Employment and Learning Minister, Dr Stephen Farry has today appointed Dr Pasi Sahlberg as Chair of the panel of international education experts to take forward the review of teacher training infrastructure
The establishment of the panel is the second stage of the review into the teacher training infrastructure. The first part of the study comprised of a report released in May which involved an objective analysis of the financial stability, the various funding streams and sustainability of the two university colleges.
The Minister said: “I made a statement to the Assembly earlier this year outlining my concerns that the system for the education of teachers in Northern Ireland was not sustainable. The second stage will examine the options for a more shared and integrated delivery and funding system which will be financially efficient, sustainable and affordable.”
Dr Sahlberg, who is currently Director General of National Centre for International Mobility and Cooperation in the Ministry of Education and Culture in the Finnish government, will chair the independent panel of experts. Details of the independent panel members will be announced shortly.
The Minister continued: “I have appointed Dr Pasi Sahlberg who has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of teacher education. He will chair a panel of experts to examine the case for the reform of teacher education provision in Northern Ireland, based on best international practice and standards, so that we can determine whether the funding allocated to teacher training could be used more effectively in the future.
“I want the panel to engage in a very meaningful and collaborative way with the representatives of the five teacher training providers and to hear from all those with an interest in this subject. Teacher education here must contribute to a world-class education system.”
The Panel will report its findings and options for a more shared and integrated system for the delivery and funding of teacher education in 2014.
– September 16, 2013
Link to the official press release here