Changing teachers: A critical review of recent policies affecting the professional training and qualifications of teachers in schools, colleges and universities in England

Abstract

Significant policy change in the field of teacher training and development in England has affected teachers in all phases of education over the last decade. Increased government requirements for accountability and scrutiny have resulted in, for example, the introduction of professional standards for teachers in schools, colleges and universities. However, the content of these changes has varied and there are clear differences in their impact on each group of teachers. This article critically reviews the main changes affecting the teaching profession in each sector and clarifies the agencies involved, their roles and origins. The authors conclude that the government’s piecemeal approach to teacher training and development has created some serious anomalies. These are illustrated by the current position of the further education teacher, in particular, whose work may overlap with the work of teachers in both of the other sectors. © 2002 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.