, demonstrates an individual’s excellent knowledge and practice as a teacher along with a commitment to professional growth, collaboration and development. The new Chartered Teachers work across all school phases with on average 10 years of teaching experience.
Joyce said: ‘As a chartered teacher, I would like to say that teachers who work in the FE sector are hardworking, diverse and resilient. It is time to recognise and be proud of FE teachers’ professionalism and commitment. Teaching is not only a job but a lifelong career which has a key role to educate and inspire others.’
During the ceremony, graduates heard from Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Sir Tim Brighouse and Professor Sam Twiselton, Vice President of the Chartered College of Teaching.
Professor Dame Alison Peacock, Chief Executive of the Chartered College of Teaching said:
‘Our first Chartered Teachers are pioneers for a new trailblazing opportunity for generations of teachers. Design and accreditation of our CTeach programme has been a major part of our collective endeavour to rebuild the professional status of teaching. These teachers take with them into their school confidence born out of rigorous study and a commitment to share this knowledge in the spirit of collaboration.
Congratulations to all that have achieved this prestigious qualification, your success will help to make an alternative high-status future a reality for other teaching professionals.’
David Russell, Chief Executive of the Education and Training Foundation, said:
‘On behalf of everyone at the Education and Training Foundation (ETF), I would like to congratulate all of those graduating today. To become a chartered teacher is an immense accomplishment and proves that they are amongst the very best in the profession.
Today should be seen as a very proud and confident moment for the whole Further Education and Training sector. With over 50 teachers and trainers from all parts of the sector becoming Chartered Teachers through gaining Advanced Teacher Status, it shows the high levels of mastery, dedication and professionalism of so many. By improving the quality of lives of their learners, institutions and communities, the impact they have should rightly be recognised in this way.
I would also like to thank the Chartered College of Teaching who we work closely in partnership with. We are both committed to supporting high-quality education and supporting teachers and trainers to be the very best they can be.’