ABSTRACT
In the early 1960s a register of teachers was maintained by the Secretary of State for Scotland through the Scottish Education Department. Experience in operating a national system of probation has equipped the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) for assuming more and more responsibility for teachers' Continuing Professional Development. The GTCS's performance in maintaining the register has been satisfactory, and has excelled in the use of modern technology. The Labour Party supported the introduction of the General Teaching Council for England for two main reasons: Stephen Byers, then Minister for School Standards, considered that it would provide a major new voice for teachers, and have a key role in maintaining and improving high standards of professional practice and professional conduct. Special committees, including at least two registered teachers, consider cases once they reach the General Teaching Council (GTC). David Puttnam's retort was that he envisaged that eventually 90 per cent of private teachers would become members of the GTC.
