School leaders are vital in educational reform – Ruane

Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, has highlighted the vital role of school leaders in delivering educational reform.

The Minister was speaking at the Seventh Annual Standing Conference on Teacher Education North and South (Scotens), held in Malahide. The Minister said: "This important conference provides us with the opportunity to remind ourselves that our job is to enable each child to fulfil their potential at each stage of their development.

“Scotens is a prime example of the practical working together of teachers for the benefit of children across the whole island. Through the North South Ministerial Council, I am progressing a number of key policy areas, including the student teacher exchange programme.

“In the North of Ireland I am implementing a range of progressive reforms that will change the face of education. School leaders will play a vital role in delivering these reforms that will benefit every child and young person in our schools. Every stage in a child’s education is important.

“In the North we have one of the best qualified teaching workforces, yet the Education and Training Inspectorate tells us that too many lessons fall below standard. It is essential that all involved with schools understand their responsibility for ensuring the highest possible standards for all children.

“I welcome the opportunity to launch the Scotens School Leadership policy paper, which draws together the thinking and recommendations from last year’s conference. Leadership is an indispensible quality in a school and can determine how successful that school is in meeting the needs of its pupils.

“We are committed to the development of teachers willing to take on leadership roles, and I commend the work of our teacher training colleges and the Regional Training Unit in this area. Since becoming Education Minister, I have visited many schools and on very many occasions, I can almost feel the strength of leadership from the first few minutes in the school.

“I would thank the Centre for Cross Border Studies for organising this conference and for the important work they do for education.”

Notes to editors:

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