Written Question · S1W-22927 · Session 1
Further to the answer to question S1W-22288 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether there is a standard teaching qualification fo…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-22288 by Ms Wendy Alexander on 7 February 2002, whether there is a standard teaching qualification for academic staff in further education establishments and what requirement there is for applicants to possess any such qualification prior to their appointment to an academic post in a further education establishment, detailing the reasons for the position on this matter.
The answer
Various courses are available leading to the award of a Teaching Qualification (Further Education), ranging in level from certificate of education to Master's degree. Courses are not standard but each is based on and incorporates the core competencies for further education lecturers specified in the National Guidelines on Provision Leading to the Teaching Qualification (Further Education) and Related Professional Development (April 1997). There is no requirement for all academic staff in further education colleges to possess a teaching qualification on appointment. This reflects the diversity of appointments within the sector, where contracts may range from a couple of hours a week to full-time and permanent. Following appointment, all teaching staff are encouraged to pursue programmes of study leading to appropriate qualifications in teaching.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-22927 by reference.