Dr Pauline Stephen has become The General Teaching Council for Scotland’s first female Chief Executive and Registrar, since it was set up in 1965 as the professional body to register and regulate the teaching profession in Scotland.
Pauline succeeds Ken Muir who announced his retirement after more than 40 years in education.
On taking up the role, Pauline said “GTC Scotland operates in a unique space in Scottish education: an independent space. GTC Scotland was established in 1965 after teachers raised concerns about the increasing number of uncertified teachers in Scotland’s schools. There was a strong view that establishing GTC Scotland was an important factor in enhancing the public status of the teaching profession by giving the teaching profession itself responsibility for its own standards.
“As we launch the refreshed and restructured Professional Standards for Teachers 2021, and continue our work on the College Lecturer registration project, I look forward to working in ever closer collaboration with our partners in education. It’s by working together that we can help ensure the best possible outcomes for learners.”
Council Convener, David Innes said “Pauline brings a depth of experience to the role of CEO of GTC Scotland having held senior leadership positions in two Local Authorities as well as with GTC Scotland. In each of these roles she has shown insight, talent and enthusiasm along with a strong commitment to supporting teachers and learners and maintaining public confidence in the profession. She will bring these qualities to her new role as she builds on the outstanding work GTC Scotland has taken forward under the stewardship of Ken Muir.”
Ken Muir has been awarded an Honorary Professorship
at the University of the West of Scotland and been invited to sit on the board Board
of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. Before leaving the role Muir wrote
a piece stressing the lessons to be learned post-covid.
