Cynon Valley AM Christine Chapman has welcomed the Welsh Government’s decision to create a new Masters degree in Educational Practice. Mrs Chapman noted that the countries that achieved the best educational results were those where teachers were held in highest regard, and said the new non-mandatory postgraduate qualification would be important in improving this in Wales.
Mrs Chapman said: “We know that teachers have a singular chance to shape minds and, in turn, to determine young lives. We certainly cannot underestimate the value of good teaching.”
Mrs Chapman was speaking in a debate on Welsh Government plans to offer further support and development opportunities to Welsh teachers, which also included new professional standards and performance management regulations. However, the debate also discussed the importance of good leadership within schools, and Mrs Chapman took the opportunity to note the importance of strong leadership for a school.
Mrs Chapman said: “Schools cannot tackle the effects of poverty on their own, but by working with parents and community groups, the most effective schools form mutually beneficial relationships that can target additional support at disadvantaged learners and their families”.
Education Minister Leighton Andrews said: “We have world-class teachers and headteachers in Wales. We have world-class best practice in Wales. What we need to do better is share that best practice across the whole of Wales and enable all teachers to have access to it.”
