Date 4 July 2014

The Report on Teacher Education published this week is the last in a line of reports into Teacher Education dating back to the Chilver Report in 1980. It makes an unarguable and persuasive case for change.

The report recognises that in Northern Ireland, the function of an education system in supporting the creation of a cohesive society is especially important. The report is underpinned by the expressed commitment of all ITE (Initial Teacher Education) providers to a more shared and integrated approach. The report is measured, mature and reflective. It identifies practical solutions rather than identifying problems. It is a significant and important report.

The example of the changes to teacher education in the Republic of Ireland where denominational colleges are becoming part of university federations shows that change here is both possible and desirable. Roman Catholic Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, welcoming the new institute, said: “…reflects a modern understanding of pluralism”. One, he said, that “should not produce negative rivalry or antagonism or give rise to elitism or social division, or a culture which seeks to maintain positions based on narrow ideologies”.

The example and willingness to change embraced by the Catholic church should now be emulated on this side of the border.

Noreen Campbell, CEO of The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) said:

“This report is significant and has the capacity to advance significantly the provision of teacher education in NI and hence the quality of education on offer to our children and young people. The report notes that the contribution of schools to social reconstruction cannot be over-emphasised.

“The report is clear that maintaining the status quo is not an option. It clearly identifies why change is necessary. The quality of teacher education is the underpinning foundation of a sound education system. The report outlines the functions of education in society: expanding the nation’s intellectual and social capital and initiating young people in the way of life of the community.

“At the moment our divided teacher education provision prepares teachers to teach in a segregated school system which initiates children into a society based on division, a division which is historical and one which we wish to consign to the past.

“The report recognises and accepts the centrality of faith based education in ITE provision and offers options which protects this within a larger framework. More importantly, it makes clear that a system of education which is increasingly shared and educated must be served by teachers who have themselves experienced shared learning and who have been prepared to teach in shared classrooms.

“NICIE understands from our experience in integrated education how important it is to develop teachers who have come through a segregated system to equip them with the skills to maximise the benefit of teaching and learning in diverse and inclusive classrooms.

“The report advises that all teacher education students should, as part of their total programmes and experience, engage in shared education activities and further recommends that DE makes the preparation of new teachers in shared education a significant and compulsory element for all programmes.

“NICIE knows from its experience of developing training which promotes deeper learning in a shared classroom that such training is of the utmost importance.

“This report recognises the importance of teacher education in playing its part in building a united community. It is to be hoped that the outcome from it, will be of meaningful change for the future of our children.”