The Prince’s Teaching Institute, which is leading the development of the proposals, has published a discussion document seeking views from teachers and school leaders.
It sets out ideas for the establishment of a new, member-driven College of Teaching and the role it should play in teachers’ professional lives.
After holding an exploratory workshop last year, the PTI has created a commission of senior individuals with experience of professional bodies as well as a teachers’ committee to help drive the idea forward.
The discussion document includes views on the activities on which the College should focus, what membership would entail, whether it should advise policy-makers on curriculum, assessment and inspection, whether it should provide the voice of the profession on matters of teaching values, standards, practice and research, the role of evidence on classroom practice, and issues of governance and cost.
Chris Pope, co-director of the PTI and chairman of the commission, said : “Members of the teacher committee and the commission think that the lack of an independent body for the teaching profession matters. Its absence has resulted in governments stepping into the vacuum to define professional practice. This has, in turn, led to the progressive disempowerment of the profession.”
The document is available on the PTI website at www.princes-ti.org.uk/CollegeofTeaching and written responses should be sent to consultation@princes-ti.org.uk by July 31. There is also an electronic survey for teachers and heads.