Accreditation of programmes leading to Professional Recognition

Introduction

GTC Scotland recognises the need for high-quality professional learning and development programmes to ensure that teacher professionalism is maintained and enhanced and that learning experiences are professionally recognised and valued.

We welcome submissions from providers who wish to have their professional learning and development programmes accredited with the award of Professional Recognition if they meet with the required guidelines for accreditation.

Pausing of Professional Recognition

GTC Scotland is pausing the Professional Recognition of programmes and individuals from April 2025. Registrants who already hold this award will not be impacted. Find out more.

Professional Recognition programmes accreditation application form

Programme accreditation requirements

There are specific features required to achieve Professional Recognition accreditation that must be embedded within a programme for it to be successfully accredited.

Professional Recognition accreditation guidance for providers

The specific features include:

A clearly articulated rationale for the programme

Alignment with the national Professional Learning model

Enquiry and research and the dispositions required for this as outlined in the Standard for Career-Long Professional Learning or other appropriate Professional Standard

Alignment to features of enquiry at SCQF level 11

Focus on the individual’s personal and professional learning and development, linked to the particular area of expertise; this includes a personal self-evaluation process

Enhanced academic and professional knowledge of the subject, topic and/or issue

Enhanced professional actions within the specific educational context and/or the wider educational community

Critical reflection on the learning and development within the area of expertise

Clear understanding and analysis of the impact of this learning and development on self, learners and/or colleagues’ professional practice

Evidence of collaborative practice

Professional discussion with line manager as an integral part of Professional Review and Development (PRD) discussions

An opportunity for participants to evidence their professional learning as part of the programme

Helpful links

Professional Recognition accreditation panels

Professional Recognition Accreditation Panels are convened each month. Prior to bringing a programme forward to panel, GTC Scotland will offer a support meeting with a GTC Scotland Officer who will guide you through the process.

Upcoming Professional Recognition panel dates

21 November 2024
12 December 2024

Next steps for accredited programmes

Programmes are accredited with Professional Recognition for 5 years with an interim evaluation highlighting any developments and/or enhancements to the content, nature, duration, staffing or structure of the programme.

During this period the accredited programme provider sends GTC Scotland a list of candidates who have completed the programme and who wish to be awarded with Professional Recognition.

Certificates can be sent directly from GTC Scotland to the teachers or the programme providers, should they wish to organise an event to celebrate.

Programme providers can make use of the GTC Scotland Professional Recognition quality mark. They will also be invited to become part of our list of accredited providers for Professional Recognition (link below).

The programme providers must notify GTC Scotland if there are any significant changes in staffing and/or to the structure of the programme during the 5-year period covered by accreditation.

At the end of each 5-year period, re-accreditation is required. The process is very similar and programme providers are asked as part of the application to provide an overarching statement giving an update on the programme across the period of the award, including any changes and developments made.

Accredited providers of Professional Recognition programmes