Education Minister, has today published the first
Northern Ireland Curriculum Framework for Initial Teacher
Education, which sets out the core knowledge, skills and
practices that all beginning teachers should develop.
The new framework will help improve consistency across all
initial teacher education programmes. It is designed to
strengthen student teachers' readiness for the classroom, ensure
teaching practice is informed by strong evidence, and align
teacher education with wider education reform.
The framework is structured around five key areas, which together
describe what beginning teachers should know and be able to do:
- Learning and development
- Pedagogy and assessment
- Curriculum
- Classroom environment and positive behaviour
- The teacher as a professional
Within each area, the framework sets out clear learning goals;
essential knowledge student teachers should develop, and
expectations for classroom practice.
said:
“This new framework lays the foundations for a modern, coherent
and well‑aligned approach to teacher education. It will
strengthen teaching across the education system.”
He added:
“By introducing a clear and consistent framework, we are ensuring
that every student teacher follows a common pathway throughout
their education. This is an important step for our teaching
workforce and will help ensure the best possible education for
children and young people.”
“This reform is a key element of my Department's TransformED
strategy, which aims to build a world-class, equitable education
system focused on high-quality teaching and learning.”
The publication of the framework has been informed by fieldwork
undertaken by Professor Daniel Muijs of Queen's University
Belfast, analysis of international best practice in teacher
education and consultation with key stakeholders across education
system.
Welcoming the announcement, Professor Jonathan Hegarty, Principal
of Stranmillis University College and Professor Peter Finn,
Principal of St Mary's University College said:
"Stranmillis University College and St Mary's University College
have long and distinguished histories of excellence in teacher
education, a tradition that continues to this day. Through the
Transform ED strategy, the University Colleges have been involved
in working with the Department of Education on a range of key
initiatives. As the Northern Ireland Curriculum Framework for
Teacher Education is introduced, we look forward to continuing
this collaboration to ensure that our students continue to
receive an outstanding education that fully prepares them for
their vitally important roles as teachers in the modern
classroom."
The Curriculum Framework for Initial Teacher Education is
available on the DE website at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/northern-ireland-curriculum-framework-initial-teacher-education.
Notes to editors:
1. The introduction of a core content Framework for Initial
Teacher Education in Northern Ireland is a key commitment within
the Department's TransformED Strategy.
