GTC Scotland has released a statement following online abuse some teachers have faced recently for the work they do to tackle discrimination in their schools and local communities.
In the statement Dr Pauline Stephen, Chief Executive and Registrar said:
Recently, teachers were subjected to abuse online for the work they do to tackle discrimination in their schools and local communities.
I repeat the General Teaching Council for Scotland’s statement following last month’s abhorrent online abuse: this is unacceptable.
Most teachers have a personal story that has influenced their decision to teach.
For some, like me, this starts with an inspirational teacher from their own years at school who planted an early seed about an exciting career in education.
And for others, it’s a desire to ensure that children today don’t have to suffer the bullying and abuse that they themselves may have experienced. Abuse for simply looking different or sounding different or wearing different clothes.
In Scotland, GTC Scotland supports the teaching profession to set their own professional standards.
This includes the professional values of social justice, trust and respect, and integrity. Our values speak to the profession’s aspiration for a world free from discrimination.
Our Standards require teachers to understand how to take account and adapt their teaching to their learners’ context.
Anti-racist education aligns with teachers’ Professional Standards.
Inclusive and diverse curricula align with teachers’ Professional Standards.
LGBTQ+ pupil action groups align with teacher’s Professional Standards.
Through their leadership, teachers are moving their profession, and society, closer to realising their aspiration for a world free from discrimination.
They need the support of others to do this.
